Health Insurance Cost in South Carolina (2026)
Data: CMS/KFF 2026 rate filings · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25 · Last reviewed July 2026
#34 of 51 South Carolina's average benchmark premium is $564/month for a single 40-year-old in 2026 — 10% below the national average of $625. That's the full sticker price; what you actually pay depends on your subsidy, and the subsidy rules changed sharply this year.
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What you'd actually pay in South Carolina at different incomes
Estimated 2026 numbers for a single 40-year-old, using South Carolina's average benchmark premium and this year's official contribution percentages:
| Income level | Annual income | Your max contribution | Est. subsidy | Est. benchmark cost to you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,475 | $82/mo | $482/mo | $82/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,300 | $172/mo | $392/mo | $172/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,125 | $275/mo | $289/mo | $275/mo |
| 300% FPL | $46,950 | $390/mo | $174/mo | $390/mo |
| 399% FPL | $62,444 | $518/mo | $46/mo | $518/mo |
| Over 400% FPL | $62,600+ | No cap | $0 | $564/mo (full price) |
Bronze plans usually cost less than the benchmark silver plan shown (your subsidy still applies). Under 250% FPL, pick silver to get cost-sharing reductions. Run your exact numbers in the 2026 subsidy calculator.
The 400% cliff in South Carolina
South Carolina's average benchmark ($564/mo) is low relative to the 9.96%-of-income cap, so a single person near the 400% line gets little or no subsidy anyway. The cliff matters more here for couples and families (400% of FPL is $84,600 for a couple, $128,600 for a family of four) and for older enrollees, whose premiums run up to 3× the 40-year-old rate.
Medicaid & low-income options
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Marketplace subsidies only start at 100% of FPL ($15,650 for a single person) — below that, adults may fall into the "coverage gap" unless they qualify for traditional Medicaid categories.
Where to enroll
South Carolina uses the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage: November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027 (some state marketplaces extend later). Missed it? See your options after open enrollment.
Need cheaper dental & vision coverage?
Standalone dental insurance and discount plans often cost $10–$40/month — far less than adding dental to a health plan.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is health insurance in South Carolina in 2026?
The average benchmark (second-lowest-cost silver) plan for a 40-year-old in South Carolina costs about $564/month before subsidies in 2026 — 10% below the national average of $625. Your actual price depends on age, county, and plan choice; subsidies can cut it dramatically if your income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
What income qualifies for a subsidy in South Carolina in 2026?
For 2026, premium tax credits are available between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level: $15,650–$62,600 for a single person and $32,150–$128,600 for a family of four. Above 400% there is no subsidy — the enhanced credits that removed this cliff expired at the end of 2025.
Where do I enroll in coverage in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov. Open enrollment for 2027 plans runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027 in most states; outside that window you need a qualifying life event.
Compare with similar states
California ($570) · North Dakota ($570) · Colorado ($557) · Pennsylvania ($572) · all states