South Dakota Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out
Moving TO South Dakota
South Dakota Medicaid does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new South Dakota resident applies fresh through South Dakota Department of Social Services. There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on South Dakota's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.
Leaving South Dakota
Leaving South Dakota ends your South Dakota Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with South Dakota Department of Social Services effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.
Official agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services ↗ (application page)
South Dakota Medicaid at a glance
| Program name | South Dakota Medicaid |
|---|---|
| ACA Medicaid expansion | Yes — adults covered on income |
| Adult income limit | 138% of the federal poverty level |
| Processing | Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations) |
South Dakota Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)
South Dakota expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.
| Household size | Monthly income limit | Yearly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,836 | $22,025 |
| 2 people | $2,489 | $29,864 |
| 3 people | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 people | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 people | $4,449 | $53,379 |
| 6 people | $5,102 | $61,217 |
| 7 people | $5,755 | $69,056 |
| 8 people | $6,408 | $76,894 |
| Each additional person | +$654 | +$7,839 |
- Computed as 138% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (48 contiguous states and DC), rounded up to the dollar. South Dakota's own chart controls, and states often switch to the new year's guidelines partway through the year — so the agency's chart may still show lower 2025 figures.
- The adult limit counts income under MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) rules. Children and pregnant people usually have higher limits; people 65+ or with a disability are assessed under different, non-MAGI rules that often include an asset test — ask the agency below.
Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)
How to apply for Medicaid in South Dakota
Apply with South Dakota Department of Social Services online at eaportal.sd.gov. Go to the official application page ↗
Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in South Dakota for 2026?
For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.
Can I keep South Dakota Medicaid if I move to another state?
No. Medicaid covers residents only, so South Dakota coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to South Dakota Department of Social Services and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.
How do I apply for Medicaid in South Dakota?
Apply with South Dakota Department of Social Services online at eaportal.sd.gov. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).
Who runs Medicaid in South Dakota?
South Dakota Department of Social Services. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.
Does South Dakota make new residents wait for Medicaid?
No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in South Dakota; eligibility is decided on South Dakota's own rules.
Where do I report that I'm leaving South Dakota?
Contact South Dakota Department of Social Services (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.
Every move involving South Dakota
From South Dakota to…
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
To South Dakota from…
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Other benefits in South Dakota
- SNAP in South Dakota
- WIC in South Dakota
- Unemployment in South Dakota
- TANF in South Dakota
- Medicaid in every state
- State benefits statistics
Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .
- SD DSS — Medicaid — accessed 2026-08-08
- SD DSS — Medicaid changes (HR1) — expansion group definition — accessed 2026-08-08