Few towns in South Carolina have military roots as deep as Beaufort. Between Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Parris Island, and the naval hospital, a lot of families came here in uniform and decided to retire here. Add the island retirement communities on Lady's Island, Dataw, and Fripp, and Beaufort ends up with Medicare questions that start with TRICARE and end with where you'll go for specialist care.

Mauldin Insurance Group is an independent Medicare agency based in Lexington, SC. We help Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady's Island, and St. Helena residents compare plans from several carriers by phone or video, and it costs you nothing.

2027 Annual Enrollment closes December 7

You have October 15 through December 7, 2026, to make changes, which start January 1, 2027. If you have TRICARE For Life, you may not need to do anything during Annual Enrollment, but it's worth confirming that your Medicare setup is still right.

What makes Medicare in Beaufort different

TRICARE For Life is everywhere. For military retirees, the most important Medicare rule is simple: you must have both Part A and Part B at 65 to keep TRICARE For Life. TRICARE then pays after Medicare, which means most military retirees don't need a Medicare Supplement at all. Read what military retirees must do at 65.

Veterans who use VA care. VA health care and Medicare don't coordinate. Many Beaufort veterans keep Medicare so they're covered at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and other non-VA providers, especially in emergencies.

Specialists in Savannah or Charleston. Beaufort Memorial handles a lot of local care, but many people travel to Savannah or Charleston for specialists. A Medicare Advantage plan sold in Beaufort County may not include Georgia providers. Original Medicare works in both states.

Island retirees who moved here. Dataw, Fripp, and Lady's Island draw retirees from all over. If you came with a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan from another state, it likely doesn't cover you here, and your move opened a time-limited special enrollment period.

An agent who compares several companies

A single-company agent can only offer that company's plans. We're independent, so we can compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D across carriers, or tell you plainly when TRICARE For Life means you don't need more. Our help is free.

How we help Beaufort residents

→ Making sure TRICARE For Life stays in place at 65

→ Deciding whether a veteran using VA care should keep Part B

→ Choosing a plan that covers Savannah or Charleston specialists

→ Replacing an out-of-state plan after moving to the islands

→ Checking prescription costs, including TRICARE pharmacy options

Four mistakes we see in Beaufort County

1. Skipping Part B because TRICARE seems like enough. Without Part B, TRICARE For Life stops working.

2. Buying a supplement you don't need. With TRICARE For Life, a Medicare Supplement usually duplicates coverage you already have.

3. Forgetting about Savannah providers. If your specialist is in Georgia, check before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

4. Waiting on a supplement if you're not a military retiree. For everyone else, the first six months on Part B is the only time South Carolina supplement companies must accept you regardless of health.

How we'll work together

We'll start by sorting out any TRICARE or VA benefits, then go through your doctors, prescriptions, and where you get care. If you need more than what you have, we'll show you which 2027 plans fit and what they cost. If you don't, we'll tell you that. Phone or video, whichever you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medicare in Beaufort, SC

What does a Medicare agent in Beaufort do? We help you figure out how Medicare fits with any military, VA, or retiree coverage, compare plans from several carriers if you need one, and handle enrollment. We're also available for claims questions and yearly reviews.

Is there any charge? No. Agents are paid by the insurers, and your premium is the same either way.

When can I change Medicare plans for 2027? October 15 through December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027. Medicare Advantage members can make one change from January 1 to March 31.

I'm a military retiree. Do I need Medicare Part B? Yes. TRICARE For Life requires both Part A and Part B. If you drop or delay Part B, you lose TRICARE coverage.

Do I need a Medicare Supplement with TRICARE For Life? Usually not. TRICARE For Life covers most of what a supplement would. We can confirm based on your situation.

I'm a veteran who uses VA care. Should I still enroll in Medicare? Many veterans do. The VA and Medicare don't coordinate, so Medicare is what pays outside the VA. Delaying Part B can also mean a lifelong penalty.

Can I see Savannah specialists with a Beaufort County plan? It depends on the plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans include certain Georgia providers, and many don't. Original Medicare works with any provider that accepts it, in any state.

I moved to Dataw or Fripp from another state. Do I need a new plan? If you have Medicare Advantage or Part D from your old state, most likely. Your move opens a special enrollment window. A Medicare Supplement generally moves with you.

Is Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement better in Beaufort? For non-military retirees, it depends on your doctors, health, and how often you travel to Savannah or Charleston for care. We'll compare both.

Can I get help with Medicare costs? You may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, which can cover your Part B premium, or Extra Help with prescriptions. People with both Medicare and Healthy Connections Medicaid may qualify for a Dual Special Needs Plan.

I'm still working at 65. Do I need Part B now? If you have coverage through your own or your spouse's current employer, you may be able to wait without a penalty. Military retirees should check carefully, since TRICARE For Life has its own rules.

Do you meet in person in Beaufort? We help most Beaufort County clients by phone or video. Call and we'll find a time.

What areas around Beaufort do you serve? Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady's Island, St. Helena Island, Dataw Island, Fripp Island, Burton, and Shell Point, plus Bluffton, Hilton Head, and the rest of the Lowcountry.

More for the Lowcountry

• Military Retirees Near Fort Jackson: TRICARE For Life and Medicare
• Turning 65 in the Lowcountry
• Medicare Agent on Hilton Head Island, SC
• South Carolina Medicare Agents for 2027: Find Your Region

Book a free review

Call or text 843-509-2462, or visit mauldininsurancegroup.com.

Mauldin Insurance Group serves Beaufort, Port Royal, Lady's Island, St. Helena, and communities across South Carolina.