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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Florence, SC
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Florence, SC or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Florence, SC
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Florence, SC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:

The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Florence, SC
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Florence, SC is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Florence, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Florence, SC. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Latest News in Florence, SC
Florence County, South Carolina Scam Alert: Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Phone, Text and Gift Card Scams
County Herald Weather Centerhttps://countryherald.com/news/florence-county-south-carolina-scam-alert-sheriffs-office-warns-residents-about-phone-text-and-gift-card-scams/
Florence County, SC – Authorities in Florence County are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting local citizens, with fraudsters allegedly posing as law enforcement officers and government agencies in an attempt to steal money.The Florence County Sheriff’s Office says the most common scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s office who allegedly tells victims they have an outstanding arrest warrant, often for allegedly failing to report for jury duty. The ca...
Florence County, SC – Authorities in Florence County are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting local citizens, with fraudsters allegedly posing as law enforcement officers and government agencies in an attempt to steal money.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office says the most common scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s office who allegedly tells victims they have an outstanding arrest warrant, often for allegedly failing to report for jury duty. The caller then reportedly offers a way to allegedly avoid arrest by paying a supposed fine with a credit card or gift card.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, these calls are scams and residents should hang up immediately. Officials say scammers may manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a local number or even the sheriff’s office itself. Some callers allegedly use local accents or falsely claim to be actual deputies.
Law enforcement stressed that legitimate agencies will never call residents to collect money or request payment information for warrants or court fines.
Authorities also warn about another scam in which a caller allegedly claims a family member is in jail, sometimes locally or even in another country, and urgently needs money wired for bond. Officials say scammers repeatedly rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into sending money.
Text messages posing as the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles have also been circulating. In those cases, scammers allegedly claim the recipient has unpaid traffic tickets and must pay immediately through a link that appears to be official or risk license or registration suspension.
According to the sheriff’s office, these messages are fraudulent and should be deleted without clicking any links.
Officials say additional scams have involved messages impersonating the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or sweepstakes notifications.
Residents are urged to never provide personal or financial information over the phone or online to unknown individuals and to report suspected scams to local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
Cheapest gas stations in Florence, South Carolina
Stackerhttps://stacker.com/stories/south-carolina/florencesc/cheapest-gas-stations-florence-south-carolina
Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Florence, South Carolina using data from Gas Buddy.Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the co...
Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.
Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Florence, South Carolina using data from Gas Buddy.
Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.
In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.
Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that's optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.
Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai'i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That's because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country's major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.
No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.
#1. Exxon- Address: 2401 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC- Price: $2.45
#2. Sam's Club- Address: 200 Beltline Dr, SouthCarolina, SC- Price: $2.97
#3. Murphy USA- Address: 411 Pamplico Hwy, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Murphy Express (tie)- Address: 111 N. Beltline Dr, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Murphy USA (tie)- Address: 2010 S. Irby, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Fast Lane (tie)- Address: 210 E National Cemetery Rd, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#3. Mobil (tie)- Address: 2024 W Lucas St, Florence, SC- Price: $2.99
#8. Exxon- Address: 2099 N Irby St, Florence, SC- Price: $3.01
#8. Exxon (tie)- Address: 2105 TV Rd, Florence, SC- Price: $3.01
#10. BP- Address: 400 PAMPLICO HWY, Florence, SC- Price: $3.04
Florence 1 Schools’ educator finalist for SC Teacher of the Year
Tonya Brownhttps://wpde.com/news/local/florence-1-schools-educator-finalist-for-state-teacher-of-the-year-royall-elementary-superintendent-mclaurin-elementary-south-carolina
(WPDE) — Florence One Schools’ special education teacher is a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year.Megan Johnson works as an Exceptional Education teacher at Royall Elementary School and on Thursday morning got quite the surprise.South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver walked into Johnson’s classroom with a $10,000 check and told Johnson that she was up for the major award.Johnson was very emotional and extremely surprised as she gazed at all of the cameras, along wi...
(WPDE) — Florence One Schools’ special education teacher is a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
Megan Johnson works as an Exceptional Education teacher at Royall Elementary School and on Thursday morning got quite the surprise.
South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver walked into Johnson’s classroom with a $10,000 check and told Johnson that she was up for the major award.
Johnson was very emotional and extremely surprised as she gazed at all of the cameras, along with Weaver, her team and district administrators in her classroom.
Johnson has been teaching for 19 years and said she does it because she truly loves educating students.
Johnson’s young daughter was in on the surprise and gave her mother a huge hug for being named a finalist.
Before Royall, she also worked at McLaurin Elementary School and Carver Elementary School.
“I am extremely proud of Mrs. Johnson and all that she has accomplished as a teacher,” said Royall Elementary Principal Chris Rogers. “I have worked with her for many years, and I can honestly say her students always come first. She truly loves and cares for her students while giving each of them the best education possible. It is truly an honor to have her as a teacher at Royall Elementary School.”
MORE: SC 'Where the Revolutionary War Was Won' license plate explained
The South Carolina Teacher of the Year (TOY) is a program of the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) coordinated by the Office of Educator Services.
The TOY program annually identifies, recognizes, and celebrates exceptional teachers and their effective work in and outside the classroom.
The teacher selected as South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year serves for one school year as a roving ambassador promoting the teaching profession and as the state spokesperson for over 60,000 educators.
