Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in South Carolina. With more than one million South Carolina beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in South Carolina. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
South Carolina Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
South Carolina Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in South Carolina
Who Qualifies for Medicare in South Carolina?
Medicare covers most South Carolina residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled South Carolina residents. Medicare enrollment in South Carolina works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, 80% of your health care costs will be covered.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in South Carolina
South Carolina’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Also called the Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders (I-Care) program, SHIP helps those applying for Medicare and Medicaid to make the correct choices regarding their insurance. SHIP is a free health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. SHIP is funded by federal agencies and not associated with any insurance agency.
Contact: Call 1-800-434-0222 or you can also locate your closest Area Agency on Aging using the search tool on the GetCareSC website.Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman helps older adults who are enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime address any concerns or conflicts that may interfere with navigating and coordinating their health coverage through Medicare and Medicaid.
Contact: Call 1-844-477-4632South Carolina Department of Aging – Legal Assistance: Under Title III-B of the Older Americans Act mandates, the South Carolina Department on Aging funds the provision of legal assistance through the various Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state. Legal assistance means legal advice and representation. In South Carolina, that assistance must be provided by an attorney. Legal Assistance can be provided to older individuals (60 years of age and older) within the state who are of greatest economic or social need (with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas).
Contact: Call 1-800-868-9095AccessAbility: Serving Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Orangeburg and Williamsburg counties, AccessAbility is a federally funded nonprofit organization that works to empower people with disabilities. Free services include information and referrals and access to medical equipment through two programs: the Equipment Loan Program and the Fee for Service Program.
Contact: Call (843) 225-5080Senior Action is a vibrant, growing organization that serves close to 5,000 seniors all over Greenville County. Services have grown from activities and daily meals in each of our nine locations, to also include home-delivered meals, minor home repair, lawn service, and medical transportation.
Contact: Call (864) 467-3660
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of South Carolina. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in South Carolina so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.