Hearing aid coverage and laws in South Dakota

South Dakota at a glance

Does South Dakota Medicaid cover hearing aids?

South Dakota Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Loss of 30 dB or more; state frequency limits apply. ^[1]

The official source sets hearing aid rules without an age limit rather than naming adults outright.

Children and young adults under 21 are a different case. Medicaid's EPSDT benefit requires states to cover the care they need, which includes hearing aids. ^[8]

If you get Medicaid through a managed care plan, ask the plan how hearing aid approvals work and which providers it uses. Our state-by-state Medicaid guide explains how the benefit usually works.

Does South Dakota require insurance to cover hearing aids?

South Dakota has no law requiring private health plans to cover hearing aids. ^[2][3]

State mandates only reach fully insured plans, the kind bought from an insurance company. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA law instead, so a state mandate may not apply to your job's plan. ^[10] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

South Dakota hearing aid trial period and return rights

You get 30 days from delivery to return hearing aids for a refund. The seller can keep up to 10% of the price and must pay you back within 30 days. ^[4]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[11] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[12] Whatever the law, put the trial length, fees and warranty on the purchase agreement.

Over-the-counter hearing aids follow federal rules: the maker must print its return policy on the package, or say it has none. ^[13]

Free amplified and captioned phones in South Dakota

Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) program. Free or low-cost amplified phones, signalers, TTYs and mobile devices for South Dakota residents whose hearing loss or speech or physical disability limits phone use. ^[5]

These programs are separate from hearing aid coverage. They can help even if you already wear hearing aids.

Who licenses hearing care providers in South Dakota

• South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists: audiologists and hearing aid dispensers ^[6]

Use the board to check that a provider's license is current, or to file a complaint about a sale or a refund.

South Dakota hearing aid programs

• South Dakota Hearing Aid Assistance Program. Helps pay for hearing aids and earmolds for South Dakota children under 19 in households earning under 400% of the federal poverty level. Run by the Department of Human Services. ^[7]

Other ways to pay for hearing aids in South Dakota

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[14] Some Medicare Advantage plans add a hearing benefit, usually through a network. See Medicare and hearing aids and how Medicare Advantage hearing networks work.
• VA. Eligible veterans can get hearing aids through VA health care. ^[15] See hearing aids through the VA.
• Lower-cost options. OTC hearing aids, warehouse clubs, nonprofit programs and university clinics. See free and low-cost hearing aids and what hearing aids cost.
• Estimate your cost. The hearing aid cost estimator combines these South Dakota rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in South Dakota

The directory lists 65 hearing care providers in South Dakota, with 64 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, South Dakota has 6.7 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #3 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Pierre, Winner. Or browse every South Dakota hearing clinic.