Kentucky vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Kentucky (KY) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $14,424 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,859,991 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,513,322 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $41/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $243/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 4.9% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Kentucky | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $170,556 | $154,393 | +$16,163 |
| Kidney Transplant | $113,220 | $125,853 | $-12,633 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $69,586 | $69,622 | $-35 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $69,356 | $99,495 | $-30,139 |
| Spinal Fusion | $62,020 | $57,744 | +$4,276 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,405 | $29,869 | +$6,536 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,879 | $53,824 | $-18,945 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $33,172 | $39,857 | $-6,684 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Kentucky or South Dakota?
Kentucky has higher Medicare spending at $14,424 per capita vs $13,396 in South Dakota.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 4.9% in Kentucky.
Have both Kentucky and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
Kentucky has expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.