Tier One was a cost savings program for certain services including cardiac, orthopedic, bariatric, renal care, and gastroenterology. To receive the highest level of benefit, members had to go to an approved Tier 1 facility by an approved Tier 1 provider for specific services and procedures.
To give members more flexibility and convenience, the South Dakota State Employee Benefits Program has negotiated cost-savings contracts for these services, previously part of Tier One, with all in-network providers.
Savings agreements were put in place to allow members the freedom to choose from any in-network provider across South Dakota.