Medicare in South Carolina: 2026 Guide
South Carolina Medicare at a Glance
South Carolina’s retiree influx is driving rapid Medicare Advantage market expansion.
| Metric | Value (2026) |
|---|---|
| Medicare enrollees | 1.12 million |
| Medicare Advantage penetration | 50% |
| Typical Plan G (65 yo nonsmoker) | $140/month |
| Nursing homes (Medicare-certified) | 195 |
| 5-star nursing homes | 20% |
| Median SNF semi-private room | $8,200/month |
| Median assisted living | $4,000/month |
Your Medicare Choices in South Carolina
Every Medicare-eligible resident chooses between two paths:
- Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D — any-doctor access, stable benefits, higher premium.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) — bundled benefits, often $0 premium, but networks and prior auth.
About 50% of South Carolina's Medicare enrollees choose Advantage. Your best path depends on your doctors, travel patterns, health, and budget.
Medigap in South Carolina
Medigap is federally standardized across all states except Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin — so Plan G in South Carolina is the same coverage as Plan G anywhere else in the country. What differs is premium and carrier availability.
- Typical 65-year-old nonsmoker Plan G: $140/month
- Plan N averages 20–30% less
- Your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment is the 6 months beginning when you're 65+ AND enrolled in Part B
Nursing Home Quality in South Carolina
South Carolina has 195 Medicare-certified nursing homes; 20% carry a 5-star Overall CMS rating. Before choosing a facility, check its Medicare Care Compare listing, read the most recent state inspection report, and visit in person on both a weekday meal and a weekend shift. Oversight agency: South Carolina DHEC.
- SHIP (free Medicare counseling): 1-800-868-9095
- State long-term care ombudsman: 1-800-868-9095
Related Resources
- Nursing homes in South Carolina
- Assisted living in South Carolina
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) guide
- Medicare Advantage vs Medigap
- Medicare cost calculator
Disclaimer: Figures are approximate 2026 benchmarks. Not affiliated with the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Consult a licensed agent or SHIP counselor before making decisions.