Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older that blends Medicare benefits with private health insurance. This typically includes a bundle of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). plans are private insurance plans that offer healthcare services.
- Additional services that aren’t included in Original Medicare Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health insurance program available to Americans aged 65 and older and some individuals with disabilities. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and is made up of two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). often are included with Medicare Advantage plans.
- Medicare Advantage plans usually combine services provided by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), plus things like Part D drug coverageMedicare Part D is prescription drug coverage for people enrolled in Medicare. Part D is optional and is offered by private insurance companies. , dental care, and hearing aid services.
- How much you pay for a Medicare Advantage plan depends on where you live and your chosen services.
- There are many MA plans offered in South Carolina, but choices vary by zip code.
Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina combine the coverage included in Original Medicare plus additional services. Extras included in MA plans range from prescription medications to wellness care. Plans vary based on the services provided, how much they cost, and where each plan is offered.
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South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage
In 2024, insurance carriers offer 97 Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina However, the availability of specific plans depends on the insurance company offering the plan and where you live.
Medicare Advantage is available to anyone who qualifies for Original Medicare and must cover at least what Original Medicare — made up of Medicare Parts A and B — covers: Medicare Part A covers services you receive in the hospital or nursing home, also known as inpatient care. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, including wellness visits, examinations in your doctor’s office, or therapy sessions.
While Original Medicare covers these general areas of care, a Medicare prescription medication plan — Part D — is an optional add-on.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage as well as other services, such as:
- Dental care
- Hearing aids
- Medical transportation
- Lab testing
- Home medical equipment and supplies
- Over-the-counter medications
- Fitness classes
- Care in foreign countries
SC Medicare Advantage Plan Costs
The cost of Medicare Advantage plans in SC will vary based on where you live and what coverage you want to have included in your plan. You can find plans in your area by entering your zip code at Medicare.gov, or you can contact a licensed insurance agent like those at GoHealth to help you find the right plan for your needs.
The average monthly premium of a Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina in 2024 is $14.42. 100% of Medicare-eligible residents have access to at least one plan with a $0 premium..
Your costs also will depend on rules set by your individual plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans require you to receive care within a specific provider network to receive the maximum coverage for your healthcare services.
Will a Medicare Advantage Plan Save Me Money?
You will likely pay more up front for a Medicare Advantage plan compared to Original Medicare, but you could save money in the long run when it comes to out-of-pocket costs. Be sure to consider your individual needs when choosing a plan.
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Medicare Advantage Plan Eligibility and Enrollment in South Carolina
The federal government sets Medicare Advantage eligibility since Medicare is a federal public health insurance program.
Medicare is available to people who:
- Are over age 65.
- Have end-stage renal disease.
- Have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
- Have disabilities and qualify for Social Security.
Suppose you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. In that case, it may be best to consider this option when you first enroll in Medicare. Whether you choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you have options for Part D coverage when you enroll.
Suppose you wait to sign up for a Part D plan. In that case, a late enrollment penalty will be added to your Medicare premium for the rest of your life. This penalty is based on how long you were eligible for a prescription plan but chose not to enroll.
Some important dates to remember when enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan include:
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period for all Medicare plans: Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan. 1 to March 31.
Are There South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plans With Prescription Drug Coverage?
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage. Without a Part D plan added to your Medicare Advantage coverage, you should expect to pay the entire cost of your outpatient prescription medications. You may add Part D coverage at any time, but if you neglect to enroll in Part D at the same time as your Medicare, a penalty will be added to your Part D premium for the rest of your life.
Medicare Learning Guides
Healthcare is personal. So is choosing insurance. If you are new to Medicare, a beneficiary researching options, or a caregiver, we have tailored Medicare Guides for you.
Before 65 Guide
Understanding health insurance before age 65, especially when considering early retirement
Medicare Plans Guide
Costs, coverage and enrollment details for each Medicare plan
Medicare Beneficiary Guide
For those currently enrolled in Medicare
Low Income and Medicare Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
A Caregiver's Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
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Sources
- FACT SHEET. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Joining a plan. Medicare.gov.
- Information for my situation. Medicare.gov.
- Special Enrollment Periods.Medicare.gov.
- Your health plan options. Medicare.gov.
- Drug coverage (Part D). Medicare.gov.
This website is operated by GoHealth, LLC., a licensed health insurance company. The website and its contents are for informational and educational purposes; helping people understand Medicare in a simple way. The purpose of this website is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money.
Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.