South Carolina Medicare Supplement Plans in 2023

Medicare Supplement Plans in SC work like Medicare Supplement plans across the country. Since Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are standardized, South Carolina Medicare Supplement plans will cover the same benefits regardless of carrier and location.

Below, we take a deeper look into what makes South Carolina unique when it comes to standardized Medicare Supplement plans.

Medicare Supplement Plans in South Carolina

Medicare Supplement plans in SC are a popular secondary coverage option to Original Medicare. When you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, Medicare Part A and Part B pay their portion first, then your Medicare Supplement plan helps cover the cost left behind – that you would otherwise pay.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and other related costs. This is where your Medicare Supplement plan comes in. In most states – South Carolina included – there are ten Medicare Supplement plans and two high-deductible plan versions.

Due to standardization, each plan of the same letter will provide identical benefits and be accepted at the same locations regardless of the company issuing the policy. Additionally, you can use your Medigap plan anywhere that accepts Original Medicare. Because over 90% of practitioners nationwide accept Medicare assignment, pairing Original Medicare with a Medigap policy makes finding healthcare services affordable and straightforward.

What Are the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in SC?

It is almost impossible to gauge the best Medicare Supplement plan for individuals without understanding their needs. However, when reviewed as a whole, the best Medicare Supplement plans in SC are consistently Medigap Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive plan of the three. Medigap Plan F leaves the beneficiary with no out-of-pocket costs. However, not every Medicare beneficiary is eligible for this plan.

If you received Medicare after January 1, 2020, you are not eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F. The reason for ineligibility is a law that was passed to eliminate first-dollar coverage. First-dollar coverage refers to Medicare Supplement plans that cover you at 100% from the first dollar.

If you are ineligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F, the next best option for comprehensive coverage is Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medigap Plan G covers all the same benefits as Plan F except for the Medicare Part B deductible.

Additionally, Medicare Supplement Plan G has a lower premium and rate increase history than Plan F. Thus, Medigap Plan G is quickly becoming one of the most popular Medicare Supplement plans in SC.

Lastly, Medicare Supplement Plan N is the lowest level of coverage among the three plans. When you enroll in Medigap Plan N, you are responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible, $20 copays at the doctor, $50 copays at the emergency room if you are not admitted (the copay is waived if you are admitted), and excess charges if applicable in the state you receive care.

South Carolina is one of the majority of states that allow excess charges. However, excess charges are not typical, and if you receive care in a state that does not allow them, you will not have to pay them regardless of your SC residence.

When determining monthly premiums, carriers often look at several individual factors. These factors can include your age, ZIP Code, sex, and tobacco-use status.

Below is an example of different premium costs for beneficiaries in the same ZIP Code in South Carolina.

The examples above are for one ZIP Code in South Carolina. Your actual costs may be higher or lower than the example depicted above.

Your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and lasts for six months. You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan with no underwriting health questions during this time.

If you miss your Open Enrollment Period, you can still enroll throughout the year, but you may be subject to underwriting health questions depending on your situation. If you are granted guaranteed issue rights due to a life-changing event, you may be eligible to enroll without underwriting.

Additional Coverage in SC for Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare Supplement plans in SC are not the only coverage option available to Medicare-eligible seniors. Alongside Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Part D covers prescription drug benefits. Prescription drugs do not receive coverage from Original Medicare or Medigap plans, so Medicare Part D helps to cover these benefits.

Dental, vision, and hearing plans are also available for those who wish to have coverage for these benefits. Maintaining oral health is vital to living a healthy life, so many seniors enroll in these stand-alone coverage plans.

If you do not wish to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in SC and decide a Medicare Advantage plan might be best for you, those plans are also available in the state. Medicare Advantage plans help combine Medicare Part A and Part B with additional benefits to create well-rounded plans. However, these plans often involve strict networks, high maximum out-of-pocket costs, and require referrals when visiting specialists.

Deciding between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans is essential, as you cannot have both types of coverage at the same time.