Alaska vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Alaska (AK) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,300 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,959,987 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 3,979,983 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $71/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $259/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.8% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Alaska | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $205,419 | $154,393 | +$51,026 |
| Kidney Transplant | $140,732 | $125,853 | +$14,879 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $95,882 | $99,495 | $-3,613 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $84,129 | $69,622 | +$14,507 |
| Spinal Fusion | $40,907 | $57,744 | $-16,836 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,106 | $30,772 | +$8,334 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,662 | $29,869 | +$6,794 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,472 | $39,857 | $-4,385 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,276 | $53,824 | $-19,548 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Alaska or South Dakota?
South Dakota has higher Medicare spending at $13,396 per capita vs $10,300 in Alaska.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 7.8% in Alaska.
Have both Alaska and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
Alaska has expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.