2023 Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Are you considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina? You're in good company. In 2023, more than 31 million people are expected to get a private Medicare health plan. Some want lower costs. Some are looking for more benefits. Others need access to more healthcare providers and doctors.
What are the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina?
If you’re looking for the best Medicare Advantage plans available in your South Carolina community, that suit your individual needs, MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer. is here to assist. Using the overview of the South Carolina market below, and our other online tools, you will get a clear understanding of your top plan options, who the top-rated plan providers are, and how much you should expect to pay each month for a plan.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Advantage PlansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). are available to U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents living in South Carolina who are enrolled in Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage..
- Insurance plans are offered by private health insurance companies and provide an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits in your South Carolina County.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina are required to provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they may also provide additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
- Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage, which is not available with Original Medicare. A stand-alone Medicare Part DMedicare Part D plans are an option Medicare beneficiaries can use to get prescription drug coverage. Part D plans provide cost-sharing on covered medications in four different phases:Â deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic. Each... plans available in South Carolina can be added if the health plan does not include Part D.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina may have different cost-sharing requirements than Original Medicare, such as copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service., coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. , and deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share.. Be sure to compare plans, including prices, quality and affordable out-of-pocket costsOut-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare are the remaining costs that are not covered by the beneficiary's health insurance plan. These costs can come from the beneficiary's monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments., to determine the best Medicare insurance for your situation.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina may also have different provider networks than Original Medicare, so it is important to make sure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-networkDoctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers that agree to health plan members' services and supplies at a set price are in-network providers. With some health plans, your care is only covered if you get....
- Medicare Advantage insurance has specific open enrollment periods. Unlike Medicare Supplement plans, you cannot join, switch, or drop a plan outside of an enrollment period.
Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for assistance. There's no obligation.
Who Has The Best Plans in South Carolina?
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the U.S. Federal agency that runs the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. (CMS), reviews and rates South Carolina's Medicare Advantage plans based on a 5-star scale. The information used to create a plan's star rating comes from member input and data reported by the plan.
There are no 5-star plans in South Carolina in 2023. However, there are 4.5-star plans. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in South Carolina come from:
- Humana
MedicareWire recommends evaluating plans from these South Carolina health insurance companies first. Why? Because more stars mean a better plan. For instance, members may get better care, customer service, and phone support from a 5-star plan than from a 4-star one.
IMPORTANT: Depending on where you live in South Carolina, Medicare Advantage plans may have many valuable benefits (as compared to Original Medicare). But, before you choose, it's crucial that you understand the potential disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Medigap vs Advantage plans. Compare coverage and costs with care to find the plan best suited to your health and financial needs.
Complete List of South Carolina's 2023 Providers
South Carolina has 11 providers that offer Medicare Advantage plans. They include:
- Aetna Medicare
- ApexHealth
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
- Cigna
- Clear Spring Health
- Clover Health
- Humana
- Lasso Healthcare
- Molina Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
South Carolina's Top-Rated Plans in 2023
Here are the top-ranked 2023 Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina, according to the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Services:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | H5216-154 | HumanaChoice H5216-154 (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-279 | HumanaChoice H5216-279 (PPO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-280 | HumanaChoice H5216-280 (PPO) | $36.70 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-345 | HumanaChoice H5216-345 (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-346 | HumanaChoice H5216-346 (PPO) | $32.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-347 | HumanaChoice H5216-347 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-142 | HumanaChoice H5216-142 (PPO) | $9.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3146-011 | Aetna Medicare Value Plus Plan (HMO) | $22.00 | $6,900 | 4.0 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3146-014 | Aetna Medicare Prime Plan (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
| Cigna | H7020-004 | Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,100 | 4.0 |
| Cigna | H7020-006 | Cigna Preferred Plus Medicare (HMO) | $22.00 | $4,500 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H8145-069 | Humana Gold Choice H8145-069 (PFFS) | $9.00 | N/A | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-152 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-152 (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.0 |
| Humana | R3392-002 | HumanaChoice R3392-002 (PPO) | $103.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | R3392-004 | HumanaChoice R3392-004 (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5525-024 | HumanaChoice H5525-024 (PPO) | $45.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-083 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-083 (HMO) | $24.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | R2604-001 | UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Choice (PPO) | $49.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
Interested in joining a plan from one of the top-rated providers? That has a lot to do with your South Carolina County. Medicare Advantage plans are regional, and you can't join a plan that isn't in your area.
Best Plans in South Carolina by County
Choose your South Carolina County below to see the best (and the worst) 2023 plans.
For fast, friendly assistance call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) .
How to Choose the Best Plan in South Carolina
If you’re approaching the age of 65, navigating a special enrollment event, or looking to review your plan options ahead of the Annual Enrollment PeriodThe Annual Enrollment Period is when Medicare beneficiaries can join, drop or change Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. AEP begins on 15 October and ends on 7 December., there are a number of details you need to consider when comparing your options.
1. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Do you believe that you will get the most out of your plan's benefits, including hospital inpatient careInpatient care refers to care provided in a hospital or other inpatient facility. Inpatients are admitted and stay at least one night depending on their condition.? If you do, evaluate plans with higher monthly premiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. , low copayments, and low maximum out-of-pocket limits. Conversely, if your health is good and you rarely use services, look for plans with low premiums or a zero-dollar premium. These plans may have high out-of-pocket maximums and high deductibles, so weigh your risk carefully.
