Residents over the age of 65 use Medicare to receive healthcare benefits. Medicare beneficiaries in North Charleston, South Carolina, can choose from various Supplemental Medicare plans to reduce their healthcare costs and receive additional benefits. Let’s look at the available North Charleston, South Carolina Medicare plans.
North Charleston, South Carolina Medicare plans
Supplemental Medicare plans provide many benefits to enrollees. Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans cover various gap expenses or out-of-pocket costs left behind by Original Medicare. The quotes below reflect the typical plan costs for a 65-year-old female beneficiary in North Charleston.
Cheapest Medicare Advantage plans in North Charleston, South Carolina
Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina play a significant role in the Medicare system. Beneficiaries living in North Charleston, South Carolina, can choose from 39 Medicare Advantage plans available in the area.
Wellcare (HMO/POS) has a Maximum Out-Of-Pocket (MOOP) limit of $6,700 with zero monthly premiums and a three-star rating. In addition, Wellcare offers low co-pays for primary care visits, and most plans come with drug coverage.
UnitedHealthcare (HMO/POS) has a MOOP limit of $4,500 with zero monthly premiums and a high four-star rating. UnitedHealthcare is also the exclusive partner of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
Clover Health (PPO) has a MOOP of $7,550 with a $0 monthly premium and a three-star rating. Additionally, Clover Health saves you money with a fixed annual out-of-pocket limit.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Wellcare | $0 | $6,700 | HMO-POS | 3 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $4,500 | HMO-POS | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Clover Health | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| BCBS of S. Carolina | $0 | $4,900 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
Affordable Medicare Supplement plans in North Charleston, SC
The North Charleston, South Carolina Medicare Supplement plans cover costs not paid by traditional Medicare. Government standardization ensures that the benefits remain the same across the country and with different carriers. However, the cost of each plan will vary depending on your location.
Patients often choose Medigap Plan G. The premiums for this plan cost $100.12 to $385.53 per month. In addition, Plan G provides comprehensive care that pays for 100% of Part A, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Another worthwhile option is Medigap Plan HDG, which has premiums ranging between $29 and $68.17 per month. Plan HDG offers the same benefits as Plan G but with lower premiums and higher deductibles.
Medigap Plan F has premiums that range from $114.09 to $411.06 per month. Plan F covers 100% of Medicare Part B’s excess charges. Beneficiaries who want the same Plan F benefits with lower monthly premiums can enroll in Plan HDF; however, it has a higher annual deductible.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $77.14 | $335.60 |
| PLAN B | $103.50 | $298.00 |
| PLAN C | $115.50 | $358.75 |
| PLAN D | $106.75 | $195.00 |
| PLAN F | $114.09 | $411.06 |
| PLAN HDF | $29.00 | $69.89 |
| PLAN G | $100.12 | $385.53 |
| PLAN HDG | $29.00 | $68.17 |
| PLAN K | $47.10 | $118.75 |
| PLAN L | $63.67 | $206.50 |
| PLAN M | $74.04 | $218.10 |
| PLAN N | $74.89 | $363.87 |
Average Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Medicare Part D covers your prescription drug costs. Although some Medicare Advantage plans offer Part D coverage, there are no Medigap plans with this benefit. As a result, North Charleston beneficiaries can enroll in stand-alone Medicare Part D plans.
People who choose Aetna’s three-star Part D plan will pay $6.90 monthly and have a $480 deductible.
Wellcare’s prescription drug plan costs $13 monthly with a three-star rating and a $480 deductible.
Another excellent option is Clear Spring Health’s Part D plan, which has a monthly premium of $16.50, a two-star rating, and a $480 deductible. Lastly, Humana’s plan has a premium of $22.70 with a four-star rating 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
Certain North Charleston, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans will provide special needs insurance based on your location. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) can assist people living with chronic health problems and disabilities; however, they are not available in all areas.
The Humana plan has zero monthly premiums and a MOOP limit of $3,450. Humana has a reputation for excellent customer service and wide plan availability.
Molina Healthcare’s plan has a $0 monthly premium and a MOOP limit of $7,550.
The Wellcare plan has zero monthly premiums and a low MOOP limit of $3,000. Similarly, First Choice offers an SNP with a low MOOP of $3,400 and a $0 monthly premium. All these plans are available to dual-eligible beneficiaries with both Medicare and Medicaid.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Humana | $0 | $3,450 | LOCAL PPO | Dual |
| Molina Healthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,000 | HMO | Dual |
| First Choice | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | Dual |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | Dual |
FAQs
Who is eligible for Medicare in North Charleston, SC?
To be eligible for Medicare, you must be over 65 and have US citizenship or legal residency for at least five years. In some cases, you can apply at an earlier
Does Medicare cover prescriptions in North Charleston, SC?
Yes. Medicare drug coverage remains optional and open to all Medicare beneficiaries. However, you must enroll in Part D to receive coverage for prescription drugs.
What is Part B Medicare in North Charleston?
Medicare Part B pays for medical services such as lab tests, physical exams, medical equipment, and preventative care. Part B also covers telemedicine and telehealth appointments.
Are my Medigap Premiums in North Charleston, South Carolina, based on income?
Medigap premiums will vary depending on age and location, but income is generally not a factor. However, those with an income above a specific limit may have to pay higher Part B premiums.
Can I Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare in North Charleston?
Yes, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to Original Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services allow you to switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7).
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in North Charleston
We work with all carriers and can find you a suitable supplemental Medicare plan. Before enrolling in any North Charleston, South Carolina Medicare plan, ask how we can help. Start by giving us a call or filling out our online form to get the best rates.
