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Affordable Health Insurance
South Carolina

The importance of reliable health insurance coverage in South Carolina cannot be understated.

With options that range from short-term health insurance to comprehensive major medical coverage, it’s essential for you to understand and choose the right plan for your needs.

Smiling family because of affordable health insurance

1 out of 2 people looking for healthcare coverage pay under $30/month!

Benefits of a Marketplace Plan (Obamacare)

Marketplace insurance plans, align with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring you receive minimum essential coverage.

With options like ACA-compliant plans and other plans, the Marketplace offers health coverage options tailored for South Carolina residents.

SC Open Enrollment and Financial Savings

The annual open enrollment period is a specific time when you can sign up for healthcare coverage. The dates change each year, but have always started on November 1st.

Man checking the open enrollment dates

Enrollment Periods for 2024 Coverage

Open Enrollment Period: November 1st – January 15th

Special Enrollment Period: January 16th – October 31st

If you miss Open Enrollment, you might have to wait til next year unless you qualify due to certain Qualifying Life Events (QLE).

Let’s look at a few QLE examples:

  • Getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child
  • Losing your healthcare coverage from:
  • your employer, a divorce, or legal separation
  • Moving to a new county or ZIP code
  • Plus more! See the complete list.

On average, people are paying
$84/month in South Carolina. [1]

Financial Assistance (Affordable Care Act)

  • Premium Tax Credits or Premium Subsidies: Financial payments to you in the form of a tax credit are available for those who qualify based on household income and family size, making it easier to find affordable health insurance. In effect, premium subsidies decrease the monthly amount you pay for your health care coverage.
  • Cost-Sharing Reductions: Offers savings on out-of-pocket costs, like doctor visits or prescriptions on Silver plans found in the Marketplace.

Shop the Marketplace and discover how you can benefit from financial assistance options! Everyone deserves to be able to find affordable health insurance.

To shop, compare plans and see how much financial savings you qualify for in South Carolina

Essential Health Benefits & Affordable Care Act

Every insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act offers essential health benefits such as hospital visits, prescription drugs, preventive care, x-rays, and doctor office visits.

  • Affordable Care Act plans ensure that no one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions.

Exploring Health Coverage Options in South Carolina

  • Health Plans with Essential Health Benefits: All-inclusive plans covering doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, and other critical services. Plus, regardless of your preexisting conditions, you can secure coverage through the Marketplace.
  • Short-Term Plans: These short-term health insurance plans generally have limited benefits and limited coverage since they typically do not cover preexisting conditions. As the name implies, short-term health insurance offers coverage for shorter periods, typically less than 12 months, and often has lower premiums.
  • Major Medical Plans: Comprehensive plans covering a range of health services. It’s your traditional health coverage offering maximum protection. Typically, offered through your employer.

Additional Coverage Options

  • Dental insurance: Helps offset the costs of oral care procedures and check-ups.
  • Vision Insurance: Crucial for those requiring regular eye check-ups or have vision issues.
  • Accident Insurance: Provides cash benefits in the case of an accident, helping cover unforeseen costs.
  • Critical Illness: Offers financial benefits if you’re doctor diagnoses you with a specified illness.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Company

  • BlueCross BlueShield SC, United Healthcare, formerly known as Golden Rule Insurance Company, and other insurance companies provide a variety of ACA-Compliant plan(s). Be sure to shop plans efficiently and effectively by consulting an insurance agency for guidance.
  • Always look into the fine print like deductibles, coverage limitations, waiting periods, exclusions, and the complete details that can be found in the summary of benefits.

Affordable Health Plans from:

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Ambetter from Absolute Total Care

Molina Healthcare of South Carolina, Inc

First Choice Next

Cigna Healthcare of South Carolina

Affordable Dental Plans from:

BEST Life and Health Insurance Company

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

The Guardian Life Insurance Company

Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America

Truassure Insurance Company

Join The Zero-Premium Club

73% of South Carolina Healthcare.gov enrollees had access to $0 premium health plans. [2]

Zero premiums mean zero stress.
Find out if you can get zero/low-cost health insurance.

The Role of an Insurance Agent

A licensed insurance agent isn’t just about selling. They guide, educate, and ensure that every individual finds the health plan aligning with their needs, be it from the major medical coverage options or specific plans like dental or vision insurance.

Your Health, Our Priority

Health is priceless. Whether you’re exploring health insurance, seeking options, or just need information about enrolling, our commitment is to provide clarity, options, and unwavering support.

For more insights, tips, and details on health plans, deductibles, benefits, and more, continue exploring our website or reach out to our expert team.

