South Carolina Medicare Part D Plans (PDP) 2018 Prescription Drug Plans for People with Medicare

South Carolina seniors, your Medicare Part D plan (PDP) choices are fewer this year. Fortunately, 2018 monthly premiums are about the same, however, the maximum deductible is now $405 per year, one of the lowest annual increases we've seen.

Choose your Part D plan wisely. If you have a regular prescription or two, we suggest that you verify that the plan you want offers your medication(s) at a good price. You find this information in the formulary. We post links to the formulary and pharmacy web pages, as well as the plan's phone number, on each of the PDP pages listed above.

The Medicare Part D Donut Hole is Closing, but not in 2018

As you might be aware, the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also known as the donut hole, is with us for a few more years. The new healthcare law is gradually doing away with the coverage gap. Until the donut hole is gone for good, you can save money on prescriptions that are not covered by a South Carolina PDP by downloading a Pharmacy Discount Card or coupons. We recommend GoodRx.com.

The 2018 Initial Coverage Limit (ICL) is $3,750. The Coverage Gap (donut hole) starts when you reach the ICL ($3,750) and ends when you spend a total of $4,950. This year, Part D enrollees will get a 60% discount on the total cost of brand-name drugs purchased while in the donut hole. A 50% discount, paid by the brand-name drug manufacturer, applies to getting out of the donut hole. But, the additional 10% paid by your PDP does not count toward your True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) costs.

For instance, if you reach the donut hole and purchase a brand-name medication with a retail cost of $100, you'll pay $40 for the prescription and get a $90 credit toward meeting your total out-of-pocket spending limit.

PDP enrollees pay a 51% co-pay (maximum ) on all generic drugs purchased while in the coverage gap. For example, if you fall in the Donut Hole in 2018, and your generic medication retails for $100, you'll pay only $51. This amount counts toward your TrOOP.

Some plans offer additional gap coverage, so look for it on the plan information pages.

Get Your Prescriptions and More with a South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare realizes that one type of plan does not suit everyone. That's why there are two ways to get help with your prescriptions. The Part D plans above work with Original Medicare. That's one way. But maybe you'd like even more benefits. That's where South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plans come in. Most offer Part D coverage.

Using Medicare Supplement Insurance with a Part D Plan

Thinking about supplemental insurance that can offer you more coverage? It's a smart move. Even with the new health care law, Medicare only covers 80 percent of the hospital and doctor bills incurred by most seniors in the great state of South Carolina, leaving you to handle the rest. We make it easy to find the lowest price on the South Carolina Medicare Supplement, commonly called a Medigap plan, you want. The choice is yours, because all Part D plans are compatible with South Carolina Medigap plans.

South Carolina Medicaid and Your Medicare Part D

South Carolina seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (aka, dual eligible or Medi-Medi) may be enrolled in a South Carolina Medicare Prescription Drug Plan automatically, as well as Social Security's Extra Help program. The Extra Help program pays for most of your prescriptions, but only if you meet the strict eligibility requirements. If the dual eligible option does not meet your needs, you have the option to enroll in a South Carolina Part D plan that does. If you are already receiving Medicaid, contact the your local Medicaid office for assistance in the transition to Medicare.

Related Information

• Who Qualifies For Medicare Part D Coverage?
• How Much Does Medicare Part D Cost?
• When Should I Get Medicare Part D Coverage?
• Can Changing My Medicare Part D Plan Lower My Drug Costs?