Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Data sourced from CMS.gov
South Carolina has about 44 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Advantage plans. Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville all have solid markets. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is a major statewide player. The Grand Strand coast around Myrtle Beach also has competitive plan availability.
Plan availability varies by county. Enter your ZIP code to see the exact plans, premiums, and coverage available where you live in South Carolina.
What to Look for in a South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan
- ✓ Whether your current doctors and specialists are in-network
- ✓ Drug formulary — does it cover your prescriptions at a reasonable cost?
- ✓ Monthly premium and annual out-of-pocket maximum
- ✓ Extra benefits: dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs
- ✓ Star rating — CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars based on quality and member experience
- ✓ HMO vs. PPO — HMOs require referrals and restrict out-of-network care; PPOs are more flexible
2026 Medicare Advantage Costs in South Carolina
| Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $0 to $50 (many plans at $0) |
| Annual out-of-pocket maximum | Up to $9,350 in-network (2026 CMS limit) |
| Primary care visit copay | $0 to $20 typical |
| Specialist visit copay | $20 to $50 typical |
| Inpatient hospital stay | $250 to $350/day for first few days (varies by plan) |
| Part B premium (always required) | $202.90/month standard (2026) |
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in South Carolina
South Carolina's significant retiree and seasonal population supports a strong Medigap market. Many residents who split time between South Carolina and other states prefer Medigap for its nationwide coverage rather than being tied to a state-specific Advantage network.