Health Insurance Guide

Open Enrollment for ACA Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov runs November 1 through January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Enroll between December 16 and January 15 for coverage that starts February 1.

No. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. SC Medicaid (Healthy Connections) only covers specific groups: children under 19, pregnant women, parents with very low income, seniors, and people with disabilities. Adults without children who are not pregnant or disabled generally do not qualify regardless of how low their income is.

Marketplace premiums in Jasper County for 2026 vary by age and plan tier. A benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old typically runs $500 to $600 per month before subsidies. After Premium Tax Credits, many residents pay much less. Use the calculator above to estimate your specific monthly cost.

For 2026 coverage, household income must be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. That is roughly $15,650 to $62,600 for a single person, or $32,150 to $128,600 for a family of four. The 400% subsidy cliff has returned in 2026 after enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025.

Yes, but only with a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, having or adopting a child, getting divorced and losing coverage, or moving to a new ZIP code. You generally have 60 days from the event to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.

Because South Carolina did not expand Medicaid, adults with income below 100% of the federal poverty level often do not qualify for either Medicaid or Marketplace subsidies. This is called the coverage gap. People in this situation should call SC Healthy Connections at 1-888-549-0820 and a Navigator at 1-800-464-3617 to explore all options.

The HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 is available 24 hours a day. Palmetto Project Navigators offer free, unbiased local help in South Carolina at 1-800-464-3617. The Jasper County Health Department at 843-987-6500 in Ridgeland can also assist with Medicaid applications.

If your actual income for the year ends up higher than what you reported on HealthCare.gov, you may have to repay some of your Premium Tax Credit at tax time. Update your income on HealthCare.gov as soon as it changes to avoid surprises.

The benchmark plan is the second-lowest-cost Silver plan available in your area. The federal Premium Tax Credit is calculated based on this plan's price, even if you choose a different one. If you pick a cheaper Bronze plan, you pocket the difference. If you pick a more expensive Gold plan, you pay the extra yourself.

Cost-sharing reductions (CSR) lower your deductible, copays, and coinsurance. They are automatic if you choose a Silver plan and your household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. CSR is one of the biggest reasons low-to-moderate income enrollees should pick Silver, even if Bronze has a cheaper monthly premium.