For South Carolina residents enrolled in Original Medicare, managing out-of-pocket healthcare costs is a primary concern. Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, offers a robust solution by covering many of the expenses that Medicare Part A and Part B do not. As you approach 2025, understanding the landscape of Medigap plans in the Palmetto State is essential for making a financially sound decision that ensures peace of mind and predictable healthcare spending.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning the benefits for each lettered plan (e.g., Plan G) are identical regardless of the insurance company selling it. If a company offers Plan G, it must include all the federally mandated benefits for that plan. This standardization simplifies the comparison process, allowing you to focus on three key factors: cost, customer service, and the financial stability of the insurer.
It is crucial to note that you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan and a Medigap policy simultaneously. Medigap plans are designed to work exclusively with Original Medicare.
While several Medigap plans are available, the vast majority of new Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina gravitate towards Plan G and Plan N due to their comprehensive coverage and value. Plan F, historically the most popular, is only available to individuals who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top choices for 2025:
Medigap Plan G: The Gold Standard for New Beneficiaries
Plan G has become the go-to option for newly eligible Medicare recipients. It offers the most extensive coverage available for those who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Key Benefits of Plan G:
Covers the Medicare Part A deductible. This is a significant expense for hospital stays.
Covers Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance. This includes the 20% that Original Medicare doesn't cover for doctor visits and other outpatient services.
Covers the first three pints of blood.
Covers Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
Covers skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
Covers Medicare Part B excess charges. This is an important benefit, as some doctors are permitted to charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers this difference.
Offers foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits).
The only out-of-pocket cost for medical services that Plan G does not cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible. For 2025, this amount has not yet been finalized, but for 2024 it was $240. Once you have paid this annual deductible, Plan G covers 100% of the remaining Medicare-approved costs.
Medigap Plan N: A Balance of Coverage and Lower Premiums
Plan N is an excellent option for those who want comprehensive coverage but are comfortable with some cost-sharing in exchange for a lower monthly premium compared to Plan G.
Key Benefits of Plan N:
Provides the same coverage as Plan G for the Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, the first three pints of blood, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care.
Cost-Sharing with Plan N:
Doctor's Office Copayments: You may have a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits.
Emergency Room Copayments: A copayment of up to $50 for emergency room visits if you are not admitted to the hospital.
Does Not Cover Part B Excess Charges: Unlike Plan G, Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. However, these charges are not common in South Carolina as many doctors accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment.
Plan N can be a cost-effective choice for healthy individuals who do not anticipate frequent doctor visits.
Medigap Plan F: The Legacy Comprehensive Plan
For those eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage possible. It is essentially Plan G with the added benefit of covering the annual Medicare Part B deductible. Due to this, it typically has the highest monthly premium. A high-deductible version of Plan F is also available, which can offer lower monthly premiums in exchange for a higher annual deductible.
The primary difference between the same lettered Medigap plan from various insurance companies is the price. In South Carolina, monthly premiums for a 65-year-old non-smoker can vary significantly.
Plan Type
Estimated Monthly Premium Range (for a 65-year-old)
Key Feature
Plan G
$110 - $150+
Covers all but the Part B deductible.
Plan N
$85 - $120+
Lower premium with some copayments.
Plan F
$150 - $200+
All-inclusive coverage (for eligible individuals).
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Factors Influencing Your Medigap Premium:
Insurance Carrier: Each company sets its own rates.
Age: Premiums are typically lower for younger applicants. Most plans in South Carolina are "attained-age" rated, meaning the premium will increase as you get older.
Location: Rates can vary by zip code within South Carolina.
Tobacco Use: Smokers will pay higher premiums.
Discounts: Some companies offer household discounts if both spouses are enrolled.
South Carolinians have a wide choice of reputable insurance carriers for their Medigap needs. Some of the most prominent include:
AARP (UnitedHealthcare)
Mutual of Omaha
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Aetna
Cigna
It is essential to compare quotes from several of these top-rated companies to find the best value.
Assess Your Eligibility for Plan F: If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can choose Plan F. Compare its higher premium against the cost of paying the Part B deductible out-of-pocket with Plan G.
Evaluate Your Risk Tolerance: If you prefer predictable, minimal out-of-pocket costs, Plan G is an excellent choice. If you are comfortable with small copayments and want a lower premium, Plan N is a strong contender.
Consider Your Budget: While a lower premium with Plan N may be appealing, ensure you are comfortable with the potential copayments.
Shop Around: Since benefits are standardized, obtaining quotes from multiple highly-rated insurance companies for your chosen plan is the best way to save money. An independent insurance agent can be a valuable resource in this process, as they can provide quotes from various carriers.
Enroll at the Right Time: The best time to purchase a Medigap plan is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have "guaranteed issue rights," meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health history.
By carefully comparing your options and understanding the key differences between the most popular plans, you can confidently select a Medicare Supplement plan in South Carolina that will provide you with robust financial protection for the years to come.
Sources and related content
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap? - AARP
Medigap: Background and Statistics - Congress.gov
Key Facts About Medigap Enrollment and Premiums for Medicare Beneficiaries - KFF
Medicare Plan G Pros and Cons for 2025 - MedicalNewsToday
What does Medicare Plan G cover? - Medical News Today