Free Medicare counseling

Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE): free Medicare counseling in South Dakota

South Dakota's Senior Health Information and Insurance Education program, called SHIINE, helps people with Medicare for free.

Checked Oct 28, 2026

From the South Dakota Department of Human Services

An older man talks on the phone at his kitchen table, taking notes on a yellow pad

The South Dakota Department of Human Services coordinates it through three regional coordinators. Counselors will not recommend policies, companies or insurance agents.

How to apply in South Dakota

By phone: 1-888-854-5321
In person: SHIINE counselors are available statewide. The state's Dakota at Home directory lists SHIINE offices in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City and Milbank, all with the same phone number.
Who runs it: South Dakota Department of Human Services (official government site)

Who may qualify in South Dakota

Who may qualify for Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE)
Who may get help	Anyone with Medicare, and their family and caregivers

Source: Administration for Community Living (source 3)

Good to know

There is no cost to use SHIP services.
The handbook says SHIINE counselors will not recommend policies, companies or insurance agents and give free, unbiased answers.
The SHIP National Technical Assistance Center lists this program as the state's SHIP.

Sources: State of South Dakota (source 1), South Dakota Department of Human Services (source 2), SHIP National Technical Assistance Center (source 5)

Free help

Free help with this in South Dakota

Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in South Dakota. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
1-888-854-5321
South Dakota Department of Human Services website (official government site)
Division of Long Term Services and Supports
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
1-800-677-1116
South Dakota Department of Human Services, Division of Long Term Services and Supports website (official government site)

More help in South Dakota

Free Medicare counseling in another state

Sources

State of South Dakota, SHIINE (Dakota at Home) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
South Dakota Department of Human Services, SHIINE Regional Coordinator Handbook (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
Administration for Community Living, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, About SHIPs. Checked Oct 28, 2026.
SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, South Dakota SHIP. Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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