Medicare in North Charleston · Charleston County, SC
2026 Medicare Advantage Plans in North Charleston, SC
Charleston County offers 58 Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 across 7 carriers, with an average premium of $14.5/mo and 36 plans rated 4★ or higher by CMS.
North Charleston (29405/29406/29418/29420) is in Charleston County, SC — 58 Medicare Advantage plans, avg $14.50/mo.
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By the numbers · Charleston County
Quick facts for North Charleston, SC Medicare (2026)
Health profile · why coverage choice matters here
Chronic conditions among Charleston County adults
Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps 2024 — Charleston County.
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Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
Monthly penalty: $0.00
IRMAA Quick Check
Monthly surcharge: $0.00
Who covers you
Carriers in Charleston County (2026)
- BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina HMOPPO
Companion BlueStar Medicare Advantage; largest MA insurer in SC with HMO and PPO options statewide
- UnitedHealthcare HMO-POSPPOD-SNP
AARP Medicare Advantage HMO-POS and PPO; D-SNP available across SC
- Humana HMO-POSPPO
HMO-POS & PPO options; broad SC hospital network
- Aetna (CVS Health) PPO
Medicare Signature PPO; consistently strong star ratings in SC markets
- Wellcare by Centene HMOD-SNP
Low-premium HMO options; D-SNP dual-eligible plans available statewide
- Molina Healthcare D-SNP
MA-PD and D-SNP plans available in major SC metro counties
- Cigna Healthcare HMOPPO
Cigna Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO; strong upstate SC and Lowcountry network
Where you get care
Hospitals & providers nearby
- MUSC Health University Medical Center 169 Ashley Ave, Charleston SC 29425
- Roper Hospital 316 Calhoun St, Charleston SC 29401
- East Cooper Medical Center 2000 Hospital Dr, Mount Pleasant SC 29464
- Trident Medical Center 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, North Charleston SC 29406
Confirm your doctors and preferred pharmacy are in-network before enrolling — networks vary by plan and carrier.
Sources: CMS Hospital Compare · CMS Landscape (PY2026).
Choosing a Medicare plan in North Charleston, SC — what matters here
- North Charleston is the largest city in Charleston County by population. Plan availability matches the full Charleston County market — 58 plans, avg $14.50/month.
- Trident Medical Center is the primary local hospital, with MUSC Health and Roper facilities accessible in central Charleston.
- 30 SNPs serve dual-eligible beneficiaries. 50% of Charleston County Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
Not sure Medicare Advantage is the right path?
Also consider Original Medicare + a Supplement
Medicare Advantage isn't the only option. If you want the freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — with no networks, no referrals, and no plan-specific prior authorizations — a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan paired with a standalone Part D drug plan may be a better fit for your situation.
- No networks. See any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide — critical if you travel, split time between states, or have specialists outside your county.
- Predictable costs. Plan G covers nearly every gap in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible (~$257/yr in 2026). No surprise bills from out-of-network care.
- Enrollment window. Your guaranteed-issue Medigap Open Enrollment Period is 6 months from your Part B effective date. After it closes, health underwriting may apply in NC.
Medigap guide for North Charleston → NC Medicare Supplement overview →
Resources
Medicare guides for North Charleston, SC
What Is Medicare? Parts A, B, C & D Explained for 2026
Medicare has four parts that work together — and choosing the wrong combination at 65 can follow you financially for the rest of your life. A plain-English guide to what each part covers, what it costs, and how to enroll on time.
Read →
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in 2026: Which Is Right for You?
Two paths through Medicare — one bundles everything into a private plan, the other fills Original Medicare's gaps. The right choice depends on your health, your doctors, and a one-time enrollment window most people don't know about.
Read →
How to Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties in 2026
Miss a Medicare enrollment window and you pay a permanent surcharge added to your premiums for life. Here's exactly when to enroll in Parts A, B, and D — and the one exception that lets you delay without penalty.
Read →North Charleston, SC Medicare questions, answered
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in North Charleston, SC?
For 2026, there are 58 Medicare Advantage plans available in North Charleston (Charleston County), offered by 7 carriers including BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and others. 36 of those plans carry a CMS star rating of 4★ or higher. Source: CMS PY2026 Landscape.
What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in North Charleston for 2026?
The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium in North Charleston, SC is $14.5 for 2026, with an average CMS star rating of 3.85★ across available plans. Premiums and benefits vary — compare your specific options at Medicare.gov or with a licensed agent.
When can I change my Medicare plan in North Charleston?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7 each year and is the main window to switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D drug plans, or return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) allows one plan switch for those already in Medicare Advantage. Special Enrollment Periods are available for qualifying events such as moving or losing other coverage.
Are there Special Needs Plans available in Charleston County?
Yes — Charleston County has 30 Special Needs Plans (SNPs) available for 2026. These plans are designed for dual-eligible beneficiaries (Medicare + Medicaid), people in institutions, and those with qualifying chronic conditions. SNPs often carry $0 premiums and additional chronic care benefits. A licensed agent can confirm your eligibility at no cost.
