Have you recently signed up for health insurance, but aren’t exactly sure the best way to tap into your benefits? Experts say you’re not alone, and South Dakotans are being encouraged to double check their plans as they begin scheduling appointments for 2026.
Carrie Overby with Overby Insurance (in Watertown) says, for example, if you need lab work done, and if it’s convenient, it might be worth going out-of-pocket, using an independent lab, rather than going through your insurance plan for that specific service.
“There’s a public lab in town that they can go to and pay cash to get their labs done, rather than running it through insurance.”
Overby says another health plan savings tip is to schedule regular wellness exams, which are often covered at little or no cost, in hopes of preventing larger healthcare expenses.
K-F-F surveys reveal that despite liking their choices for coverage, most insured adults report problems making use of their plans. Additionally, researchers indicate some people might be turned off if they have to use a digital app in order to learn more about what’s covered by their health insurance plan.
However, UnitedHealthcare’s Amy Jordan says those online options are helping to overcome information hurdles.
“Digital tools are becoming more and more robust to really help remove the friction from the system.”
A 2024 poll from the PAN Foundation’s Center for Patient Research found that seven in ten adults with health insurance were not confident navigating their health care plan. Of that group, 25-percent said they wanted more education to understand how out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles work.
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