What Are Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina?
The South Carolina state motto bears the Latin phrase “Animis opibusque parati.” The phrase translates to “Prepared in mind and resources.” The motto is an apt one for South Carolina residents who are about to turn age 65 as this is the time to start thinking about Medicare Insurance. The federally administered program is the primary source of healthcare coverage for South Carolina residents age 65 and older as well as for some younger residents with certain disabilities. If you’re in this category, now is the time to learn about the available healthcare options available within a South Carolina Medicare Advantage plan.
It’s well-known that Medicare enrollment can be complicated, so let’s start by breaking things down. Medicare Advantage plans are also called Medicare Part C. Regardless of the name used, Medicare Advantage/Part C plans offer insurance which covers hospital insurance from Medicare Part A and doctor’s office insurance from Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina are offered by private insurance companies, offer at least the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, are approved by Medicare and replaces coverage by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that are typically included in these types of plans. South Carolina residents who anticipate needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina as these types of benefits are often included.
Wondering If You’re Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in South Carolina?
If you answer YES to the following two questions, you are eligible to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan: 1) Are you already eligible for Medicare Parts A and B? 2) Do you live in an area where Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are sold? Plan availability depends upon the county and zip code location in which you reside. A MA plan can possibly be a way to save money as many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Coinsurance, deductibles and copayments vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll.
South Carolina residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan helps with coverage for some of the gaps in coverage like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Does Medicare Advantage Include Prescription Drugs in South Carolina?
Any resident of the 46 counties in South Carolina who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan because many Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug is called a MAPD and offers coverage for prescription drugs. If prescription drug coverage is important to you, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan in South Carolina.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina
The right Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina is as unique as the resident the plan is there to support. Among South Carolina residents who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, 48% choose a Local PPO plan, 33% choose a HMO/HMOPOS plan and 19% choose a Regional PPO plan, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina for your needs and budget.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in South Carolina by contacting a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in your area, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help the right plan for your needs and budget.
South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in South Carolina opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re a South Carolina resident with a September birthday, your IEP runs from June through December.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, South Carolina residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, South Carolina residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is a South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote is here to help residents of the South Carolina find the right Medicare Advantage plan to meet their needs. As a trusted independent third-party company specializing in helping consumers understand their Medicare options, SelectQuote can help to ensure you’re receiving all the available Medicare benefits you deserve while staying up to date with Medicare plans changes made by insurance companies annually.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
