Compare Medicare Plans in South Carolina (January 2025)

Key Takeaways:

• South Carolina offers diverse Medicare coverage options, including 97 Part C plans, 15 Part D plans, and 10 standardized Medigap plans.
• South Carolina residents must weigh the costs and benefits of each plan to find the best value in terms of their healthcare needs and budgets.
• Medigap Plan G and Plan N are standardized options that offer partial coverage of out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

South Carolina’s expanding senior population and evolving healthcare systems make it important to understand the state’s Medicare landscape accurately.

The best Medicare plan isn’t always the one with the lowest premium, but rather the one that aligns closest with your healthcare needs and budget.

This guide takes you through the costs and benefits of various Medicare plans in South Carolina to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in South Carolina

Let’s explore Medicare coverage options available to South Carolina residents.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare is the foundation of healthcare coverage for many South Carolina seniors.

It consists of two components.

Medicare Part A provides hospital coverage, including:

• Inpatient hospital care.
• Skilled nursing facility care.
• Hospice services.
• Some home healthcare.

Most South Carolina residents receive Part A coverage without having to pay a premium, provided they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Those who don’t qualify may pay up to $518 per month in 2025.

Medicare Part B covers medical services such as:

• Doctor visits and outpatient care.
• Preventive services.
• Medical equipment.
• Diagnostic tests.

The standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185 per month, though higher-income beneficiaries may have to pay more.

Both Medicare Part A and Part B entail other out-of-pocket costs, such as coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. For instance, Medicare Part A carries a deductible of $1,676 per benefit period.

Data sourced from Medicare Basics.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage or Part C plans that combine all the benefits of Original Medicare with additional coverage. That may include prescription drug coverage, dental services, vision care, and even fitness programs.

Out of the 1.2 million South Carolina residents enrolled in Medicare, about 47% are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, more than double the number 10 years ago.

Here are some key facts about Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina In 2025:

• The state has 97 Medicare Advantage plans, 3 more than the previous year.
• The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium rose from $13.90 in 2024 to $14.25 in 2025.
• All South Carolina residents enrolled in Medicare have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan with zero premiums.

Learn more: How to Pick the Medicare Part C Plan That Is Best for You.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina:

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from South Carolina Zip Code 29401. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Top Medicare Advantage providers in South Carolina include:

• Aetna
• Devoted Health
• Cigna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Clover Health
• Humana
• UnitedHealthcare

Looking for Clarity in Your Medicare Choices?

At CoverRight, we understand how navigating the wide range of Medicare providers and plans in South Carolina can be challenging.

That’s why our experts offer personalized guidance to help you find coverage that aligns with both your healthcare needs and budget.

Get personalized Medicare guidance today.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Managing prescription drug costs is a crucial aspect of healthcare, especially for those with chronic conditions.

Medicare Part D plans cover prescription medications and help make necessary drugs more affordable.

Whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t include drugs, adding Part D coverage can help you save money at the pharmacy and protect yourself from unexpected price hikes.

Each Plan D plan has a formulary, a list of covered drugs organized into different cost-sharing tiers. When comparing Part D plans, you must pay particular attention to:

• Coverage for your specific medications.
• Preferred pharmacy networks in their area.
• Mail-order options for maintenance medications.
• Cost-sharing requirements for each tier.

South Carolina offers 15 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all residents having access to at least one.

• In 2025, 67.51% of those with a stand-alone Part D plan can switch to a plan with lower premiums than in 2024.
• 23.57% of South Carolina Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for Extra Help, a federal prescription drugs assistance program for low-income residents.
• The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in South Carolina is $0.

Note: Data from MedicareWire.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans offer valuable supplemental coverage to Original Medicare for South Carolina residents seeking predictable healthcare costs.

These plans fill coverage ‘gaps’ by paying for some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

This coverage can be invaluable for beneficiaries with a chronic health condition or those who need frequent medical care.

Like most states, South Carolina offers 10 standardized Medigap plans, which means they offer the same basic benefits regardless of the insurance company that sells them.

Two of the most popular Medigap plans in South Carolina are Plan G and Plan N.

Plan G: This plan offers comprehensive coverage by paying for most out-of-pocket costs that come with Original Medicare, including Part A and Part B coinsurances, Part A deductible, Part B excess charges, and some foreign travel emergency care. The only cost it doesn’t cover is the Part B deductible.

Plan N: Plan N provides similar coverage to Plan G but with lower premiums and some cost-sharing for doctor visits and emergency room care. It’s a more budget-friendly option that still offers significant protection. The one cost it does not cover is Part B excess charges.

