Best Medicare Supplement Plans in South Carolina 2026
South Carolina has over 170,000+ Medigap enrollees. Plan G starts at $96 in Columbia and averages $229 statewide. We compared 30+ carriers to find the best coverage in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina Has No Birthday Rule: Your Initial Plan Choice Matters
Unlike California, Oregon, and other states with birthday rules, South Carolina does not give you an annual window to switch Medigap carriers without underwriting. Once your 6-month Open Enrollment Period ends, you will face health questions if you try to change plans. Compare carriers carefully before you enroll and consider long-term rate stability, not just today's lowest premium.
Best Medicare Supplement Companies in South Carolina
Ranked by the MedicareFAQ Score, which weighs affordability (50%), financial strength (20%), customer satisfaction (15%), plan availability (10%), and pricing method (5%). Rates shown for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Columbia, SC.
Farm Bureau Insurance
Plan G
$96/mo
Plan N
$74/mo
AM Best
A (Excellent)
Farm Bureau Insurance offers the lowest Plan G in South Carolina at $96/mo and the lowest Plan N at $74/mo, saving enrollees up to $173/mo compared to the state average. Farm Bureau also has the lowest Plans A, B, C, D, F, and M in the state. It is the dominant Medigap carrier in South Carolina with deep local roots and strong agent support across Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and rural areas.
Transamerica
Plan G
$173/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A (Excellent)
Transamerica is the only carrier in South Carolina offering all 10 standardized Medigap plan types, including Plans K and L. Plan K starts at $77/mo and Plan L at $115/mo, the lowest cost-sharing options in the state. Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, which locks in your rate at enrollment and avoids the premium increases that come with attained-age pricing.
Mutual of Omaha
Plan G
$147/mo
Plan N
$118/mo
AM Best
A+ (Superior)
Mutual of Omaha is the most recognized national Medigap brand with an A+ AM Best rating and a very low NAIC complaint ratio. Plan G at $147/mo and Plan N at $118/mo are competitive with the state average. Mutual of Omaha offers a 7% household discount when two people in the same household enroll, and HDG Plan G from $42/mo for enrollees who want the lowest possible premium with a $2,870 deductible.
USAA
Plan G
$N/A/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A++ (Superior)
USAA is available exclusively to military members, veterans, and eligible family members. It carries an A++ AM Best rating, the highest possible, and is consistently rated among the top Medigap carriers for customer satisfaction. USAA offers Plan G at competitive rates for military families in South Carolina and is the top choice for veterans in Columbia, Fort Jackson, and Charleston.
Nassau
Plan G
$125/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A- (Excellent)
Nassau offers Plan G at $125/mo in South Carolina, the second-lowest Plan G rate in the state after Farm Bureau. Nassau is a solid budget option for enrollees who want a lower premium than Mutual of Omaha without committing to Farm Bureau. AM Best A- rating indicates strong financial stability.
South Carolina Medigap Premium Comparison
Monthly premiums for Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Columbia, SC. Rates vary by age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code.
| Carrier | Plan G/mo | Plan N/mo | Plan F/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Bureau Insurance | $96 | $74 | $108 |
| Nassau | $125 | N/A | N/A |
| MedMutual Protect | $127 | N/A | N/A |
| Bankers Fidelity | $130 | N/A | N/A |
| LifeShield National | $132 | N/A | N/A |
| Mutual of Omaha | $147 | $118 | $162 |
| Transamerica | $173 | N/A | N/A |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $198 | $145 | $224 |
| Humana | $212 | $138 | $241 |
Rates as of May 2026 for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Columbia, SC. Actual rates vary by age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code. N/A indicates the carrier does not offer that plan type in South Carolina.
Plan G vs. Plan N in South Carolina
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees in South Carolina. Farm Bureau offers the lowest rates for both.
| Coverage | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered* |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible ($257) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Avg. monthly premium (Columbia) | $96-$147 | $74-$118 |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but may charge up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission. South Carolina allows excess charges, so Plan N enrollees should confirm their doctors accept Medicare assignment.
South Carolina has no birthday rule, so your initial enrollment decision is the most important one you will make. Farm Bureau offers the lowest Plan G at $96/mo and Plan N at $74/mo, making it the clear value leader for most South Carolina enrollees. However, Farm Bureau uses attained-age pricing, which means your premium will increase every year as you age. If you want the lowest starting premium and are comfortable with that trade-off, Farm Bureau is the right choice. If you want all 10 plan types or issue-age pricing that locks in your rate at enrollment, Transamerica is the better long-term pick. For military families, USAA offers the best combination of low premiums and A++ financial strength. Call I-CARE at 1-800-868-9095 for free, unbiased counseling before you enroll.
