South Dakota Parity Resources
Depending on whether you are filing a complaint or appeal, the contact information below should be able to help you if you have any questions.
For general information about filing a parity appeal for mental health or addictions services, you cannot go wrong with contacting one of the consumer advocates below. Each has years of experience helping consumers in the state of South Dakota.
Attorney General
Consumer Protection For information regarding filing a complaint, click here.
When filing an appeal for the first time, you should contact your health plan’s customer service support line or check out their information online. If you choose to appeal an adverse benefit determination concerning your mental health or substance use treatment or benefits, please keep in mind that the timeframe to do so varies by state, plan type, and other factors. Contact your state’s department of insurance for additional information. Here is some contact information for South Dakota Health Plans:
Avera
Contact the Service Center: 888-322-2115
Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas
Sioux Falls Office
300 S Phillips Avenue, Suite L105
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: 605-275-2423 or 888-872-8305
Fax: 605-275-2423
Dakotacare
Call Customer Service: 605-334-4000 or 800-325-5598
Sanford
Call Member Services: 605-328-6800 or 800-752-5863
Utilization Review: 605-328-6807
Insurance Commissioner
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Insurance
Director of Insurance
124 South Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3563
Fax: (605) 773-5369
Utilization Management Appeals
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Insurance
Compliance Specialist
445 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3563
Fax: (605) 773-5369
External Review Appeals
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Insurance
Compliance Specialist
445 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3563
Fax: (605) 773-5369
Parity Appeals
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Insurance
Compliance Specialist
445 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3563
Fax: (605) 773-5369
Additional South Dakota Insurance Administration Contacts, click here.
The federal government also can be a helpful resource if you are enrolled in a self-funded plan, Medicare, Medicaid or another type of insurance that is overseen at least in part by a federal agency.
For definitions and filing information refer to the Parity Resource Guide
U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website on the Affordable Care Act health reform law
(SAMHSA) Implementation Mental Health Parity Addiction Equity Act
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits, Security Administration (EBSA) or toll-free hotline: 1.866.444.EBSA (3272)
For the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services list of exempt state and local plans, please email NonFed@cms.hhs.gov. You may ask them if any particular state and local plan has opted out of MHPAEA.
Information on requirements of employer-based insurance coverage and self-insured health plans.
EBSA has benefit advisors who are available to answer questions and provide assistance in obtaining your benefits.
Veterans and military personnel can use these resources to get help or more information with their medical or behavioral health complaints.
Health Net Federal Services
A grievance is a written complaint or concern about a medical provider.
Click here for specific information regarding who, what and how to file.
TRICARE
View the recently released Tricare Mental Health Fact Sheet.
The appeal process is different based on the benefit issue. Depending on your issue, you can file a:
- Factual appeal
- This is if you were denied payment for services or supplies you received, or if payment was stopped for services or supplies previously authorized.
- Medical necessity appeal
- This is if prior authorization for care or services was denied because it was not deemed medically necessary. Medically necessary means it must be appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.
- Pharmacy appeal
- This is if you don’t agree with a decision made about your pharmacy benefit. For example, Express Scripts denies your pharmacy claim.
- Medicare-TRICARE appeal
- This is if you’re eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare, and Medicare denies your services or supplies.
If your care is denied, you should receive a letter with details about how to file your appeal.
Veterans Health Administration
Complaints are initially handled through the Patient Advocate.
Patient Advocate can be contacted at your local VA Medical Center.
If you have any additional questions about parity compliance, please contact info@paritytrack.org
Please note: Parity Registry does not automate the appeals process. The information you provide may alert policymakers to possible health plan violations of the law, thereby helping to shape public policy and influence legislation.
You must take follow-up action with your health plan or regulatory agency.