Key takeaways

  • South Carolina residents have multiple Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage.
  • When choosing a Medicare plan in South Carolina, consider your healthcare needs, budget, and whether your preferred doctors are within the plan’s network.
  • You can enroll in Medicare in South Carolina around your 65th birthday, during specific enrollment periods, or during special enrollment periods if you meet certain qualifying conditions, like changes in job status or chronic illness.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.

It’s made up of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare
  • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare
  • Part D, which is prescription drug coverage

You can also purchase a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are not eligible

Snapshot of Medicare in South Carolina

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports the following information on Medicare trends in South Carolina for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 1,248,773 South Carolina residents are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium changed from $13.70 in 2025 to $10.16 in 2026.
  • There are 95 Medicare Advantage plans available in South Carolina for 2026, compared with 94 plans in 2025.
  • All South Carolina residents with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • There are 11 stand-alone Part D plans available in South Carolina, with the lowest monthly premium being $4.80.
  • All South Carolina residents with a stand-alone Part D plan have access to plans with lower premiums than they paid in 2025.
  • Around 22.68% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan receive Extra Help.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and components cover various aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and offer the same coverage as Original Medicare. They may also offer additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Part D plans are also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provide prescription drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, you can speak with your insurer to verify whether you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in South Carolina, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31 if you already have Medicare Advantage.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The following resources in South Carolina can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

  • 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 older adults in South Carolina and works with regional organizations to improve the quality of life for older adults. Call them at 800-868-9095.
  • GetCareSC connects you with services in your area, provides help with Medicare enrollment, and provides information on emergency financial assistance. Call them at 800-868-9095.
  • South Carolina Healthy Connections provides information on Medicaid, affordable insurance programs, and eligibility for assistance. Call them at 888-549-0820.

As you evaluate your health insurance needs for the year ahead, consider all your Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), drug coverage (Part D), and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).

Then, 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 a number of qualified Medicare plans in South Carolina that will help you stay healthy.