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DAKOTACARE Press Kit Backgrounder In 1986, the physicians of South Dakota banded together to address the rising concerns of America’s healthcare system. They aimed to provide patient services at reasonable costs through a health maintenance organization without the hassle of unnecessary paper work and red tape. With one strong voice, these pioneers developed the health care plan of the South Dakota Medical Association, providing coverage, stable rates and simplified claims processing. Moreover, a dedicated staff and high level of physician participation laid the groundwork for what DAKOTACARE has become today: an organization that provides stability in healthcare and helps patients maintain control of their own healthcare. DAKOTACARE, rated B+ (Very Good) by A.M. Best, is proudly entering its 20th year of operation and is South Dakota’s largest and only statewide HMO, serving over 110,000 members. The network includes 98% of the state’s physicians and pharmacies, all South Dakota hospitals, and many other types of providers such as psychologists, chiropractors, optometrists, and surgical centers. The company also incorporated DAKOTACARE Administrative Services, Inc. (DAS), a wholly owned subsidiary, to provide third party administration services to members residing in South Dakota, as well as Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming. DAKOTACARE employs 130 in Sioux Falls at the corporate headquarters and in its Webster, SD, service center. DAKOTACARE Programs Over 100,000 members and 2,600 physicians across 200 communities participate in the DAKOTACARE family. Members have the widest selection of a physician network in South Dakota. Physicians have greater control and knowledge about the healthcare system in the state and are able to provide the best treatment options for their patients. With higher levels of physician participation, patients have a greater freedom of choice for their healthcare needs. The physicians affiliated with DAKOTACARE take disease management and the health of their patients with utmost importance. To this end, DAKOTACARE has created disease management programs based on physician input: o Integrated Diabetes Care o AsthmaCare o HeartLine Plus o Prenatal Partners o Taking Care