What hospital options are near North Charleston, SC?
MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston is rated 4★ by CMS Hospital Compare; Roper Hospital in Charleston is rated 3★ by CMS Hospital Compare; East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant is rated 3★ by CMS Hospital Compare; Trident Medical Center in North Charleston is rated 3★ by CMS Hospital Compare. Before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan, confirm your hospital and doctors are in that plan's network.
Is there a cost for help choosing a Medicare plan in North Charleston?
No. Our guidance is free — licensed agents are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. We compare the plans available in your ZIP code against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to see all options.
Is Medicare coverage the same in North Charleston, SC?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is a federal program, so its core coverage rules are the same in North Charleston, SC as anywhere else in the country. What varies locally is which Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans are actually offered — plan availability, provider networks, and premiums are set at the county level, so the specific options in Charleston County won't match a different county even in the same state. That's why it's worth reviewing your local plan lineup each year rather than assuming coverage is identical everywhere.
When can I enroll in Medicare in North Charleston, SC?
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday — 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after. After that, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year, letting North Charleston residents switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for coverage starting January 1. A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may also open outside these windows if you have a qualifying life event, such as moving to North Charleston or losing other health coverage.
How do I find a Medicare agent near North Charleston, SC?
Look for a licensed, independent agent who is appointed to sell plans in SC and familiar with the carriers and provider networks serving Charleston County. An independent agent can compare options across multiple carriers instead of representing just one. You can book a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed agent serving North Charleston through this site's contact page, or call the number listed on this page to talk with someone directly.
Is there a Medicare agent in North Charleston, SC?
Yes. Kayla Price is a licensed independent insurance agent serving North Charleston, SC and Charleston County among the NC, SC, GA, FL, VA, MD, KS, TX, OH & MI she's licensed in. She works with 7 carriers offering plans in Charleston County, so she can compare options rather than represent just one company. You can book a free consultation directly at https://host.safemsngr.com/widget/booking/A0NTF4B4d9I3h3wNvyIB.
How do I find Medicare help in North Charleston?
The fastest way is to book a free, no-obligation review with a licensed agent who already works in Charleston County — Kayla Price at Price Services Group covers North Charleston, SC and can walk through the 58 Medicare Advantage plans available here for 2026. Schedule a time at https://host.safemsngr.com/widget/booking/A0NTF4B4d9I3h3wNvyIB, or use the contact page on this site. You can also always compare plans yourself at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Does Price Services Group serve North Charleston, SC?
Yes — North Charleston, SC is within Kayla Price's real service area at Price Services Group. She is licensed in NC, SC, GA, FL, VA, MD, KS, TX, OH & MI and works with the carriers offering Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans in Charleston County. Book a free plan review at https://host.safemsngr.com/widget/booking/A0NTF4B4d9I3h3wNvyIB to see what's available at your address.
What Medicare Advantage plans are available in North Charleston, SC?
Medicare Advantage plan availability varies by county in SC. Kayla Price can review all plans available in North Charleston and help you compare options by phone or video.
How much does Medicare cost in North Charleston, SC?
Medicare Part B costs $202.90 per month regardless of where you live in SC. Additional costs depend on which plan you choose. Kayla can walk you through all the costs for plans available in North Charleston.
When is the next Medicare enrollment period for residents of North Charleston, SC?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year for all Medicare beneficiaries including those in North Charleston, SC. If you're new to Medicare, your Initial Enrollment Period is based on your 65th birthday.
Nearby coverage
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58 Medicare Advantage plansMore reading
Medicare topics for Charleston County
Medicare Advantage Plans in Charleston, SC 2026
See how the 58 Medicare Advantage plans available in Charleston County compare on premium, star rating, and network for 2026.
Read on our blog →How to Avoid Medicare Penalties in North Charleston
Late Part B and Part D penalties are permanent. Here's how North Charleston, SC residents can enroll on time and avoid them.
Read on our blog →Best Medicare Supplement Plans for Charleston Residents
A look at how Medigap Plan G and other supplement options stack up for Charleston County Medicare beneficiaries.
Read on our blog →Enrollment windows
When can you change your Medicare plan?
Annual Enrollment Period
Oct 15 – Dec 7
Switch MA plans, add or drop Part D, or return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1.
MA Open Enrollment Period
Jan 1 – Mar 31
One plan switch if you're already in Medicare Advantage. Changes start the first of the following month.
Initial Enrollment Period
7-month window at 65
3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. Enrolling on time avoids lifetime Part B and Part D penalties.
Your local agent
Talk to a licensed Medicare agent about North Charleston, SC plans
Kayla Price is a licensed, independent agent who works with 7 carriers serving Charleston County — free, no pressure. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For informational purposes only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Plan availability, premiums, and benefits are based on CMS PY2026 data and subject to change. NPN: 18530055. Agency NPN: 20387435.