2. Evaluate Your Prescription Costs
For many seniors, prescription drugs are what drive up their healthcare costs the most. And, because most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D benefits for your regular prescriptions, you need to make sure the plan you choose covers your drugs at a price you can afford.
3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Needs
Original Medicare does not all health care costs. It covers your major medical and some preventive care services, but it does not cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescriptions. A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans cover many of the essential services that your Part A and Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. benefits do not.
4. Consider Your Healthcare Providers
Most Medicare Advantage plans available in South Carolina use local healthcare provider networks to deliver care. But not all specialists and primary care doctors accept all plans. It can be exhausting trying to find a plan you want that your doctors will accept. We can help!
Should I Choose an HMO or PPO plan?
There are many plan options available when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina, including HMO and PPO options. These are some of the differences you should consider before making a plan selection.
- With an HMO you may pay less out-of-pocket, but you will need to choose a primary physician to coordinate your care. Referrals for specialists are often required. Except in an emergency, you must remain within the provider network.
- With a PPO you are not required to get referrals for specialty care. You have the option to get health care outside of the plan's provider network. However, typically you will pay more and the out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care will be higher.
Need help choosing? Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for plan assistance. There's no obligation.
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Eligibility
Medicare Advantage plans are available to people ages 65 and older. They are also available to individuals with certain disabilities. When eligible, you can generally join one of these Medicare Advantage Plans:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)
- Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan
You must live in the service area (i.e., County) of the plan you want to join. If you reside outside the plan's service area for part of the year, ask if the plan will cover you there. You must also have both Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. It covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers limited home healthcare services and hospice care. and Part B and be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
Alternatives
Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to Original Medicare coverage. However, there is another option. You can keep your Original Medicare benefits and add one of the best Medicare Supplement plans in South Carolina for additional coverage. And, there are South Carolina Medicare Part D plans for coverage of prescription drugs.
Many experts feel Medicare Supplement insuranceMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) health insurance coverage. plans offer superior financial coverage and the most flexibility. Plus, benefits rarely change and you can get a policy outside of a Medicare enrollment period. However, plans may not be affordable for all South Carolina seniors.
Due to the fact that Medicare Supplement plans cover more costs than Medicare Advantage Plans, their monthly premiums are generally higher. If you cannot afford Medicare's out-of-pocket costs, another alternative is a dual-eligibleDual-eligible beneficiaries are those who receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. It includes beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B while receiving full Medicaid and/or financial assistance through a Medicare Savings Program.... Medicare Special Needs Plan in South Carolina. D-SNP plans help South Carolina seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNP plans offer quality care at very affordable prices.
Next Steps
Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for assistance. There's no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans can have some potential drawbacks. Many plans require members to use their provider network. Costs are also heavily influenced by how you use healthcare services. This makes it difficult to budget for healthcare expenses. Most plans require members to get referrals for specialists or authorization before they can receive healthcare services. Learn more about the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost in South Carolina?
On average, the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina is $12.28 (based on 2023 rates). That's just the cost of the monthly premium to be in the plan. If you have chronic health conditions, the plan's out-of-pocket costs, including copays and deductibles, should also be considered. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D prescription drug benefits that have out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.
What do Medicare Advantage plans include?
All Medicare Advantage plans offered in South Carolina must cover all of the Original Medicare benefits. But, private Medicare plans are not required to provide healthcare services similarly. For instance, Medicare Part A covers 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing, home care, hospiceHospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach that addresses the medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. care, and home health careHealth care services and supplies a doctor decides you may receive in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered.... And Part B covers 80% of doctor visits, lab tests, and other outpatient services. However, Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to set their own copays and routinely charge more than 20%. That said, they do have an annual limit, whereas Original Medicare doesn't.
Methodology and Sources
Our analysis of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina excludes employer group plans, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), Medicare Savings Account Plans (MSAs), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and plans that do not include Part D benefits.
CMS rates and reviews health plans in several categories, including delivery of health care, member experience and customer service. When comparing plan ratings, we use state-specific data, not CMS' nationwide figures.
Medicare Advantage plan data is sourced from CMS public use files (see: Citations & References). When needed, we combined affiliated companies to calculate insurer averages.
Our research does not include South Carolina's Medicare Advantage SNP Plans. We evaluate these plans separately. We also did not include plans without Part D benefits for prescription drugs, employer plans, or Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs). If you're not looking for a Medicare Advantage plan but want to cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare plan doesn't cover, MedicareWire also ranked the best Medigap Plans in South Carolina.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, "5-STAR PLAN RATINGS", Last Accessed October 22, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 16, 2022
- KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage 2022 Spotlight: First Look", Last Accessed November 2, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?", Last Accessed October 13, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023, Last Accessed September 29, 2022
- CMS.gov, Medicare Marketing Guidelines, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
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Our content follows the guidance provided by the Medicare Marketing Guidelines on CMS.gov. If you believe the information on this page is inaccurate, please contact us.