The Division of Medical Services provides assistance to those who qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by providing health insurance and paying for medical services such as visits to the doctor, hospital, dentist, chiropractor and more.

The Division of Medical Services is committed to:

• Improving access to medically necessary medical care.
• Improving the quality of medical care recipients receive.
• Ensuring enrolled providers receive payment for covered services in a timely and proficient manner.
• Continuing access to care for families and recipients.
• Securing Medicaid payments for services rendered

The Department of Social Services’ Division of Economic Assistance is responsible for administering the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) Programs to help low income individuals, families and children.

Medical Assistance Programs are available to help pay for the necessary medical expenses individuals need to stay healthy.

These expenses may include: hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care a Low-Income Families

Low income families inSouth Dakota(with or without private health insurance) may be eligible for FREE or low cost medical assistance including regular checkups, Well-Child Care exams, dental care, and vision care.

To be eligible, the family must consist of a parent or other adult caretaker relative and a dependent child. A caretaker relative may be parent, grandparent, brother, sister, stepparent, etc. A dependent child is a child under age 18 who is living with a parent or a caretaker relative. If a child is 18 years old and still a fulltime student in high school, the child is considered a dependent child if he or she is expected to complete high school before reaching age 19.