South Carolina Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
South Carolina has emerged as one of America's premier retirement destinations, attracting new residents with its affordable cost of living, mild climate, beautiful coastline, and no state income tax on Social Security benefits. Whether you're in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, or Spartanburg, understanding your Medigap options is essential for protecting your healthcare and finances.
The Palmetto State is home to excellent healthcare systems including MUSC Health in Charleston, Prisma Health serving the Greenville and Columbia areas, and Bon Secours St. Francis. With Medigap insurance, you can access any of these providers and any other doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in South Carolina are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
South Carolina's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In South Carolina, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in South Carolina
South Carolina Consumer Protections
South Carolina follows standard federal Medigap rules. If you're replacing an existing Medigap policy with another, you have a 30-day "free look" period during which you can cancel the new policy for a full refund. South Carolina's Department of Insurance regulates all Medigap policies sold in the state to ensure consumer protection.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in South Carolina
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in South Carolina, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | SC Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $120 - $220 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $90 - $170 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $140 - $260 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within South Carolina, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in South Carolina
For most South Carolina residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
South Carolina Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
South Carolina also has a robust Medicare Advantage market, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $90 - $260+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
South Carolina-Specific Medicare Considerations
Growing Retiree Destination
South Carolina consistently ranks among the top states for retirees, and for good reason. The state offers no income tax on Social Security benefits, relatively low property taxes, and an affordable cost of living compared to Northeastern states. This also means Medigap premiums in South Carolina tend to be lower than the national average.
Coastal Retirement Communities
From the historic streets of Charleston to the beaches of Myrtle Beach and the upscale amenities of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina's coast draws thousands of retirees each year. If you're relocating from another state, Medigap provides seamless coverage since it works with any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.
Military and Veteran Population
South Carolina has a significant military presence with Fort Jackson in Columbia, Shaw Air Force Base, Joint Base Charleston, and the former Charleston Naval Base. Many veterans transitioning from TRICARE to Medicare need to understand their coverage options. If you're turning 65, your TRICARE coverage changes, and a Medigap plan can provide comprehensive supplemental coverage alongside Original Medicare.
Golf and Active Retirement
With world-renowned golf destinations like Hilton Head Island, Kiawah Island, and Myrtle Beach (the "Golf Capital of the World"), South Carolina attracts retirees who plan to stay active. Medigap's comprehensive coverage and lack of network restrictions mean you can see any orthopedist, physical therapist, or specialist you choose.
Travel and Snowbirds
While South Carolina's mild winters keep many retirees comfortable year-round, some residents still travel extensively. Medigap plans provide nationwide coverage, working with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the country. This flexibility is particularly valuable compared to Medicare Advantage plans with network restrictions.
South Carolina I-CARE Program
South Carolina offers a free counseling program called I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders) through the South Carolina Department on Aging. While I-CARE counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: South Carolina Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions. South Carolina follows standard federal enrollment rules.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage or moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan's service area.
Medigap premiums in South Carolina typically range from $90-$260+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location within the state, gender, and tobacco use. South Carolina generally has lower Medigap premiums than the national average due to its lower cost of living. Plan G offers the best value for comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications to find the best coverage in South Carolina.