Medicare in South Carolina: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide
- 95 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide (South Carolina: 46 counties; CMS 2026 Fact Sheet)
- 37 Medigap carriers offering Plan G (TPP rate database, CY2026)
- 11 standalone Part D plans in PDP Region 9 (South Carolina-only)
- Avg MA premium $10.16/mo in 2026 (was $13.70 in 2025) (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet)
- LIS benchmark: $35.66/mo (Region 9)
South Carolina Medicare Snapshot
South Carolina has 95 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide for 2026 (CMS 2026 Medicare MA & Part D Landscape State-by-State Fact Sheet), with the specific plans offered varying by county within South Carolina’s 46 counties. Most South Carolina Medigap policies are attained-age rated.
The average monthly MA premium in South Carolina is $10.16 in 2026 (changed from $13.70 in 2025; CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.
| Metric | South Carolina 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MA plans available | 95 statewide (South Carolina: 46 counties) | CMS 2026 MA & Part D Landscape Fact Sheet |
| Avg MA premium | $10.16/mo (2025: $13.70) | CMS 2026 MA & Part D Landscape Fact Sheet |
| Medigap carriers (Plan G) | 37 (most carriers use attained-age) | TPP internal data, CY2026 |
| HDG carriers | 31 (most carriers use attained-age) | TPP internal data, CY2026 |
| Standalone Part D plans | 11 (PDP Region 9 — South Carolina-only) | CMS 2026 MA & Part D Landscape Fact Sheet |
| Part D LIS benchmark (Region 9) | $35.66/mo | CMS CY2026 Regional Rates & Benchmarks |
Plan Types Available in South Carolina
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
South Carolina offers 95 Medicare Advantage plans statewide for 2026 (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). Top MA carriers include Humana, Aetna Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. Check Medicare Plan Finder for per-plan star ratings in your county.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
South Carolina uses the standard federal Medigap plan letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N, plus HDG and HDF). 37 carriers offer Plan G in South Carolina in the TPP rate database (CY2026, non-tobacco, ages 65–85). Plans C, F, and High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) are closed to anyone who first became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020 (under MACRA 2015); beneficiaries who were Medicare-eligible before that date may still buy Plans C, F, or HDF from carriers that continue to offer them. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the post-2020 high-deductible Medigap option and is offered by 31 South Carolina carriers.
Most South Carolina Medigap policies are attained-age rated. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →
Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
South Carolina is in CMS PDP Region 9 (South Carolina-only). For 2026, there are 11 standalone PDP plans available (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet).
Costs in South Carolina
Medicare Advantage Premiums
The average monthly MA premium in South Carolina is $10.16 in 2026 (changed from $13.70 in 2025; CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.
Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG
Most South Carolina Medigap policies are attained-age rated. Across the 37 South Carolina Plan G carriers (non-tobacco, ages 65–85), Plan G monthly premiums in 2026 range from approximately $114 to $578/month(TPP rate database, CY2026).
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 31 South Carolina carriers; premiums range from approximately $106 to $522/month(TPP rate database, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the high-deductible amount (CMS’s 2026 Medigap high-deductible options notice publishes the current dollar figure).
Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark
For 2026, South Carolina (PDP Region 9 — South Carolina-only) has 11 standalone PDP plans (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for Region 9 is$35.66/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).
South Carolina-Specific Medicare Rules
No State Medigap Birthday Rule
South Carolina does not have a state Medigap Birthday Rule or Anniversary Rule. Outside of the federal 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period and qualifying federal guaranteed-issue events, most Medigap purchases in South Carolina are subject to medical underwriting at the carrier's discretion.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
South Carolina offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid):
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.
Apply through South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid) or contact South Carolina SHIP (1-800-868-9095) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →
South Carolina SHIP
South Carolina SHIP is South Carolina's federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide through trained volunteers.
Phone: 1-800-868-9095
Website: aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/ship
Enrolling in Medicare in South Carolina
Standard Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
- Federal 6-month Medigap OEP: Starts when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →
South Carolina SHIP Counseling
Contact South Carolina SHIP at 1-800-868-9095 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.