In South Carolina, there are 1,097,691 total Medicare beneficiaries. Although Original Medicare covers 80% of hospital and medical costs, beneficiaries can still face steep healthcare costs. Below, we will review the different Supplemental South Carolina Medicare plans available to help offset these costs.
South Carolina Medicare Facts & Figures
- Currently, there are 747,669 South Carolina residents enrolled in Part A.
- There are 686,406 South Carolina residents enrolled in Part B.
- The number of disabled South Carolina residents enrolled in Part A or Part B is192,773.
- The number of aged-in South Carolina residents enrolled in Part A or Part B is 650,102.
- The total number of South Carolina Medicare Advantage beneficiaries is 337,575.
- The total number of South Carolina residents enrolled in a Part D Plan is 781,928.
Medicare Costs in South Carolina for 2024
In South Carolina, more disabled enrollees in Part A coverage than in Part B — 102,343 patients versus 90,430. For Part A coverage, you pay [GCBB#part-a-inpatient-coinsurance-days-61-90] per day for staying in the hospital, and for Part B coverage, there’s a $240 annual deductible. These costs are the same across all states.
| Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 | Medicare Part B Costs in 2023 |
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Original Medicare Coverage
In South Carolina, there are 645,326 aged-in patients enrolled in Part A and 595,976 aged-in beneficiaries enrolled in Part B. The total number of people enrolled in either Part A or Part B is 752,453. Coverage is the same across all states.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
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Supplemental Medicare Plans in South Carolina
Beneficiaries can enroll in supplemental South Carolina Medicare plans. Supplemental Medicare plans include Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans.
Medicare Advantage plans allow you to receive your Medicare Part A and B benefits from a private insurance company rather than the government. In addition, Advantage plans often come with additional coverage, such as dental, vision, and hearing.
On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Part A and B to cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Prices for each plan type will vary depending on location.
Unfortunately, not all Medicare Advantage plans cover prescription drugs, and Medigap plans don’t offer drug coverage. Many patients also choose stand-alone Part D plans to supplement their South Carolina Medicare coverage.
South Carolina Medicare Resources
With so many decisions and choices, having a list of resources you can turn to can help significantly. We’ll go over a few resources:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): A comprehensive program that offers detailed and local insurance and counseling to individuals and families. These programs are federally funded.
- Medicaid: You can also receive information and assistance directly from your Medicaid office and see if you qualify. Medicaid is a state, and federal program mostly offered to people with low-income or reduced resources.
- The South Carolina Medicaid: Also called Healthy Connections, this South Carolina program helps residents navigate the process of receiving Medicaid.
- Your state’s insurance department: You can also call or visit your state’s insurance department.
These are some resources you can use when enrolling in Original Medicare or Supplemental Medicare plans. If you require a Supplemental Medicare plan to help offset costs, the team at Medigap.com can help you review and narrow down your options.
Our team can help you find the right plan that matches your insurance needs and budget. Let us help eliminate the stress of selecting a Supplemental Medicare plan.
South Carolina Cities with Estimated Premiums for Medicare Supplemental Coverage
Medigap plans are excellent additional health coverage but have an extra monthly cost. Here are some charts for the following cities in South Carolina that illustrate projected premiums:
FAQs
Who Is Eligible for Original Medicare in South Carolina?
Different requirements allow you to be eligible to receive Original Medicare in South Carolina. While we think of age as the only way to obtain Original Medicare, there are other ways to qualify. In addition to being 65 years or older, you can also allow if you’re permanently disabled, have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or have Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Is Medicare Part A and Part B Free in South Carolina?
Medicare Part A — a plan covering hospital care — is free for most enrollees as long as they receive retirement benefits from their Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. You might need to pay premiums for your Medicare Part A plan if you’re not. You’ll typically need to pay a monthly premium for Part B, which covers preventative care, visits with your doctor, and diagnostic tests.
Do You Automatically Get Medicare with Social Security in South Carolina?
If you already receive benefits from the Social Security Administration, you’ll automatically enroll in Part A and Part B Medicare after you turn 65. The Social Security Administration will send specific instructions for how you can sign-up. Usually, this is at the start of your enrollment period, three months before turning 65.
What Month Is Medicare Deducted from Social Security in South Carolina?
The month of your Social Security deduction in South Carolina depends upon when you started receiving benefits. Generally, you will see your Medicare premium deducted the month after activating.
Does Medicare Pay for Surgery in South Carolina?
Medicare covers some surgeries in South Carolina. Ultimately, Medicare will only cover the cost of surgery if a doctor deems it medically necessary, meaning cosmetic surgeries generally won’t receive coverage. Additionally, you might still incur out-of-pocket expenses regardless of the type of surgery.
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in South Carolina
Navigating Original Medicare or Supplemental Medicare in South Carolina can take time and effort. In addition, while most people are automatically eligible for Original Medicare, it may not cover all your medical needs or prescriptions.
That’s why many residents opt to enroll in a supplemental Medicare plan. However, you’ll want some help with so many plans available. Luckily, our team at Medigap.com is ready to assist. We work with all major carriers, and our services are completely free.
Give us a call today or fill out our form to get rates and discover how we can help you find South Carolina Medicare plans!
