California vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | California (CA) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,208 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 7,080,750 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 9,524,332 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $78/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $132/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.9% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | California | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $143,424 | $125,853 | +$17,571 |
| Liver Transplant | $135,205 | $154,393 | $-19,188 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,317 | $99,495 | $-10,178 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $81,579 | $69,622 | +$11,957 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,527 | $57,744 | $-1,216 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,016 | $30,772 | +$8,244 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $37,120 | $53,824 | $-16,703 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $32,614 | $39,857 | $-7,243 |
| Laminectomy | $28,474 | $29,335 | $-861 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, California or South Dakota?
South Dakota has higher Medicare spending at $13,396 per capita vs $10,208 in California.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 7.9% in California.
Have both California and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
California has expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.