Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement in Lexington, SC: Which Plan Is Right When You Turn 65?

Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when turning 65. And here in Lexington, SC, the “best” option depends heavily on your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and budget.

As a local Medicare advisor serving the Midlands, I help people compare these plans every day — and no two situations are the same. This guide breaks down the differences using South Carolina carriers, Midlands‑specific pricing, and real client scenarios to help you make the right choice.

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Quick Summary: The Difference in One Sentence

Medicare Advantage = lower premiums, local networks, pay‑as‑you‑go costs.
Medicare Supplement = higher premiums, no networks, predictable costs.

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What Is Medicare Advantage? (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one plan. These plans use local networks, meaning your experience depends on which doctors and hospitals you use in the Midlands.

Popular Medicare Advantage carriers in Lexington, SC

• Humana
• UnitedHealthcare
• Wellcare
• Aetna
• Cigna
• BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Typical Midlands Pricing

• $0–$40/month premiums
• Copays for doctor visits, specialists, labs, imaging
• Max out‑of‑pocket: $3,500–$6,700/year

Pros

• Low or $0 premiums
• Dental, vision, hearing, OTC benefits
• Gym memberships
• All‑in‑one simplicity

Cons

• Networks matter (Lexington Medical Center vs Prisma)
• Referrals may be required
• Costs vary based on usage
• Plans change yearly

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What Is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?

Medigap plans work with Original Medicare to cover deductibles, coinsurance, and out‑of‑pocket costs. There are no networks, meaning you can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.

Popular Medigap carriers in South Carolina

• Mutual of Omaha
• Aetna
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Humana
• BlueCross BlueShield of SC

Typical Midlands Pricing (Age 65, non‑tobacco)

• Plan G: $110–$150/month
• Plan N: $85–$120/month
• High‑Deductible G: $35–$55/month

Pros

• No networks
• Predictable costs
• Great for travelers or snowbirds
• Excellent for people with chronic conditions

Cons

• Higher monthly premiums
• Does not include dental/vision
• Requires separate Part D plan

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Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Feature	Medicare Advantage	Medicare Supplement
Monthly Premium	$0–$40	$85–$150
Doctor Network	Local (LMC, Prisma)	No networks
Referrals	Sometimes	Never
Out‑of‑Pocket Costs	Pay as you go	Very low
Travel Flexibility	Limited	Excellent
Best For	Budget‑focused, healthy	Frequent care, travelers

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Real Client Scenarios (Anonymized)

Scenario 1: “John” – Lexington, SC

• Uses Lexington Medical Center
• Takes 2 generic medications
• Travels rarely
• Healthy and budget‑conscious
  Best fit: Medicare Advantage

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Scenario 2: “Linda” – Irmo, SC

• Sees multiple specialists
• Travels to Florida for 3 months each year
• Wants predictable costs
  Best fit: Medicare Supplement Plan G

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Scenario 3: “Robert” – Chapin, SC

• Has diabetes and heart conditions
• Uses Prisma specialists
• Wants access to MUSC and out‑of‑state providers
  Best fit: Medicare Supplement

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My Expert Recommendation

Choose Medicare Advantage if:

• You want a $0 premium
• Your doctors are in the network
• You’re generally healthy
• You want dental/vision included

Choose Medicare Supplement if:

• You see specialists regularly
• You travel or split time between states
• You want predictable costs
• You want the freedom to choose any doctor

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer — but there is a right answer for you.

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Local Factors That Matter in Lexington, SC

1. Lexington Medical Center vs Prisma Health

Some Medicare Advantage plans work better with one system than the other.

2. Prescription drug costs

Part D plans vary widely in SC — especially for insulin and brand‑name drugs.

3. County‑specific plan availability

Lexington County has different plan options than Richland or Newberry.

4. SC‑specific underwriting rules

Switching Medigap plans later may require health questions.

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Schedule Your Medicare Review

If you’re turning 65 or comparing plans in Lexington, SC, I’ll help you review every option — at no cost. I compare all major carriers in South Carolina and help you choose the plan that fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

Schedule your Medicare review today.