Best Medicare Plans in South Carolina: A 2025 Guide for Smart Retirees

Why South Carolina Stands Out

South Carolina is one of the more competitive Medicare markets in the country. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Competitive Medigap premiums in most counties
• A growing number of Medicare Advantage PPO plans with excellent benefits
• Several counties offering $0 premium Advantage plans that include dental, vision, hearing, and more

Because plan availability and pricing can vary significantly by county and even by zip code, it’s essential to compare options based on your exact location.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans in South Carolina

Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans offer nationwide coverage—you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, no referrals, no networks. That’s a big deal, especially for people who travel or live seasonally in different parts of the country.

Here are the three most popular Medigap options in South Carolina:

1. Medicare Supplement Plan G

Plan G is the most comprehensive option available to new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers everything except for the Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025. Once that’s paid, you’ll pay virtually nothing else out of pocket for Medicare-approved services.

Who It’s Best For:

• Those who want predictable costs
• Frequent doctor visitors
• People with chronic health conditions
• Snowbirds or frequent travelers

2. Medicare Supplement Plan N

Plan N offers similar coverage to Plan G but with lower monthly premiums. It comes with small copays—up to $20 for doctor visits, up to $50 for ER visits, and it does not cover Part B excess charges. This makes it a great choice for healthy individuals who want to save on premiums.

Typical monthly premiums for Plan N in South Carolina range from $80 to $150, depending on age and location.

3. High Deductible Plan G

This is a budget-friendly version of Plan G. It works similarly but has a $2,870 deductible in 2025. Once you meet that, it functions just like standard Plan G.

Why It Works:

• Lower monthly premiums—usually $50 to $100
• Great for retirees who want full flexibility at a reduced cost
• Ideal for snowbirds and those who prefer Original Medicare’s nationwide access

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina

If you’re looking for a low-cost or $0 premium option and want built-in extras like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing, then a Medicare Advantage plan might be the right fit.

Why People Like Advantage Plans:

• $0 premium options available in many counties
• Dental, vision, and hearing often included
• Fitness programs like SilverSneakers are commonly offered
• Many PPO options available in urban areas like Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach

We usually recommend PPO plans over HMO plans because PPOs allow some out-of-network flexibility. HMO plans are more restrictive, often requiring referrals and limiting you to providers within a narrow network.

However, it’s important to understand that while Advantage plans have no or low premiums, they come with cost-sharing when you use services. Hospital stays, specialist visits, and surgeries can add up quickly.

Typical maximum out-of-pocket limits on Advantage plans in South Carolina can range from $5,000 to $8,000 per year. If you travel often or need out-of-network care, this could become costly.

Which Should You Choose: Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?

Here’s a quick way to think about it:

Choose a Medicare Supplement (Plan G, N, or High Deductible G) if:

• You want nationwide coverage
• You travel often or live in multiple states throughout the year
• You prefer predictable out-of-pocket costs
• You don’t want to deal with referrals or network restrictions

Choose a Medicare Advantage plan if:

• You’re healthy and rarely see the doctor
• You want a $0 premium plan with built-in extras like dental and vision
• You don’t mind working within a network
• You’re comfortable with some out-of-pocket costs in exchange for lower monthly premiums

Still not sure? That’s totally okay. We walk clients through these decisions every day.

Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid in South Carolina

Even though South Carolina offers great Medicare options, we see a few mistakes over and over again. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Not Checking Provider Networks

Many retirees choose an Advantage plan only to realize their doctor isn’t in the network. Always check your doctors before enrolling.

2. Ignoring Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs

A $0 premium sounds great—until you hit an $8,000 bill for a hospital stay. Always review the full cost of coverage, not just the premium.

3. Assuming All Advantage Plans Are the Same

They’re not. Plans vary year to year and by county, so even if your plan worked last year, it may not be your best option now.

Final Thoughts: How to Get the Best Medicare Plan in South Carolina

The best Medicare plan is the one that fits your unique needs, your location, and your lifestyle. Whether that’s Plan G for nationwide coverage or a $0 PPO Advantage plan with dental and vision perks, we can help you find it.

Give us a call today at 800-208-4974—we’ll review your zip code, your doctor list, and your prescriptions and walk you through the top plans available in your area. There’s no cost for our help, and we’ve saved clients thousands just by comparing their options the right way.