Health Insurance

Spring and the school year are falling in the rear-view mirror, with Summer gearing up to be in full swing, complete with swinging hammers and the hum of saw blades. Summer also brings us our annual Open Enrollment for the SD HBA health insurance plan with Wellmark of South Dakota, taking place during the next few months with an August 1 st effective date.

This past year, we’ve seen the program experience tremendous growth, adding over 170 new employee members, bringing out to date total enrollment to nearly 800 employees enrolled across the state. Of the now 202 employer groups (and counting) participating across the state, our BHHBA is responsible for 93 of those groups; an incredible testament to the competitive rates and benefit this program has provided right in our own back yard.

We will be maintaining the same five plan options this year as we have had the previous few years, adhering to our commitment to providing stability and choice for groups, with three Copay styled plans and two High Deductible, HSA qualified plans for a range of options. We are excited at the opportunity to add a $10 telehealth (Doctor’s on Demand) Copay to ALL plan options at open enrollment this year. This gives participating members the chance to have real-time, 24-hour access to a provider right from the convenience of their phone or computer, without having to make the trek to the nearest Urgent Care or ER. We hope this provides a real time saver, compared to scheduling appointments or trips away from work that require multiple hours in the waiting room and doctor’s office.

All plan options will continue to offer a Preventive Care benefit as well, allowing members to schedule their once a year ‘well care’ appointments with their primary care or family medicine provider to get a routine check up at NO cost, not even a Copay.

We strive to provide a competitive and well-balanced menu of plans that provides
nationwide care to employers of every size, and we couldn’t be prouder of the continued success this program brings. As the summer churns forward, don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about this incredible program available as part of your membership w/ the BHHBA.

-Everett Strong
BH Agency and Carver Insurance
605-348-7410