Over the past few years, South Carolina Medicare Part D plan residents have increased significantly. There are 781,928 Part D beneficiaries. Of this number, 489,416 enrollees have a prescription drug plan. Simultaneously, 299,330 enrollees benefit from a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan.
South Carolina Medicare Part D plans for 2024
By enrolling in a Part D plan, South Carolina residents can significantly reduce their drug expenses. Part D plans are standalone Medicare plans that cover prescription medications. Below, we’ll detail Part D plans with the lowest premium, plans with a zero-dollar deductible, those offering gap coverage, and plans ideal for low-income South Carolinians.
Part D plans with the lowest premiums in South Carolina
Several South Carolina Medicare Part D plans feature a low monthly premium. The highest deductible you’ll pay for prescriptions in the state is $480. Typically, more affordable plans don’t include gap coverage.
A plan from Aetna costs only $6.90 monthly. Its three-star rating indicates overall decent performance. However, there is no gap coverage.
Humana enrollees pay $22.70 monthly with a $480 deductible. It offers the highest star rating out of many prescription drug plans, with four stars without gap coverage.
An Elixir premium costs South Carolinians $25.30 monthly but provides a favorable three-star performance rating. Unfortunately, beneficiaries don’t receive gap coverage.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING | GAP COVERAGE |
| Aetna | $6.90 | $480 | 3 | No |
| Wellcare | $13.00 | $480 | 3 | No |
| Clear Spring Health | $16.50 | $480 | 2 | No |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 | No |
| Elixir | $25.30 | $480 | 3 | No |
Part D plans with a zero-dollar deductible
Part D plans with a zero-dollar deductible will have a higher premium but don’t require you to wait until the carrier begins covering prescription expenses.
Wellcare features a $68.90 premium and no deductible. As the most affordable option, it doesn’t include gap coverage.
Patients choose Aetna for its zero-dollar deductible and gap coverage inclusion. The monthly premium is $73.30.
BCBS of South Carolina requires the highest premium of $207.20 and offers a three-star rating. However, patients get gap coverage and low copays.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING | GAP COVERAGE |
| Wellcare | $68.90 | $0 | 3 | No |
| Aetna | $73.30 | $0 | 3 | Yes |
| $101.00 | $0 | 3 | Yes | |
| BCBS of S. Carolina | $207.20 | $0 | 3 | Yes |
Part D plans with gap coverage
Many South Carolina Medicare Part D plans include gap coverage. This plan keeps prescription costs low after you meet your Part D limit. Depending on the program, there may be no deductible.
UnitedHealthcare provides a gap coverage plan for $29.30 monthly. The deductible is $310, and the program has a four-star rating. Another plan features a $101 premium, no deductible, and a three-star rating.
Cigna features a three-star rated plan with a $55.50 premium. South Carolina patients only pay $100 for the deductible.
Patients pay $207.20 for a Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina plan with gap coverage. Patients get immediate coverage with no deductible, and the plan boasts a favorable three-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING | GAP COVERAGE |
| $29.30 | $310 | 4 | Yes | |
| Cigna | $55.50 | $100 | 3 | Yes |
| Aetna | $73.30 | $0 | 3 | Yes |
| $101.00 | $0 | 3 | Yes | |
| BCBS of S. Carolina | $207.20 | $0 | 3 | Yes |
Part D plans with a Low-Income Subsidy
There are 172,490 beneficiaries in South Carolina eligible for a low-income subsidy plan. Residents needing Extra Help may be eligible for a low-cost plan. Each program below includes a $480 deductible before the carrier begins paying.
Clear Spring Health offers the most affordable option, with a $27.20 premium. Its affordability impacts its performance, with a two-star rating and no gap coverage.
A plan from Elixir features a $30.70 premium with a $480 deductible. It offers no gap coverage. Patients choose it for its three-star rating, indicating good performance for the cost.
Cigna has the highest low-income subsidy plan premium of $31. South Carolinians receive lower prices and more coverage besides the Part B premium, and the plan’s three-star rating indicates positive reviews.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING | GAP COVERAGE |
| Clear Spring Health | $27.20 | $480 | 2 | No |
| Wellcare | $27.50 | $480 | 3 | No |
| Aetna | $29.10 | $480 | 3 | No |
| Elixir | $30.70 | $480 | 3 | No |
| Cigna | $31.00 | $480 | 3 | No |
Amount of beneficiaries that fall into each Part D coverage phase
South Carolina Medicare Part D plans have four coverage phases. The coverage gap or “donut hole” phase occurs when you reach your maximum coverage amount. You’ll pay for a percentage of each prescription.
The numbers in the following chart indicate how many beneficiaries are in each Part D coverage phase.
| Deductible Phase | Initial Coverage Phase | Coverage Gap Phase | Catastrophic Phase |
| 211,708 | 275,586 | 86,186 | 69,253 |
Cities in South Carolina with Medigap coverage’s estimated premiums
Medigap coverage is desirable for those who want comprehensive benefits related to their health care. So the below cities have charts that show the estimated premiums for a Medicare Supplement plan:
FAQs
What is the most popular Medicare Part D plan in South Carolina?
The most popular plan is the Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan. It features a four-star rating, a $22.70 premium, and a $480 deductible, and low-income beneficiaries can’t use Extra Help with this enhanced plan.
How do I apply for Part D in South Carolina?
To apply for South Carolina Medicare Part D plans, visit your Social Security office to fill out a paper form. Alternatively, residents can enroll online or by phone. Some plan websites allow you to sign up directly.
What is Medicare Part D, and how does it work in South Carolina?
Medicare Part D is a part of Medicare that covers prescription drugs. In South Carolina, patients with a Part D plan pay little to nothing for their medications, and private insurance providers offer coverage for standalone plans.
What happens if I don’t have Medicare Part D in South Carolina?
If you haven’t enrolled in any South Carolina Medicare Part D plans, you’ll pay much more for your prescription medications than a plan. Late enrollees pay a fee for every month without coverage if they sign up after the Initial Enrollment Period.
Can I add Medicare Part D anytime in South Carolina?
You must add Medicare Part D at certain times. The best time to enroll is during the Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before you turn 65. You can also add Part D during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7.
How to get help signing up for a Medicare Part D plan in South Carolina
Contact our experts to get help signing up for a Medicare Part D plan. We have up-to-date information on all parts of Medicare and supplemental options. When considering South Carolina Medicare Part D plans, come to us to see the top plans for your area.
We work with leading carriers to help you find a suitable plan. Our team offers this service completely free. Call us today or fill out our online rate form to get rates today!
