How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in South Carolina
With 44% of Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans it’s clear that there’s reason to explore these bundled, private alternatives to Original Medicare. But not all Medicare Advantage plans are alike and—with 97 plans available in the state—it’s important to explore your options.
In this post, we’ll give you the lowdown on Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina—from highly rated plans to tips on finding the best one for your health needs.
Key takeaways:
The best Medicare Advantage plan for you will depend on your individual needs and finances. Make sure to explore your options in South Carolina to find one that provides coverage for your unique health needs at an affordable price.
Highly-rated Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina include policies by NHC Advantage, Aetna Medicare, and Humana.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are operated by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. This sets them apart from Original Medicare in a few key ways:
Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits such as routine dental, vision, and hearing services.
Medicare Advantage plans often operate under provider networks.
Medicare Advantage plans have out-of-pocket maximums.
Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization.
Medicare Advantage plans don’t have standardized out-of-pocket costs.
They also vary widely on what additional benefits they offer depending on the insurance provider. Additionally, not all plans are available in all counties in a state. If you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to find one in your zip code in South Carolina.
If you have Original Medicare and you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage, you can look into Medicare Supplement plans. These plans help with your out-of-pocket costs and some offer coverage for fitness benefits.
Facts about Medicare Advantage in South Carolina
44% of Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
You have 97 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from in South Carolina.
The average premium for a Medicare Advantage in South Carolina is $14.42. Keep in mind that you have to pay this premium on top of your Part B premium.
Highly-rated Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina
One way you can shop for highly rated Medicare Advantage plans in your county is to look for a 5-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Every year, the CMS judges Medicare Advantage plans for their performance and quality. CMS awards plans with 1-5 stars, with 1 being the lowest scored plan and 5 being the highest scored plan.
Below you’ll see insurance providers that carry top Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina.
Insurance providers with 5-star plans:
NHC Advantage
Insurance providers with 4-star plans:
Aetna Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
Humana
PruittHealth Premier
Tips to find the best Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina
Finding the best Medicare Advantage plan in South Carolina involves a careful consideration of your health, lifestyle, and finances. You’ll want to make sure that a Medicare Advantage plan provides the coverage you need at an affordable cost. Here are a few tips to ensure that you choose the best policy for you:
Make a list of your priorities: First, list out chronic health conditions you have (if any), preventive services you’d want, and medications you need covered. Then, think about additional benefits that are important to you like dental services, fitness memberships, or emergency travel insurance. Making a list of these priorities can help you find a plan that suits your needs.
Understand your healthcare costs: It’s important to review the summary of benefits for any plan you’re interested in and compare the costs to another plan. This ensures that you choose the most cost-effective policy and avoid any misunderstandings for medical out-of-pocket costs in the future.
Familiarize yourself with healthcare providers and facilities in your area: Medicare Advantage plans operate under provider networks, which means that you may have to pay more to see a provider that’s out-of-network. Make sure you know which facilities and providers take your insurance in your area ahead of time.
Get help from a licensed Medicare Advisor: Searching for a plan on your own can be difficult, especially if you’re new to Medicare and you’re not sure how to navigate its intricacies. A Chapter Medicare Advisor can help you easily compare plans, understand Medicare, and enroll in the right plan for you. And if you’re not new to Medicare, an Advisor can help you fill gaps in your coverage and switch plans if you need better coverage. Call us today at 855-900-2427 or book a time to talk to get started.