245,307 Columbia, SC residents are currently enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. 78,018 (31.80%) of those beneficiaries have a Medicare Advantage plan. We put together a brief guide to teach you more about Supplemental Columbia, South Carolina Medicare plans so you can find the perfect plan for your insurance and budget needs.
Columbia South Carolina Medicare Plans
Supplemental Medicare plans help Original Medicare beneficiaries offset their healthcare costs while enrolling in additional benefits. Below, we will review the different types of Supplemental Medicare plans available in Columbia with rates based on a 65-year-old male beneficiary.
Affordable Medicare Advantage plans in Columbia, South Carolina
There are 78,018 Medicare Advantage plan enrollees in Columbia, SC, alone. There are 39 different Columbia, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans to make your medical expenses more affordable while providing more benefits.
Humana has a four-star Medicare Advantage Local PPO plan that offers a $0 monthly premium and a $6,700 MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket) cost.
Molina Healthcare sports a three-star rating and provides an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan without a premium and a $7,550 MOOP.
Wellcare offers an HMO-POS plan with a three-star rating and a MOOP of $6,700.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $5,900 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $6,700 | HMO-POS | 3 |
| Humana | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Molina Healthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | 3 |
| Aetna | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | 3 |
Average Medicare Supplement plans in Columbia South Carolina
The United States government standardizes Medigap plans nationwide to prevent benefits from changing from state to state or provider to provider. However, the monthly premiums often fluctuate depending on the carrier, plan type, and other factors.
Medigap Plan G is an exceedingly popular plan among Columbia residents since it doesn’t require beneficiaries to pay a Part B deductible. Monthly premiums range from $96 to $407.66.
Medigap Plan F is one of the most comprehensive plans available, and monthly premiums are between $108 and $434.66.
Medigap Plan HDG, also known as High-Deductible Plan G, provides enrollees with the same benefits as Medigap Plan G but includes a higher deductible. Premiums range from $30 to $75.35 per month.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $82.75 | $372.77 |
| PLAN B | $93.75 | $336.62 |
| PLAN C | $104.75 | $404.87 |
| PLAN D | $97.00 | $202.00 |
| PLAN F | $108.00 | $434.66 |
| PLAN HDF | $30.00 | $77.26 |
| PLAN G | $96.00 | $407.66 |
| PLAN HDG | $30.00 | $75.35 |
| PLAN K | $53.66 | $134.87 |
| PLAN L | $67.67 | $233.87 |
| PLAN M | $77.47 | $242.21 |
| PLAN N | $74.00 | $384.80 |
Cheapest Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Medigap plans don’t cover prescription drug costs, and only a few Columbia, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans include medication coverage. Because of this, many residents purchase an independent Part D plan from a private medical insurance provider to make their prescriptions more affordable.
Humana offers a four-star Part D plan with a $22.70 premium and a $480 deductible.
Aetna provides a three-star method with a $6.90 premium and a $480 deductible.
Clear Spring Health offers a two-star Plan D plan with a $16.50 premium and a $480 deductible.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $6.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $13.00 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring Health | $16.50 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| Elixir | $25.30 | $480 | 3 |
Medicare Special Needs plans
Medicare Special Needs Plans, better known as SNPs, are a subclass of Columbia, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans for residents with chronic disabilities and special needs. However, Special Needs Plans aren’t available in every region. Keep this in mind when researching plans within your ZIP code.
Wellcare offers an HMO Special Needs Plan with a zero-dollar premium and a $3,000 MOOP. This plan is available to dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Molina Healthcare provides an HMO SNP without a monthly premium and a $7,550 MOOP for dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Humana offers a local PPO Special Needs Plan with a zero-dollar premium and a $7,550 MOOP. Enrollees must have a chronic or disabling condition to qualify for this plan.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,000 | HMO | Dual |
| Humana | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | Chronic/Disabling |
| First Choice | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | Dual |
| Molina Healthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | Dual |
FAQs
How to apply for Medicare in Columbia, SC, at Age 65?
You can apply for Medicare in Columbia, South Carolina, by completing the application form through the Social Security Administration’s website. You can also apply over the phone or in person at your local SSA office.
Do Medigap premiums increase with age in Columbia, SC?
Most Medicare Supplement plans in Columbia use the attained age rating method. These premiums will increase based on age and other factors, such as inflation. Regardless of the pricing method of your Medigap plan, you should expect to see premiums increase annually.
What Is Medicare Part B in Columbia?
Columbia, South Carolina Medicare Part B covers several medical expenses, including doctor’s appointments, outpatient care, testing, etc. It also includes some preventive services.
When can you change Medicare Advantage plans in Columbia, SC?
Columbia residents can change their Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment, Initial Enrollment, or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment periods. The Annual Enrollment period starts on October 15 and ends on December 7, while the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31. Your Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after.
Is Medicare Part A and Part B free in Columbia, SC?
Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Columbia, South Carolina Medicare Part A. However, you could pay up to $506 monthly if you purchase Medicare Part A.
Medicare Part B is a bit more affordable and costs $164.90 a month; however, you could pay more if you have an income above a specific limit.
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Columbia
Our team works with all of Columbia’s leading insurance providers and will guide you through the enrollment process at no cost.
Whether you need help signing up for a supplemental Medicare plan or want to learn more about the enrollment process, we are here to help. Give us a call or complete our online rate form and get current rates today!
