What does Mauldin Insurance Group do?

Mauldin Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency based in Lexington, SC. We help individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina find the right insurance coverage — including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, ACA health insurance, life insurance, final expense, auto, home, and commercial insurance. As an independent agency, we work with multiple top-rated carriers and shop the market on your behalf at no cost to you.

When do I need to sign up for Medicare, and what happens if I miss my enrollment window?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. If you miss this window and do not have qualifying employer coverage, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium — 10% for each 12-month period you delayed — plus a gap in coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. We strongly recommend calling us before your 65th birthday to map out your enrollment timeline and avoid any costly mistakes.

What are the best Medicare plans available in Lexington and the Midlands area?

The best Medicare plan depends entirely on your health needs, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. In the Lexington and Columbia, SC area, we represent 6 organizations offering 52 products in our service area — including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans (Plan G and Plan N are most popular for new enrollees), and Part D prescription drug plans. We compare every available option side by side and help you choose the plan that fits your life at no cost to you. Call Jennifer at (843) 509-2462 for a free, no-pressure comparison.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. It typically bundles Parts A, B, and D in one plan — often with extra benefits like dental and vision — and usually has low or $0 monthly premiums, but uses provider networks and involves copays. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare, covering the 20% coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind. It carries a monthly premium but gives you the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide with very predictable costs. We help you decide which approach is right for your health and budget.

How much does health insurance cost in South Carolina, and can I get help paying for it?

ACA health insurance premiums in South Carolina vary based on your age, household size, income, and the plan tier you choose. Many South Carolinians qualify for premium tax credits through the federal marketplace that significantly reduce their monthly cost — some qualify for plans as low as $0 per month depending on income. We help you determine your subsidy eligibility, compare all available plans, and enroll at no charge. Call us at (843) 509-2462 or (803) 920-8827 to get started.

How much life insurance do I actually need to protect my family in South Carolina?

A common starting point is the DIME method: add up your Debt, Income replacement (typically 10x your annual income), Mortgage balance, and Education costs for your children. For most South Carolina families this works out to $500,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage. Term life insurance is often the most affordable way to get there — a healthy 35-year-old can often get $500,000 in 20-year term coverage for $25 to $35 per month. We help you find the right amount and the right carrier based on your specific situation at no cost.

What is final expense insurance and who is it for?

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance with a smaller face value — typically $5,000 to $25,000 — designed specifically to cover funeral costs, burial expenses, outstanding medical bills, and other end-of-life costs. The average funeral in South Carolina costs between $9,000 and $12,000. It is a good fit if you are between ages 50 and 85, want guaranteed coverage with no medical exam required, and need an affordable, predictable premium that never increases. Coverage typically starts at $20 to $70 per month. Call Jennifer at (843) 509-2462 for a free quote.

How much does homeowners insurance cost in South Carolina?

The average homeowners insurance premium in South Carolina runs approximately $1,400 to $1,900 per year for a typical single-family home, though this varies significantly based on your home's location, age, roof type, construction, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price. We also review your dwelling coverage limit to make sure it reflects current rebuilding costs — many SC homeowners are significantly underinsured without realizing it.

Should I bundle my home and auto insurance?

Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier typically saves 10% to 20% on both policies and simplifies your coverage — one agent, one renewal cycle, and one point of contact if you ever need to file a claim. Most major carriers offer a multi-policy discount that makes bundling a straightforward win for most families. That said, bundling is not always the cheapest option in every situation. We compare bundled and unbundled scenarios side by side so you can make an informed decision. Call Ben at (803) 920-8827 for a free auto and home quote.

What is the difference between liability and full coverage auto insurance?

Liability insurance covers damage and injuries you cause to other people in an accident — it is the minimum coverage required by South Carolina law (25/50/25 minimums). It does not pay for damage to your own vehicle. Full coverage typically adds collision coverage (damage to your own vehicle in an accident) and comprehensive coverage (theft, weather damage, falling objects, and animal strikes). Whether full coverage makes financial sense depends on your vehicle value, whether you have a loan or lease, and your personal financial situation. We help you think through the right level of coverage for your specific circumstances.

Does Mauldin Insurance Group serve areas outside of Lexington, SC?

Yes — we serve clients across all of South Carolina and are also licensed in North Carolina and Georgia. While we are based in Lexington and serve a large volume of clients in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Cayce, West Columbia, and Lake Murray areas, we work with clients statewide by phone, video, and in-person when needed. Distance is never an obstacle and there is no extra charge for clients outside the immediate Lexington area.

Does it cost anything to work with Mauldin Insurance Group?

No — our services are completely free to you. Insurance carriers pay independent agents a commission when a policy is placed. Your monthly premium is exactly the same whether you enroll through us or go directly to the carrier. The difference is that we do the research, comparison, and shopping for you, and we stay in your corner at renewal and at claim time. There is no obligation and no pressure — just honest help from people who live and work in your community.

Medicare IRMAA in South Carolina 2026: Are You Paying a Surcharge You Don't Expect?

Ben J. Mauldin | Apr 29 2026 17:27

By Jennifer Mauldin, Licensed Medicare Specialist | Mauldin Insurance Group, Lexington, SC | Updated April 2026

Most South Carolina seniors know what Medicare Part B costs: $202.90 per month in 2026. What many do not know is that if their income exceeds certain thresholds, they are paying significantly more — sometimes $487 more per month — through a surcharge called IRMAA.

