South Carolina Medicare Guide 2026: Charleston & Columbia

# South Carolina Medicare Guide 2026

South Carolina has a low cost of living and mild weather. More retirees move here each year. This guide covers your Medicare options across the state.

!The South Carolina coast, representing Medicare options for South Carolina residents

South Carolina Medicare Advantage Overview

> South Carolina is unusual — about 54.6% of beneficiaries stay in Original Medicare rather than Medicare Advantage, where Medigap is especially common. (Source: CMS Medicare Monthly Enrollment, 2024.)

Leading Carriers in SC

• Humana: A large carrier with many plan choices
• UnitedHealthcare: A wide network across the state
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC: A local carrier with strong provider ties
• Aetna: Growing in the Charleston and Columbia areas
• WellCare: Liked for its drug benefits

Major Healthcare Systems in South Carolina

Charleston Area

• MUSC Health: A teaching hospital with many specialists
• Roper St. Francis: A group of community hospitals
• Trident Health: HCA sites in North Charleston

Columbia (Midlands)

• Prisma Health: The largest system in the Midlands
• Lexington Medical Center: A strong community choice

Upstate (Greenville/Spartanburg)

• Prisma Health: The top system in the Upstate
• Bon Secours St. Francis: A Catholic health system

Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach)

• Tidelands Health: Serves Georgetown to Myrtle Beach
• McLeod Health: Serves the Pee Dee region

SC-Specific Medicare Considerations

Medicaid Status

South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Do you have a low income? Look into Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. They can help pay your premium.

Coastal Considerations

• Hurricane prep: Learn how to get an emergency drug refill
• Busy seasons: Some offices have long waits at peak times
• Snowbirds: A PPO plan can help you get care out of state

Rural Access

Rural South Carolina may have:

• Fewer Medicare Advantage plans
• Smaller networks for specialists
• A bigger need for telehealth benefits

Charleston vs. Columbia Medicare Options

Charleston Metro

• More plans tied to MUSC
• Good access to specialists
• New retirement areas drive more plan choices

Columbia Metro

• Prisma Health is the main system, so it shapes your plan choices
• The state capital has many care options
• Costs less than the coast

Myrtle Beach & Grand Strand

Do you live along the Grand Strand? Think about these points:

• Tidelands Health: Check that your plan uses it
• Busy seasons: Plan your care for peak times
• Travel: Get coverage if you head north each year

South Carolina Medigap Plans

SC uses the same Medigap plan letters as other states:

• Plan G: Broad coverage and the top pick
• Plan N: A lower premium with small copays
• Timing: Sign up during Medigap Open Enrollment. That way you get guaranteed issue.

Get Free SC Medicare Help

Our licensed Medicare advisors help you compare all your plans. From Charleston to Greenville, we will find coverage that fits you.

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Next steps: Take our 2-minute Medicare plan quiz, book a free Medicare review, or see our Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement comparison.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.