FAQ: South Carolina Health Insurance

How Much is Health Insurance in South Carolina Per Month?

The monthly cost of health insurance coverage in South Carolina varies based on factors such as the type of plan, age, location, and health status.

 

On average, residents can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 per individual. Financial assistance or premium subsidies decrease the monthly amount you pay for your coverage. For a quick estimate of your financial savings, consider visiting marketplaceamerica.org.

 

However, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average monthly premium for a 40-year-old adult on a Silver plan in South Carolina is $469. For a family of three, the average monthly premium for a Silver plan is $1,553.

It is important to note that these are just averages, and your actual costs may vary.

 

For example, if you are younger or have a healthier lifestyle, you may be able to find a plan with a lower premium. Additionally, if you qualify for financial assistance, such as a subsidy through the Affordable Care Act, your monthly costs may be significantly lower.

 

Here is a breakdown of the average monthly premiums for different types of health insurance plans in South Carolina, according to eHealthInsurance.com:

 

  • Bronze plan: $385 per month
  • Silver plan: $469 per month
  • Gold plan: $584 per month
  • Platinum plan: $768 per month

What Health Insurance Companies Are in South Carolina?

South Carolina hosts several insurance providers. Notable companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare, formerly known as Golden Rule Insurance Company. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare policies before making a decision. For a complete list and plan comparisons, check out marketplaceamerica.org.

 

Does South Carolina Offer State Health Insurance?

Yes, South Carolina offers state-sponsored insurance plans through programs such as Medicaid and the South Carolina Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Eligibility for these programs is determined by income, family size, and other criteria. You can also explore additional options on marketplaceamerica.org.

 

 

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC Good Insurance?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC is one of the leading insurance providers in the state and is highly regarded for its comprehensive coverage options and network of healthcare providers. As with any insurer, customer satisfaction can vary, so it’s essential to read reviews and compare plans.

 

 

What is the Best Healthcare in South Carolina?

Determining the “best” healthcare in South Carolina depends on individual needs. However, renowned hospitals like the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston are known for excellent care. It’s recommended to compare coverage, customer reviews, and rates from various providers.

 

 

What is Considered Low Income in South Carolina?

Low income in South Carolina is determined by the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). As of the last update, for a single individual, an annual income of around $12,880 or less was considered low income. This threshold changes based on household size.

 

 

Is There Free Health Care in South Carolina?

While South Carolina doesn’t offer entirely free healthcare, there are state-sponsored programs like Medicaid and CHIP that provide healthcare at reduced or no cost for eligible individuals and families based on income and other criteria.

 

 

What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Medicaid in SC?

The income threshold for Medicaid in South Carolina varies by household size. For example, a family of four typically needs an income of less than about $34,480 to qualify. Always check the current guidelines or consult with a local agency, as these figures can change.

What is the Cheapest Health Insurance in South Carolina?

The cheapest health insurance plans will depend on individual factors such as age and plan type. It’s advisable to shop around, compare quotes, and consider both monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses when determining cost.

 

How to Get Free Health Insurance in South Carolina?

Eligible residents can apply for free or reduced-cost medical insurance through state programs like Medicaid or CHIP. To determine eligibility, one can consult with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, depending upon your household income you may be able to secure Marketplace coverage at no cost utilizing premium subsidies and/or tax credit. Check marketplaceamerica.org to see how much savings you are entitled to.

 

 

Self-employed Health Insurance in South Carolina?

Self-employed individuals can purchase major medical insurance through the Marketplace. There might be specific plans tailored to the self-employed, offering flexibility and coverage suitable for entrepreneurs. You can explore individual plans suited for you on marketplaceamerica.org.

What Does Health Insurance in South Carolina Cost?

The cost of health insurance varies. Factors influencing price include the type of plan, age, and health status of the insured. It’s best to get quotes from various providers to get an accurate estimate tailored to individual needs. For a comprehensive overview of plan costs and potential savings, visit marketplaceamerica.org.

What is the Best Health Insurance in South Carolina?

The “best” health insurance is subjective and depends on individual needs. Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, Aetna, and Cigna are some of the top providers in the state. Comparing coverage, cost, and customer reviews can help in making an informed choice. Marketplaceamerica.org allows you to compare various plans and choose the most suitable one.

Medicare Choices in South Carolina

Medicare, health coverage for those 65 and older, offers two main choices in South Carolina. Beneficiaries can either opt for Original Medicare, which encompasses Part A (covering hospital services) and Part B (for medical services), or they can select Medicare Advantage plans, known as Part C. These plans are provided by private insurers and often feature added perks like prescription drug coverage, and dental, and vision benefits.

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