Leading Medigap providers for Plan G and Plan N in South Carolina include:

• Thrivent
• MassMutual
• AARP
• Transamerica
• Blue Cross Blue Shield

Learn more: Do I Need Supplemental Insurance With Medicare?

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in South Carolina

When comparing Medicare plans in South Carolina, it’s important to be fully aware of the cost of each plan to derive the best value.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.

Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in South Carolina

Choosing the right insurance provider is as important as choosing the right Medicare plan.

Let’s dive deeper into South Carolina’s wide variety of Medicare providers so you can be more confident in your selection.

Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

Each insurance provider brings unique strengths to their coverage options. But with so many providers in South Carolina, how do you know which Medicare Advantage plan is best for you?

We advise potential enrollees to look beyond premiums and explore the provider’s network relationships, coverage across relevant regions, established presence, customer satisfaction scores, and plan-specific benefits.

Best Medigap Providers

Medigap providers in South Carolina are vital in helping beneficiaries manage out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s what you must consider when choosing a Medigap provider in South Carolina:

• Financial stability and market presence.
• Customer service reputation, especially during peak usage periods.
• Rate stability history.
• Claims processing efficiency.
• Local presence.

You can explore insurance provider ratings from agencies like AM Best.

Here are the top providers for Medigap Plan G and Plan N in South Carolina:

Plan G Providers

Plan N Providers

Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in South Carolina

Let’s take it down step by step:

1. Evaluate Your Current Healthcare Needs

Take stock of your current health conditions and the types of care you regularly need. Consider how frequently you visit doctors, what prescriptions you take, and any upcoming medical procedures or ongoing treatments.

1. Review Your Provider Preferences

List your preferred doctors, specialists, and healthcare facilities. Check if they participate in the plans you’re considering. That’s particularly important if you receive care at major South Carolina medical centers.

1. Analyze Your Prescription Drug Needs

Make a list of your medications and compare them against different plan formularies. Make sure your preferred pharmacies are in-network and consider whether mail-order options would be beneficial.

1. Calculate Total Healthcare Costs

Look beyond monthly premiums to understand your total expenses. Factor in deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, and consider how these costs align with your budget and anticipated healthcare needs in coming years.

1. Consider Your Lifestyle

Determine how important you find additional coverage benefits, such as fitness and wellness programs. If you frequently travel outside South Carolina or spend part of the year in another state, make sure your chosen plan provides adequate coverage away from home.

1. Review Plan Ratings and Performance

Examine Medicare Star Ratings and customer reviews for plans you’re considering. Pay particular attention to scores for customer service, care quality, and member satisfaction.

1. Seek Expert Guidance

Connect with licensed insurance agents such as CoverRight to receive personalized assistance. We detail other local Medicare resources further down this article.

Learn more: How Much Medicare Costs in 2025

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in South Carolina

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is key to getting optimal coverage and avoiding penalties.

Here’s what you need to know about enrollment timing and procedures in South Carolina.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare spans seven months, starting three months before your 65th birth month, including your birth month, and extending three months thereafter.

During this time, you can:

• Sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
• Join a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.
• Choose a Medigap policy.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 of each year.

During this period, you can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
• Change your current Medicare Advantage plan.
• Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan.
• Make changes to your Medicare coverage for the coming year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OE)

It runs from January 1 to March 31 of each year.

As long as you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, this is when you can:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• Return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan.

Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Certain life events such as relocating, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

This is a unique opportunity to change your Medicare coverage outside the standard enrollment periods.

Steps to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in South Carolina

Enrolling in a Medicare plan can be pretty straightforward if you make the necessary preparations.

1. Gather your information: You’ll need your Medicare card (if you already have one), Social Security card, and other personal identification documents.
2. Review plans: Compare costs, coverage options, and plan networks using the Medicare Plan Finder tool.
3. Choose your enrollment method: You can enroll online, by phone, or with the help of a licensed insurance agent.

• • Online: Enroll through the Social Security or the Medicare website.
  • By phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll.
  • With an agent: A licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight can help you understand your options and guide you through enrollment.

Medicare Resources for South Carolina Residents

Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. South Carolina offers plenty of resources to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

• South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA): It offers a wealth of information and resources for older adults in South Carolina, including details on Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, and other aging-related topics. It provides a comprehensive guide to various services and programs available throughout the state.
• South Carolina Department of Insurance (SHIP): It regulates insurance companies in South Carolina and provides consumer resources and assistance. You can find information on Medicare plans, insurance providers, and consumer rights on its website.

Make Medicare simple in South Carolina.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the South Carolina healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.

Start today.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 3, 2025.
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed January 3, 2025.
3. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 3, 2025.
4. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 3, 2025.
5. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed January 4, 2025.
6. Medicare.gov
   • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.
7. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 29, 2024.
8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
   • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 30, 2024.

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