Columbia, South Carolina: health insurance
Columbia is in Richland County. Here is what Columbia residents should know about coverage.
Coverage in Columbia
Columbia has about 142,416 residents (U.S. Census Bureau 2023 estimate).
Plans for Columbia residents are determined by Richland County, home to about 425,138 people (2023 estimate). Medicare Advantage plans and marketplace plans are offered by area, so use your ZIP code when you compare, and make sure a plan covers Richland County before you choose it.
- Turning 65 in Columbia? Your Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your birthday. I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders) offers free counseling at 800-868-9095.
- Buying your own plan? Shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace).
- Medicaid questions? Healthy Connections (SC Department of Health and Human Services) handles applications.
South Carolina note: South Carolina's Medicare counseling program uses a distinctive name, I-CARE, rather than a generic SHIP label, and is run through the state's Office on Aging rather than the Department of Insurance -- worth knowing since some other states run this exact function directly out of their insurance regulator instead.
Medicare plans leaving Richland County for 2027
Medicare plans are set by county, so this applies to residents of this city. 5 plans are listed in Richland County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 131 people.
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Signature Care (PPO) H5521-500 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 131 |
See all 5 plans leaving Richland County →
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Colleges and universities near Columbia
South Carolina public institutions include University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Medical University of South Carolina. Students and employees at these schools should check their school’s student health or benefits office, because campus plans and employer plans work differently from individual coverage. More about South Carolina colleges.
Do Columbia and Richland County have the same plans?
Plans are offered by service area, and Columbia falls under Richland County. A plan that serves Richland County is generally the one that applies to you.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. A call is a conversation about your options.
Columbia residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Other major South Carolina cities
- Charleston
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Greenville
- Rock Hill
- Summerville
- Goose Creek
- Greer
- Sumter
- Florence
- Myrtle Beach
- Spartanburg
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.