North Carolina vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | North Carolina (NC) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $13,698 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,179,006 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,938,675 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $44/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $285/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 5.6% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | North Carolina | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $211,982 | $154,393 | +$57,589 |
| Kidney Transplant | $109,900 | $125,853 | $-15,953 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $78,554 | $99,495 | $-20,941 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $66,726 | $69,622 | $-2,895 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $46,434 | $53,824 | $-7,390 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $43,404 | $30,772 | +$12,632 |
| Spinal Fusion | $37,530 | $57,744 | $-20,213 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,262 | $29,869 | +$6,393 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,584 | $39,857 | $-4,273 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, North Carolina or South Dakota?
North Carolina has higher Medicare spending at $13,698 per capita vs $13,396 in South Dakota.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 5.6% in North Carolina.
Have both North Carolina and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
North Carolina has expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.