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South Dakota Medical Assistance for Low Income Families (LIF) Program


The Medical Assistance for Low-Income Families (LIF) program is designed to help low-income South Dakota families (with or without private health insurance) receive full medical assistance coverage. LIF is funded through the Medicaid program and covered services include: doctor appointments; hospital stays; dental and vision services; prescription drugs; rehab/therapy; chiropractic; and other similar services. Children eligible for Medical Assistance are also entitled to Healthy Kids Klub checkups.
Medical coverage may begin three months prior to the application date. The start of medical coverage is based on the date the application is received in the Social Services office that serves your county.

The Medical Assistance for Low-Income Families (LIF) program is designed to help low-income South Dakota families (with or without private health insurance) receive full medical assistance coverage. LIF is funded through the Medicaid program and covered services include: doctor appointments; hospital stays; dental and vision services; prescription drugs; rehab/therapy; chiropractic; and other similar services. Children eligible for Medical Assistance are also entitled to Healthy Kids Klub checkups.
Medical coverage may begin three months prior to the application date. The start of medical coverage is based on the date the application is received in the Social Services office that serves your county.


To be eligible for South Dakota Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of South Dakota, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

  • Pregnant, or
  • Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
  • Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability.

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$19,392
2$26,228
3$33,064
4$39,900
5$46,737
6$53,573
7$60,409
8$67,245

*For households with more than eight people, add $6,836 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.


For more information on the LIF program and how you can apply for benefits, call this toll free number:
1-877-999-5612

Or, contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) Office using information from the Find Your Office page.

You may also visit the South Dakota Department of Social Services to learn more about other medical assistance programs available in South Dakota.