Arkansas vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Arkansas (AR) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $11,808 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,890,247 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 3,886,996 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $53/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $267/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 4.8% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Arkansas | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $158,382 | $154,393 | +$3,989 |
| Kidney Transplant | $127,689 | $125,853 | +$1,837 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,293 | $99,495 | $-10,202 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $82,972 | $69,622 | +$13,351 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $47,234 | $53,824 | $-6,589 |
| Spinal Fusion | $46,199 | $57,744 | $-11,545 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,258 | $30,772 | +$8,486 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $33,921 | $29,869 | +$4,052 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $30,553 | $39,857 | $-9,304 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Arkansas or South Dakota?
South Dakota has higher Medicare spending at $13,396 per capita vs $11,808 in Arkansas.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 4.8% in Arkansas.
Have both Arkansas and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
Arkansas has expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.