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coverage directly from insurers. But those who choose that option cannot receive federal subsidies available to some with qualifying incomes under the law. Individuals who don't purchase health coverage are subject to penalties.
• The assistant director of the Division of Insurance, Melissa Klemann, said the state can't confirm what insurers filed plans until officials have made a final decision on the proposed policies. Federal officials also have oversight power over the plans sold through the website.
• Dakotacare spokesmen did not return messages seeking comment on whether the insurer will again offer some or all of the 19 individual and two small group plans it sold through March.
• Wellmark, the largest private insurer in South Dakota, opted to stay out of the marketplace during the past enrollment period. The company hasn't publicly announced whether it will sell plans on the website starting in November.
• Muller said the competition would be welcomed.
• "I think that allowing consumers to have a variety of choices of health plans -- both on and off the marketplace -- is a good thing for the residents of South Dakota," Muller said. "I welcome anyone who is really invested in wanting to do the right thing and providing coverage for individuals who maybe are looking for support in being able to pay for their premiums or simply offering another choice to the consumer to be able to select from."
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota officials can begin seeking bids for renovations of the Johnson Fine Arts Center at Northern State University after a building committee within the Board of Regents approved a preliminary budget of $11.3 million.
• Committee members voted unanimously Monday. They say they hope the funding will be sufficient for a number of upgrades to the center on the Aberdeen campus. Proposed changes include new seating and acoustic improvements in the theatre, lobby improvements, a new black box theatre and new office spaces in which faculty can also teach their lessons.
• School officials have asked for a space with student practice rooms and social spaces.
• Baldridge and Nelson Architects and Engineers have drawn up initial plans for the renovation.
• There is a 5 percent contingency included in the budget.
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