Navigating the landscape of Medicare plans can be a complex process. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans available to South Carolina residents in 2025. While a definitive list of every plan is best accessed through the official Medicare Plan Finder for personalized results, this guide offers a comprehensive starting point with links to major providers and essential resources.
Key Considerations for 2025:
Plan Availability: Medicare Advantage and select Medicare Supplement plans are often specific to your county of residence. It is crucial to verify that a plan is available in your specific zip code.
Annual Enrollment Period: The primary time to enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans is during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
Personalized Needs: The best plan for you depends on your individual health needs, prescription drug requirements, and budget.
For the most accurate and personalized information, it is highly recommended to use the official government resources designed to help you compare and select a plan.
Medicare Plan Finder: This is the official U.S. government website for comparing all available Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans in your area. You can input your zip code and prescription medications to get a tailored comparison of costs and coverage.
South Carolina State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIP provides free, unbiased, and confidential counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. Certified counselors can help you understand your options and choose a plan that best fits your needs.
Phone: 1-800-868-9095
Website: https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/medicare-and-medicare-fraud
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage into one plan and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and other benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Major Medicare Advantage Providers in South Carolina:
Below are some of the major insurance carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina for 2025. Plan availability and specifics will vary by county.
Aetna: Aetna offers a variety of PPO and HMO plans across the state.
South Carolina Plan Information: https://www.aetnamedicare.com/en/our-plans.html
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina: As a prominent local provider, they offer a range of PPO and HMO plans.
South Carolina Plan Information: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/medicare
Cigna: Cigna provides various Medicare Advantage plans with different levels of coverage.
South Carolina Plan Information: https://www.cignamedicare.com/
Humana: Humana is a national carrier with a significant presence in South Carolina, offering a variety of plan types.
South Carolina Plan Information: https://www.humana.com/medicare/south-carolina
UnitedHealthcare: UnitedHealthcare offers plans that may include benefits like dental, vision, and fitness programs.
South Carolina Plan Information: https://www.uhc.com/medicare/states/sc.html
Wellcare: Wellcare focuses on providing accessible and affordable Medicare Advantage plans.
South Carolina Plan Information: https://www.wellcare.com/en/south-carolina/medicare
Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plans help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning the benefits for each lettered plan (e.g., Plan G, Plan N) are the same regardless of the insurance company selling it. However, premiums can vary.
Important Note on Medigap Plans: As of January 1, 2020, people new to Medicare are not able to purchase Plans C and F. If you were eligible for Medicare before this date, you might still be able to buy these plans. Plan G is a popular alternative as it offers similar comprehensive coverage but does not cover the Part B deductible.
How to Find and Compare Medigap Plans:
The South Carolina Department of Insurance provides resources to help you compare Medigap policies. While they do not endorse any specific company, they offer a list of companies authorized to sell Medigap plans in the state.
South Carolina Department of Insurance - Medicare Supplement Information: https://doi.sc.gov/615/Medicare-Supplement
Major Medicare Supplement Providers in South Carolina:
Many of the same companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans also sell Medigap policies. When searching for a Medigap plan, you will want to get quotes from several insurers for the same lettered plan to find the most competitive premium.
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Cigna
Humana
UnitedHealthcare (often sold through AARP)
To get a direct quote,contact Mauldin Insurance Group at 843-509-2462 or jennifer@mauldininsurancegroup.com or mauldininsurancegroup.com/contact
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific insurance plan or company. You should always consult the official Medicare website or a licensed insurance professional to determine the best plan for your individual circumstances. Plan details for 2025 are subject to change and will be finalized in the fall.