SD officials assert state's exchange will have affordable health plans

As South Dakota prepares to open enrollment for its healthcare exchange, government officials have declared group plans sold through the virtual marketplace will be more affordable than previously reported.

According to the Argus Leader, a Sioux Falls news source, a recent study highlighted growing concerns over South Dakota's individual health insurance rates. The Government Accountability Office examined health plans filed with the federal government's HealthCare.gov Plan Finder and found rates in South Dakota were double that of its neighbor, Minnesota.

However, the Argus Leader reported experts in the state's health insurance market asserted the survey was misleading as employee needs vary from state to state. According to the newspaper, differing health and lifestyle habits may be affecting South Dakota's health insurance pricing. 

According to The Associated Press, South Dakota officials reported the state still does not know how many people will enroll in the healthcare exchange come Oct. 1. While the state may be able to identify how many people are uninsured, the number of private and public workers who will enter the exchange is still unknown and it may be too soon to tell how the state's rates will compare to others'.