Health insurance & Medicare · Charleston, SC (Charleston County)
Medicare Advantage, Supplement & Part D Plans in Charleston, South Carolina
17.4% of Charleston residents are 65 or older, about 26,700 people, about the same as the U.S. average of 17.7%; that is the highest share of residents 65 and older of the 22 South U.S. communities on this site. Side-by-side help with Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Part D prescription drug plans, whether you are turning 65, retiring from an employer plan, or reviewing your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. Olive, a licensed agent with Manna Financial Services, helps Charleston, SC households compare Medicare plans by phone or video, and the first conversation is free.
What matters for Medicare plans in Charleston
7.4% of adults in Charleston are veterans, so VA health care is part of the picture for many local households. VA coverage and Medicare are separate, and if you delay Part B you may owe a late-enrollment penalty if you sign up later. Military retirees with TRICARE need Part A and Part B to keep TRICARE For Life.
16.4% of Charleston workers are in government jobs. State and local public pension systems generally expect retirees to enroll in Medicare when they become eligible, and federal retirees can keep FEHB alongside Medicare. Check your system's rules a few months before you turn 65.
Charleston by the numbers
- 17.4% of Charleston residents are 65 or older, about 26,700 people, about the same as the U.S. average of 17.7%; that is the highest share of residents 65 and older of the 22 South U.S. communities on this site.
- About 18,600 Charleston residents are between 55 and 64, the group that will reach Medicare age over the next ten years.
- 7.4% of adults in Charleston are veterans, above the U.S. share of 6.1%.
- 16.4% of Charleston workers have government jobs, above the U.S. share of 14.1%.
Charleston and nearby communities
| Place | 65 or older | Median age | Veterans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 17.4% | 36.2 | 7.4% |
| Houston | 12.1% | 34.1 | 3.7% |
| San Antonio | 13.4% | 34.6 | 9.8% |
| Dallas | 11.8% | 33.9 | 3.4% |
| U.S. | 17.7% | 39.1 | 6.1% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates.
How we help with Medicare plans
- Turning 65: timing for Parts A, B and D to avoid late-enrollment penalties
- Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement, explained side by side
- Prescription check against each plan's drug list
- Annual review during the October 15 to December 7 enrollment period
Rules that apply in South Carolina
- Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months around your 65th birthday: three months before, your birthday month and three months after.
- The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 for coverage that starts January 1.
- Medicare Supplement open enrollment lasts six months, starting the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During it, insurers cannot turn you down for health reasons.
- For free, unbiased counseling, residents can contact their local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Manna Financial Services is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Questions from Charleston
When can I change my Medicare plan?
During the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, for coverage starting January 1. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 allows one change. Some life events create Special Enrollment Periods.
Do I need to visit an office in Charleston?
No. Olive works with Charleston and Charleston County households by phone or video, so you can compare options from home. Most applications and signatures can be completed online.
Medicare Advantage, Supplement & Part D Plans near Charleston
Talk with Olive about Medicare plans.
Free, no obligation, by phone or video. Or call or text (937) 388-5346.