Whether you’re retiring next month or next year, it’s never too soon to learn about Medicare plans in South Carolina. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides health coverage to adults age 65 and older, as well as adults with disabilities.

You can use Medicare as your primary health coverage, supplemental coverage, or even backup coverage in addition to another coverage policy. Keep reading to learn about Medicare South Carolina in 2023.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in South Carolina for the 2024 plan year:

  • A total of 1,183,019 residents of South Carolina are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increased in South Carolina compared to last year — from $12.28 in 2023 to $14.42 in 2024.
  • There are 97 Medicare Advantage plans available in South Carolina for 2024, compared to 97 plans in 2023.
  • All South Carolina residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.

There are a variety of Medicare plans in SouthCarolina, and you can choose the plan that provides the right coverage for your unique needs.

Original Medicare, often referred to as Part A and Part B, covers basic health needs, and may include coverage for the following:

  • doctor visits
  • hospital (inpatient and outpatient) care
  • surgery
  • lab tests
  • home health care

You may be automatically enrolled in original Medicare when you turn 65 years old.

Medicare Advantage in South Carolina

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans provide all-in-one coverage from private health insurance agencies.

Along with covering the costs of hospital and medical care, Advantage plans can be tailored to match your needs, such as by adding prescription drug, dental, or vision coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina even provide the option of additional coverage for wellness programs or transportation needs.

Each state has a variety of Medicare Advantage plans and providers, and there are many options when it comes to Medicare South Carolina. These carriers offer unique plans to suit a variety of budgets and coverage needs:

Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina have a wide range of premiums and benefits, so research several plans to find the best fit for your health coverage needs. Keep in mind that providers vary by county, so be sure you’re comparing plans that are available in your county and ZIP code.

Original Medicare doesn’t pay for all healthcare costs. Depending on your needs, you may decide to get Medicare supplement insurance, also called Medigap. These policies can help you pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

In South Carolina, many insurance companies offer Medigap plans. Some of the companies offering Medigap plans across the state include:

Medicare is available to seniors across the country. To be eligible for Medicare South Carolina, you must:

To enroll in Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina, you’ll need to be enrolled in original Medicare.

When can I enroll in Medicare South Carolina plans?

Many people are automatically enrolled in original Medicare South Carolina when they turn age 65. If you haven’t been automatically enrolled, or you want to enroll in Part D coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan, there are two set periods per year when you can enroll in Medicare or switch between carriers or plans.

  • Initial enrollment. You can also sign up for the first time during your initial enrollment period if you are turning age 65. All Americans can enroll in a Medicare plan during an initial enrollment period which starts 3 months prior to your 65th birthday and extends 3 months after your birthday.
  • Open enrollment period (January 1 to March 31). you can easily enroll in Medicare or switch plans during this period.
  • Annual enrollment period(October 15 to December 7). This is the second period to reevaluate your coverage and switch or enroll in a Medicare plan.
  • Special enrollment. You may qualify to change your Medicare South Carolina plan or enroll if your job status has recently changed, you no longer have employer insurance, you have moved to a new coverage area, or you have a chronic illness or disability.

Tips for enrolling in Medicare South Carolina

With all the options to choose from, it can be hard to know which Medicare plan is right for you. When comparing plans, consider the following:

  • Does your current original Medicare plan cover all your healthcare needs? If not, consider adding Plan D coverage, or research Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina for more comprehensive coverage. Research the cost of the plan, and compare that to your out-of-pocket health expenses for the last year to determine your budget.
  • Will you need health services in the next year, such as vision or dental services, a hearing screening, or wellness classes? Find a plan that will cover the services you’d like to add this year.
  • Is your current doctor network approved? When reviewing Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina, remember that each carrier works with different network doctors. Call your doctor’s office to ask what insurance plans they accept, and choose a plan that will cover your doctor’s appointments.
  • Have you read reviews of each carrier and plan? Thousands of people have enrolled in these plans, and you can read first-hand experiences to see if the carrier provides quality coverage. Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina, check the CMS star ratings for the plan. This rating system uses a scale from 1 to 5, and shows if a plan provides great quality care and customer service. The rating is based on how well the plan performed in the previous year, giving you a good idea of the overall quality of the plan. Plans that rank a 3 or lower may not provide great coverage and service, so choose a plan that has 4 stars or higher.

Find out more about Medicare South Carolina by contacting your doctor, or by accessing any of the following resources.

  • Medicare.gov provides access to more information about Medicare plans in South Carolina. Use the find a plan tool or call 800-633-4227.
  • The South Carolina Department On Aging (SCDOA) provides services to seniors in South Carolina, and works with regional organizations to improve quality of life for seniors. They can be reached by telephone at 800-868-9095.
  • GetCareSC connects you with services in your area and provides help with Medicare enrollment and information on emergency financial assistance. You can also call them at 800-868-9095.
  • South Carolina Healthy Connections provides information on Meicaid, affordable insurance programs, and eligibility for assistance. They can be reached at 888-549-0820.

As you evaluate your health insurance needs for the year ahead, consider all your Medicare options, including original coverage, drug coverage, and Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina.

  • First, determine your coverage needs and your budget.
  • Compare plans that match your needs, and check the CMS star ratings on Medicare plans in South Carolina to select a great plan.
  • Read more about your options on the carrier website, then apply online or call one of their representatives to verify all the coverage details and start the application paperwork.

Whether you’re applying for original Medicare for the first time, or want to switch providers for more comprehensive coverage, there are great Medicare plans in South Carolina that will help you stay healthy.