Alabama vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Alabama (AL) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,171 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,606,677 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,175,570 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $43/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $292/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | No | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 10.2% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Alabama | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $151,109 | $154,393 | $-3,284 |
| Kidney Transplant | $98,233 | $125,853 | $-27,620 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $77,610 | $69,622 | +$7,989 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $77,247 | $99,495 | $-22,248 |
| Spinal Fusion | $59,446 | $57,744 | +$1,703 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $51,458 | $53,824 | $-2,366 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $39,775 | $39,857 | $-82 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $38,331 | $30,772 | +$7,559 |
| Laminectomy | $27,812 | $29,335 | $-1,523 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Alabama or South Dakota?
South Dakota has higher Medicare spending at $13,396 per capita vs $10,171 in Alabama.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 10.2% in Alabama.
Have both Alabama and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
Alabama has not expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.