I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in South Carolina and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in South Carolina for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
South Carolina Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in South Carolina
Whether you live in a major South Carolina metro or a small town, we work with South Carolina residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. South Carolina's major regions include: Lowcountry (Charleston), Upstate (Greenville-Spartanburg), Midlands (Columbia), Pee Dee (Myrtle Beach), Coastal South Carolina.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in South Carolina. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
South Carolina's Medicare market: what you need to know
South Carolina's growing retirement areas like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Charleston have strong Medicare Advantage and Medigap markets. Blue Cross of SC is the dominant local carrier.
Snowbird and travel note: South Carolina is a top retirement destination. Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach attract many year-round retirees from the Northeast and Midwest.
SC SHIIP is run through the state Lieutenant Governor's office on Aging and provides free Medicare counseling statewide. The state has favorable tax treatment for retirees with significant Social Security and pension exclusions.
Top Medicare carriers in South Carolina
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in South Carolina
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- BlueChoice (BCBS of SC)
- Aetna
- Cigna
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in South Carolina
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Cigna
- Aetna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in South Carolina (and others). That means we can show you plans from any of these companies and find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Read our guide on independent agents to learn why this matters.
South Carolina Medigap rules
South Carolina does not have a birthday rule for Medigap, which means switching Medicare Supplement carriers after your initial enrollment usually requires medical underwriting. Carriers can ask about your health and may deny coverage or charge more.
This makes the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B) extremely important. Pick wisely the first time, because changing later is harder.
How much does Medicare cost in South Carolina?
Medicare costs in South Carolina for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most South Carolina residents who worked 10+ years
- Part B (medical): $202.90/month standard nationwide (higher with IRMAA for higher incomes)
- Part D (drugs): $10-90/month for a plan, $2,100/year out-of-pocket cap
- Medigap (optional): Average $120-170/month for Plan G in South Carolina
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical South Carolina resident pays $3,000-$7,000 per year total for Medicare depending on which coverage path they choose. See our complete 2026 Medicare cost guide for detailed scenarios.
Free Medicare resources for South Carolina residents
- SC SHIIP (SHIP): 1-800-868-9095 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- South Carolina Medicaid: 1-888-549-0820 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in South Carolina: aging.sc.gov
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your South Carolina zip code
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare enrollment, Extra Help applications
How a Medicare call with Keith works
A free 20-minute call is the easiest way to find out if I can help your South Carolina situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for South Carolina residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your South Carolina zip code with real premium numbers
- The top 3 Medicare Advantage plans available in your county, checked against your specific doctors and prescriptions
- A side-by-side comparison so you can see the trade-offs in real dollars
- Answers to your specific questions, no scripts
- A check on whether you qualify for South Carolina Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help South Carolina clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in South Carolina: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for South Carolina: HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) with annual reviews
- Senior life insurance: final expense and term
- Fixed indexed annuities
- Annual plan reviews every fall during AEP (October 15 - December 7)
- IRMAA appeals using Form SSA-44 for South Carolina residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for South Carolina residents
Start on your own with these free tools (no signup required):
- Medicare Plan Picker Quiz - find out if a Supplement or Advantage plan fits you
- Medicare Timing Checker - see exactly when you can enroll
- IRMAA Calculator - find out if you will owe an income-based surcharge
- Penalty Calculator - what late enrollment would cost
- Should I Switch? Tool - decision tool for Annual Enrollment
South Carolina Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in South Carolina?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. South Carolina residents pay an average of $120-170/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in South Carolina typically run $3,000-$7,000 depending on your coverage choice. See our full 2026 cost guide.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina has 25-35 plans in metro counties in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 50% of South Carolina Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in South Carolina?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in South Carolina are Humana, UnitedHealthcare, BlueChoice (BCBS of SC), and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in South Carolina?
The Medicare enrollment windows are the same in every state. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you have a qualifying life event. See our AEP 2026 guide.
Where can I get free Medicare help in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents can call SC SHIIP at 1-800-868-9095 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-888-549-0820. Visit aging.sc.gov for more state aging resources.
