Media Contacts

Members of the media are welcome and encouraged to contact DAKOTACARE with any questions about the company. Contact should be made to:

Kirk Zimmer, Chief Executive Officer
605.334.4000
800.325.5598

DAKOTACARE Press Kit

In 1986, the physicians of South Dakota joined together to address the concerns of South Dakota’s health care 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.

PRESS KIT Backgrounder

In 1986, the physicians of South Dakota joined together to address the concerns of South Dakota’s health care 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 State Medical Association, providing high-quality 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 health care rates and  patient control of their own health care.

DAKOTACARE, rated B (Fair) by A.M. Best, is proudly entering its 23rd year of operation and is South Dakota’s largest and only statewide HMO, serving over 131,000 members nationwide. The network includes over 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 in all 50 states.  DAS is currently licensed to do business in 14 states.

DAKOTACARE employs 150 at its corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls and in its Webster, SD, service center.

DAKOTACARE Programs

Over 131,000 members and 4,150 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 health care 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 health care 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:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Heartline 
• Prenatal Partners
• Taking Care

On Call Episodes

"Moving Forward in Medicine"
http://media.sdstate.edu/DrOnCall/OnCall022609.wmv   

"Pills, Pills, Pills"
http://media.sdstate.edu/DrOnCall/OnCall073009.wmv