Hilton Head has one of the highest concentrations of retirees in the Southeast, and most of them came from somewhere else. Many still split time with a home up north, travel to see grandchildren, or head to Savannah for specialist care. Those habits matter more to your Medicare choice than almost anything on a plan's brochure.

Mauldin Insurance Group is an independent Medicare agency based in Lexington, SC. We help island residents compare plans from several carriers by phone or video, and we don't charge for it.

Annual Enrollment for 2027 ends December 7

You can change plans October 15 through December 7, 2026, and changes start January 1, 2027. Look at your Annual Notice of Change with your travel schedule in mind. A plan that worked fine last year may cover less out of the area this year.

What makes Medicare on Hilton Head different

Your doctors may be in two states. Hilton Head Hospital and Beaufort Memorial cover a lot of local care, but many islanders see specialists in Savannah. Medicare Advantage plans sold in Beaufort County may treat Georgia providers as out of network. Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement works on either side of the river.

Part-time residents need coverage that travels. If you spend months somewhere else, an HMO built around local doctors can leave routine care uncovered while you're away. Many island retirees choose a Medicare Supplement for that reason.

Your Medicare may still be set up for your old state. If you moved here with a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan from another state, it likely doesn't work in South Carolina. Your move opened a special enrollment period, and it has a deadline. See what happens to your Medicare when you move to South Carolina.

IRMAA is common here. Higher-income retirees pay more for Part B and Part D based on their tax return from two years earlier. If your income dropped after retiring, you may be able to lower it. Read how IRMAA works and how to appeal it.

Working with an agent who isn't tied to one carrier

A company's own agents can only offer that company's plans. We compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D across several carriers, so you can see what actually fits how you live. Your premium is the same as enrolling on your own.

What island residents ask us about

→ Whether a plan covers Savannah specialists as well as local doctors

→ Coverage that works while they're at a second home or traveling

→ Replacing an out-of-state plan after the move

→ Reducing an IRMAA surcharge after retirement

→ Whether a Medicare Supplement change makes sense as premiums rise

Four mistakes we see on Hilton Head

1. Keeping an HMO while living part of the year elsewhere. Routine care away from the area may not be covered.

2. Assuming Savannah doctors are in network. Crossing the state line can mean out-of-network costs.

3. Letting an out-of-state plan linger. The special enrollment period after a move doesn't last.

4. Waiting too long on a supplement. After your first six months on Part B, South Carolina supplement companies can ask health questions and decline you.

How we work with island clients

We'll talk through where you get care, how much you travel, your prescriptions, and any retiree coverage. Then we'll show you which 2027 plans fit and what each is likely to cost. Everything happens by phone or video, so it fits around tee times and travel.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medicare on Hilton Head Island

What does a Medicare agent do for Hilton Head residents? We compare plans from several carriers serving Beaufort County, check them against your doctors, travel, and prescriptions, and help you enroll. We're also there for claims questions and your review each fall.

Do you charge a fee? No. Insurers pay agents, and your premium is the same either way.

When is the 2027 enrollment window? October 15 through December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027. Medicare Advantage members can make one more change between January 1 and March 31.

Can I see doctors in Savannah with a Hilton Head Medicare plan? Some Medicare Advantage plans include certain Savannah providers and many don't. Original Medicare with a supplement works with any provider in either state that accepts Medicare.

I split the year between Hilton Head and another home. What plan should I have? Many part-time residents choose Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement because it works anywhere in the country. Some Medicare Advantage PPO plans also cover care outside the area. We'll compare both for your schedule.

I just moved to the island. Do I need a new plan? If you have Medicare Advantage or Part D from another state, you'll usually need a South Carolina plan, and your move opens a special window to choose one. A Medicare Supplement generally comes with you, though the price may change.

Why am I paying more than the standard Part B premium? Likely IRMAA, which is based on your income two years ago. If your income has dropped since you retired, you can ask Social Security to recalculate.

Is a Medicare Supplement worth it on Hilton Head? For people who travel or see specialists in more than one place, often yes. It costs more each month, but it removes network limits and keeps out-of-pocket costs predictable.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a supplement later? You can apply, but outside your first six months on Part B, South Carolina supplement companies can decline you based on health. Secure the supplement before canceling anything.

I'm a military retiree. Do I need Part B? Yes. TRICARE For Life requires both Part A and Part B to stay in effect.

I'm still working remotely at 65. Do I have to enroll in Part B? If you have coverage through your own or your spouse's current employer, you may be able to wait without a penalty, depending on employer size. Check before you turn 65.

Do you meet in person on Hilton Head? We work with island clients by phone or video, which makes it easy to share screens and compare plans. Call to set up a time.

What areas do you serve around Hilton Head? All of Hilton Head Island, including Sea Pines, Hilton Head Plantation, Palmetto Dunes, and Shipyard, plus Bluffton, Okatie, Daufuskie Island, and the rest of the Lowcountry.

More for the Lowcountry

• Turning 65 in the Lowcountry
• Your Medigap Rate Went Up Again: How to Switch Plans in SC
• Medicare Agent in Bluffton, SC
• South Carolina Medicare Agents for 2027: Find Your Region

Talk to us about 2027

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

Mauldin Insurance Group serves Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, and communities across South Carolina.