Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina
Written by: Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN
Reviewed by: Eboni Onayo, Licensed Insurance Agent
Key Takeaways
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans that offer healthcare services.
Additional services that aren’t included in Original Medicare 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 coverage , 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.
Can I bundle multiple benefits into one plan?
See My OptionsSouth 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
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set rules on who is eligible and what Medicare Advantage plans include. Still, different states may have additional restrictions, too. South Carolina generally follows the federal requirements for Medicare Advantage plans. Still, it does have special considerations for Medigap plans.
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.
Find the Medicare Plan that works for you.
Find My Ideal PlanMedicare 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.
In addition to specific eligibility rules, Medicare also has set periods for when you can enroll. You can sign up for Medicare in the three months before or after your 65th birthday or after you have been receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration for at least 24 months.
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.
In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. These circumstances can include, but are not limited to, a new disability, changes to your eligibility, or moving to an area that doesn’t offer your current plan.
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.
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