Medicare Supplement Plans in South Carolina

About Medicare Supplement plans in South Carolina

Certain out-of-pocket medical related costs such as copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles are not covered under Original Medicare (Part A or Part B). However, Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina have the option to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap or MedSup, are provided by private insurance companies that are designed to fill in the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.

In most states, including South Carolina, there are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans all labeled by letter, and each plan of the same letter offers the same benefits no matter which insurer provides the coverage.

The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that begins on the first day of the month that you are 65 years old or older and already enrolled in Medicare Part B. During the Medigap OEP you may enroll in any Medigap plan offered by any insurer in your area without submitting to a medical underwriting check. While you can still enroll in Medigap after the Medigap OEP, an insurer may ask for a medical background and you could have pre-existing condition restrictions placed on your coverage. You may also be charged more for Medigap coverage or even denied coverage completely.

Comparing Medicare Supplement plans in South Carolina

Because Medigap plans are standardized, Medicare Supplement plans in South Carolina do not vary in coverage or benefits between plans with the same lettered designation. However, the costs may differ depending on the insurer. Before choosing a Medigap plan, it is best to determine which plans are available to you in your area, and make a selection based on both your health and budget needs.