The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount is one of the most common Medicare surprises we encounter with clients in Lexington and the SC Midlands. It tends to catch people off guard because it is based on income from two years ago, calculated automatically from IRS records, and it can appear without warning.

Here is everything South Carolina seniors need to understand about IRMAA in 2026.

What Is IRMAA?

IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is a surcharge added to your standard Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior exceeds certain thresholds.

For 2026, the Social Security Administration uses your 2024 tax return to determine whether you pay IRMAA. If your 2024 MAGI exceeded the threshold, you will pay higher Medicare premiums in 2026 — automatically. You do not need to do anything wrong to trigger it. If your income was above the threshold, IRMAA applies.

The 2026 IRMAA Brackets: What You Actually Pay

IRMAA operates on a 'cliff' structure — meaning crossing a threshold by even $1 triggers the full surcharge for that entire bracket. Here are the 2026 brackets:

2024 Income (Single)	2024 Income (Joint)	2026 Part B Premium	Part D Surcharge Added
$109,000 or less	$218,000 or less	$202.90/mo (standard)	$0
$109,001 – $136,000	$218,001 – $272,000	$284.10/mo (+$81.20)	$14.50/mo
$136,001 – $163,000	$272,001 – $326,000	$365.30/mo (+$162.40)	$37.60/mo
$163,001 – $191,000	$326,001 – $382,000	$446.50/mo (+$243.60)	$60.90/mo
$191,001 – $500,000	$382,001 – $750,000	$527.70/mo (+$324.80)	$84.00/mo
Over $500,000	Over $750,000	$608.90/mo (+$406.00)	$91.00/mo

*Based on CMS 2026 data. Figures are for individual tax filers. Joint filer thresholds shown in second column. Married filing separately uses different brackets — contact us for details.

Why SC Midlands Retirees Are Especially at Risk for IRMAA

The SC Midlands has a large and growing retiree population — many of whom have income sources that push them into IRMAA territory without realizing it. The most common triggers we see with clients in Lexington and the surrounding area include:

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s — these count fully toward MAGI
South Carolina state pension income — SC has a significant population of state employees and teachers with pension income
Social Security benefits — up to 85% of Social Security is included in MAGI for higher-income recipients
Capital gains from the sale of a home, business, or investment portfolio
Roth conversions — a single large Roth conversion in 2024 will affect your 2026 Medicare premiums
Rental income from investment properties — common among Lake Murray area property owners

The two-year lag is particularly disorienting. A SC senior who retired in 2024 and had a full year of employment income will pay IRMAA-based premiums in 2026, even though they are now living on a much lower retirement income. This is one of the most common frustrations we hear from new Medicare clients.

How to Appeal IRMAA in South Carolina

If your income dropped significantly due to a qualifying life event, you do not have to wait two years for IRMAA to correct itself. You can appeal using IRS Form SSA-44 (Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — Life-Changing Event).

Qualifying life events for an IRMAA appeal include:

Retirement (stopped working or reduced work hours)
Death of a spouse
Divorce or annulment
Loss of income-producing property (not due to sale)
Major reduction in income from an employer settlement or pension

If you retired in 2025 and your 2024 tax return (used for 2026 IRMAA) reflects full employment income, file Form SSA-44 with 2025 income documentation. The SSA can use your more recent, lower income to recalculate — potentially eliminating your surcharge entirely. This is one of the most underutilized tools in Medicare planning.

IRMAA and Medicare Advantage Plans

IRMAA applies whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Every Medicare beneficiary owes the Part B premium — and any applicable IRMAA surcharge — regardless of plan type. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MA-PD), the Part D IRMAA also applies.

There is no way to escape IRMAA by choosing Medicare Advantage. If your income exceeds the threshold, you pay the surcharge in addition to your plan's premium — even if your plan's premium is $0.

Frequently Asked Questions About IRMAA in SC

Q: I just received a letter from Social Security saying my Medicare premiums are higher. What do I do?

Do not ignore it. The letter is your IRMAA determination notice. You have 60 days to appeal if you believe it is based on incorrect information or if your income has dropped significantly due to a qualifying life event. Call 843-509-2462 and we can help you understand your options.

Q: Will my IRMAA automatically go away when my income drops?

Yes — IRMAA is recalculated every year based on income from two years prior. If your 2024 income was above the threshold but your 2025 income was below it, your 2027 premiums will return to the standard amount without any action needed. However, if you had a qualifying life event in 2025 or 2026, you can appeal immediately using Form SSA-44 rather than waiting.

Q: Does my Medicare Supplement premium change because of IRMAA?

No. IRMAA affects only your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums — not your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premium. Your Medigap carrier charges you separately based on your age and the plan you selected.

Have Questions? We're Right Here in Lexington.

Call or text Jennifer Mauldin for a free, no-pressure Medicare consultation.

📞 843-509-2462

jennifer@mauldininsurancegroup.com | MauldinInsuranceGroup.com

100 Old Cherokee Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 | Serving the entire SC Midlands

By Jennifer Mauldin, Licensed Medicare Specialist | Mauldin Insurance Group, Lexington, SC | Updated April 2026Most South Carolina seniors know what Medicare Part B costs: $202.90 per month in...

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