Free Medicare Counseling: I-CARE (South Carolina SHIP)
I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders) is South Carolina's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Certified counselors offer free, unbiased guidance on Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage, and Part D coverage. There is no sales pressure and no cost to you.
Call I-CARE: 1-800-868-9095South Carolina Medigap Rules and Regulations
No Birthday Rule in South Carolina
South Carolina does not have a birthday rule. Once your 6-month Open Enrollment Period ends, you will face health underwriting if you try to change Medigap plans or carriers. Compare all options carefully before enrolling.
Open Enrollment Period: 6 Months Starting at 65
Your Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, carriers must accept you regardless of health history and cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions.
Attained-Age Rating Dominates
Most South Carolina carriers use attained-age pricing, which means your premium increases as you get older. Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, which locks in your rate at enrollment. Farm Bureau uses attained-age pricing but starts with the lowest premiums in the state.
Under-65 Coverage Not Required
South Carolina does not require carriers to offer Medigap to Medicare beneficiaries under age 65. If you have Medicare due to disability, you may have limited options until you turn 65.
Excess Charges Allowed
South Carolina does not restrict Medicare excess charges. Doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers excess charges; Plan N does not.
I-CARE Free Counseling Available
South Carolina's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), called I-CARE, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-868-9095 to speak with a certified counselor who can help you compare plans and understand your options.
MedicareFAQ Scoring Methodology
The MedicareFAQ Score rates Medicare Supplement carriers on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 based on five key factors. Our ratings are independent and not influenced by advertising relationships.
Affordability
Monthly premium for Plan G and Plan N for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Columbia, SC. Lower premiums score higher.
Financial Strength
AM Best financial strength rating. A++ scores highest, followed by A+, A, A-, B++. Carriers rated below A- are excluded.
Customer Satisfaction
NAIC complaint ratio relative to market share. Lower complaint ratios score higher. J.D. Power scores used as supplemental data.
Plan Availability
Number of standardized plan types offered. Carriers offering Plans G, N, and HDG Plan G score higher. All 10 plan types earns the maximum score.
Pricing Method
Community-rated pricing scores highest (same rate at any age), followed by issue-age pricing (locked at enrollment), then attained-age pricing (increases with age).
Last updated: May 2026 | Data sources: NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, CMS Medicare Plan Finder, South Carolina Department of Insurance, FairSquare Medicare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medicare Supplement plan in South Carolina?
Plan G is the best Medicare Supplement plan for most new enrollees in South Carolina. It covers nearly all Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Farm Bureau offers Plan G at $96/mo, the lowest rate in the state. Plan N at $74/mo (Farm Bureau) is the best value if you are comfortable with up to $20 office visit copays and $50 ER copays.
Does South Carolina have a birthday rule for Medigap?
No. South Carolina does not have a birthday rule. Once your 6-month Open Enrollment Period ends, you will face health underwriting if you try to change Medigap plans or carriers. Your initial enrollment decision is the most important one you will make.
How much does Medicare Supplement insurance cost in South Carolina?
Plan G averages $229/mo in South Carolina but starts as low as $96/mo through Farm Bureau. Plan N averages $186/mo but starts at $74/mo through Farm Bureau. Premiums vary by carrier, age, and city. Columbia and Charleston tend to have similar rates; rural areas may vary slightly.
Is Farm Bureau the best Medigap carrier in South Carolina?
Farm Bureau offers the lowest rates for Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, M, and N in South Carolina, making it the best value carrier for most enrollees. However, Farm Bureau does not offer Plans K or L. If you want all 10 plan types or issue-age pricing, Transamerica is the better choice.
What is the I-CARE program in South Carolina?
I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders) is South Carolina's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling from certified volunteers. Call 1-800-868-9095 to speak with a counselor who can help you compare Medigap plans and understand your enrollment options.
Can I get Medicare Supplement insurance if I am under 65 in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require carriers to offer Medigap to Medicare beneficiaries under age 65. If you have Medicare due to disability, you may have limited options. Once you turn 65, you are guaranteed the right to enroll in any Medigap plan during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N in South Carolina?
Plan G covers nearly all Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($257). Plan N also covers most costs but charges up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission. Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. In South Carolina, Farm Bureau Plan G is $96/mo and Plan N is $74/mo, a $22/mo difference.
When is the best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement in South Carolina?
The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, carriers must accept you regardless of health history and cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions. South Carolina has no birthday rule, so this is your most important enrollment window.
Find the Best Medigap Rate in Your South Carolina ZIP Code
South Carolina has no birthday rule, so your Open Enrollment Period is your best chance to lock in coverage without health questions. Plan G starts at $96/mo through Farm Bureau in Columbia. Compare all available carriers in your area before enrolling.