Medicare, a federal program, pays for dialysis for over 80% of dialysis treatments. However, many issues concerning dialysis patients are actually handled at the state level.

Individual states have to provide certain basic services under Medicaid, but they also have flexibility in how they structure their plans and set their reimbursement rates. In addition, some states have the authority to determine the need and location for additional dialysis facilities (this is often referred to as certificate of need). Because dialysis patients’ care can be affected by state officials as well as federal officials, DPC members are becoming more active on state issues—ensuring the patients’ voice is heard locally as well as nationally.

South Dakota Dialysis Patient Resources

#11 Renal Network fo the Upper Midwest
1360 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN  55108
1-800-973-3773

South Dakota Dept of Social Services
1-605-773-3495

• Adult Programs: Low income families in South Dakota (with or without private health insurance) may be eligible for FREE or low cost medical assistance including regular checkups, Well-Child Care exams, dental care, and vision care. 
• Programs for Children: The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health insurance at little or no cost to South Dakota children who meet certain eligibility guidelines.