Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Hughes County cost about $706 a month for 2026, and the South Dakota average for 2027 is $704 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 2 insurers offered marketplace plans in Hughes County for 2026.
Brokers in the Pierre area can quote individual, family and self-employed coverage from multiple carriers licensed in South Dakota. Their commission is built into the premium, so using one doesn't raise your price. Here are 8 brokerages within reach of Pierre.
Health Insurance Brokers near Pierre
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Hughes County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in South Dakota.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Carriers a Pierre broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in South Dakota come from 3 insurers: Avera Health Plans, Sanford Health Plan and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Dakota. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
A quick checklist
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
Checking an agent's license in South Dakota
- The South Dakota Division of Insurance offers a License Look Up/Verification Service through the NAIC's State Based Systems for checking a producer's license. Source
- The South Dakota Division of Insurance, part of the Department of Labor & Regulation, licenses insurance producers and regulates health insurers. Consumers can file complaints with the Division against insurers, HMOs, producers and other entities it licenses. Source
Frequently asked questions
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
How do I find a good health insurance broker in Pierre?
Look for a broker licensed in South Dakota who can quote several carriers, is certified with the HealthCare.gov, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the South Dakota insurance regulator.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Huron, SD 104 miles
- Aberdeen, SD 118 miles
- Mitchell, SD 122 miles
- Box Elder, SD 138 miles
- Rapid Valley, SD 140 miles
- Rapid City, SD 145 miles
- Sturgis, SD 157 miles
- Watertown, SD 160 miles
- Madison, SD 161 miles
- Bismarck, ND 170 miles