How to Renew South Dakota Medicaid
Updated August 2026
South Dakota DSS renews Medicaid eligibility annually. DSS first attempts an ex parte review — using electronic data from the Social Security Administration, state wage databases, and other sources to verify eligibility without requiring member action. When electronic verification is successful, coverage renews automatically and DSS sends a notice.
Annual
Renewal frequency
eaportal.sd.gov
Online renewal portal
30 days
Typical deadline to return renewal form
South Dakota's new Medicaid expansion enrollees are reaching their first renewal
South Dakota faces a renewal dynamic that older expansion states don't: a large portion of its expansion enrollees — adults who gained coverage under Amendment D starting July 1, 2023 — began reaching their first annual renewal milestone in 2024. Many of these members had no prior Medicaid enrollment history and may have been unfamiliar with the renewal process.
How South Dakota Medicaid renews your coverage
When electronic verification fails, DSS mails a renewal packet to your address on file. You must return the completed form with required documentation by the deadline on the notice — typically 30 days. Missing the deadline causes coverage to terminate, though you can reapply at any time through eaportal.sd.gov.
How to complete your South Dakota Medicaid renewal
Here's how the renewal process typically unfolds.
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1
Watch for your renewal notice
DSS sends renewal notices by mail approximately 60-90 days before your coverage anniversary. Your renewal month is the same every year. Keep your address current — call 1-888-828-0059 or visit your county DSS office to update it.
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2
Review and update your information
Confirm that income, household members, address, and citizenship/immigration status are still accurate. Report any changes — a new job, a move, or a change in household size.
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3
Provide documentation if DSS requests it
DSS may request pay stubs, a Social Security award letter, or proof of South Dakota residency if electronic verification is insufficient. Respond by the deadline in your notice.
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4
Submit your renewal
Complete your renewal online at eaportal.sd.gov, by calling 1-888-828-0059, by mail, or in person at your local DSS county office. Online is fastest.
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5
Confirm your coverage is active
After DSS processes your renewal, confirm that your coverage is active before scheduling services. Call 1-888-828-0059 if you're unsure of your coverage status.
Documents that may be needed at renewal
Gather these before your deadline in case DSS cannot verify your eligibility electronically.
- Recent pay stubs or self-employment income records
- Social Security or SSI award letter if receiving benefits
- Proof of South Dakota residency — utility bill, lease, bank statement
- Immigration documents if your status has changed
- Documentation of household changes
South Dakota's unique renewal challenge: a new expansion population
South Dakota faces a renewal dynamic that older expansion states don't: a large portion of its expansion enrollees — adults who gained coverage under Amendment D starting July 1, 2023 — began reaching their first annual renewal milestone in 2024. Many of these members had no prior Medicaid enrollment history and may have been unfamiliar with the renewal process.
Per KFF tracking data, South Dakota had some coverage losses during the unwinding period and as new enrollees hit their first renewals. If you are among those who enrolled after July 2023 and were subsequently disenrolled, you may still qualify. Reapply at eaportal.sd.gov — eligibility is determined at the time of application, not based on past enrollment status.
If your renewal is denied
A denial must state the reason in writing and explain your right to appeal. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a fair hearing. File the appeal quickly — if you appeal before your coverage ends, you may be able to continue coverage during the appeal period, though this depends on timing and the reason for denial.
Common renewal denials include: income that increased above the threshold, failure to respond to the renewal packet, a change in household size that affects eligibility, or immigration status questions. Some of these can be addressed by reapplying with updated information rather than appealing.
Keeping your account information up to date
The most effective way to avoid renewal problems is to report changes promptly. Federal rules require Medicaid enrollees to report changes that may affect eligibility within a specified period — typically 10 to 30 days depending on the state.
Changes to report: new job or income change, move to a new address, change in household size (new baby, someone moves in or out), gaining or losing other health coverage. Contact South Dakota DSS or update your information through eaportal.sd.gov.
South Dakota Medicaid
- South Dakota DSS phone: 1-888-828-0059
- Electronic Assistance Portal: eaportal.sd.gov
- South Dakota Department of Social Services: dss.sd.gov/medicaid