South Carolina school districts nominate teachers for consideration as state Teacher of the Year.
The SCDE established the South Carolina Education Foundation as a 501c3 nonprofit arm of the agency in order to facilitate private support for the annual Teacher of the Year Gala and other student and teacher recognition programs.
Florence One Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley said Johnson is an excellent teacher who takes pride in her career.
She was Florence One Schools’ Teacher of the Year in 2025.
District administrators called Johnson a “shining example of a teacher who gives her all to her students every day.”
Johnson’s principal and fellow teachers at the school believe she’ll bring home the top prize because educating exceptional children is her pride and joy.
Schools, offices in the Carolinas make changes ahead of potential severe storms
WMBF News Staffhttps://www.wmbfnews.com/2026/03/15/schools-carolinas-make-changes-ahead-potential-severe-storms/
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Upcoming weather conditions have led to operational changes for several schools and offices.The changes come based on potential severe storms, including strong winds, and potential tornado activity across North and South Carolina.SCHOOLSFlorence-Darlington Technical CollegeThe technical college will be closing early at 12 p.m. Monday.Horry County SchoolsThe district says all schools will dismiss 2 1/2 hours early on Monday and that all after-school...
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Upcoming weather conditions have led to operational changes for several schools and offices.
The changes come based on potential severe storms, including strong winds, and potential tornado activity across North and South Carolina.
SCHOOLS
Florence-Darlington Technical College
The technical college will be closing early at 12 p.m. Monday.
Horry County Schools
The district says all schools will dismiss 2 1/2 hours early on Monday and that all after-school activities, including Kid-Care and athletic activities, are cancelled for tomorrow.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
HGTC will close at noon on Monday.
Employees are encouraged to plan accordingly and, where possible, continue working remotely in coordination with their supervisors.
The College is currently observing Spring Break for most academic programs; however, College offices remain open, and some Workforce Development courses and training activities are still taking place.
The Public Schools of Robeson County
On Monday, schools and facilities will be closed.
All after-school activities remain canceled, including Driver’s Education Classes.
Georgetown County School District
On Monday, all schools and offices will be closed.
All after-school activities, including athletic practices, games, meetings, and other events, are cancelled.
Dillon School District Four
Monday will be an eLearning Day.
Dillon District Three
School and all after-school activities will be closed on Monday.
Florence 1 Schools
Florence 1 Schools will operate on an e-learning day Monday.
Students will log into Google Classroom for instruction with their teachers, and attendance will be taken.
All athletics and after school activities are cancelled
Florence County School District 2
The district will operate on an e-learning day Monday.
Students are encouraged to contact their teachers via email or Google Classroom for instructional support.
Staff should work from home unless otherwise.
Florence School District 3
All after-school activities are canceled for Monday, except for J. C. Lynch Elementary and Scranton Elementary after-school programs.
There are no changes to FSD3’s school day or operational schedules.
Florence School District Five
On Monday, all Florence School District Five schools will be closed to students and staff.
After-school activities are canceled.
Marion County School District
The Marion County School District will be closed Monday, and a make-up day will be announced later.
Darlington County School District
The Darlington County School District will be closed Monday.
Atlantic Collegiate Academy
Atlantic Collegiate Academy is having an e-learning day Monday. Assignments for students will be posted by 8 a.m. and must be completed by 4 p.m. for attendance.
OFFICES
Marlboro County
Marlboro County offices will be closed Monday, the county says it will monitor the conditions and provide updates.
Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office
The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office administration office will be closed to the public Monday.
Deputies will remain on their normal patrol schedules.
City of Darlington
The city of Darlington’s Administrative Offices will be closed Monday and reopen Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
Darlington County
Darlington County general government services will be closed Monday, which includes services at the courthouse, government building, landfill, recycling/convenience stations, libraries, parks and recreation activities and museum.
All public safety and public works departments will have normal operations.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
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Florence residents point to sewage flowing into Jeffries Creek behind homes
Alexis Cooperhttps://wpde.com/news/local/florence-residents-point-to-sewage-flowing-into-jeffries-creek-behind-homes
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Residents in Florence said a strong, foul odor that has lingered for months in parts of the city’s west end may finally have an explanation.Images and videos circulating online appear to show sewage spilling into Jeffries Creek, raising concerns among neighbors who said they’ve seen raw sewage flowing through the waterway behind their homes.People living near the creek said the overflow includes fecal matter and toilet paper, which they believe may be coming from the city’s sewer ...
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Residents in Florence said a strong, foul odor that has lingered for months in parts of the city’s west end may finally have an explanation.
Images and videos circulating online appear to show sewage spilling into Jeffries Creek, raising concerns among neighbors who said they’ve seen raw sewage flowing through the waterway behind their homes.
People living near the creek said the overflow includes fecal matter and toilet paper, which they believe may be coming from the city’s sewer system.
Many suspect the issue could be the source of the unpleasant smell that has affected the area for months.
Photos and videos shared on social media over the weekend show what appears to be sewage flowing from manholes into the creek.
Florence resident, Andy Evans, said the odor has become hard to ignore, especially along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
“It’s an embarrassment, David McLeod Boulevard is a major thoroughfare coming into Florence, and when you reach Golden Corral between Kimbrell’s furniture, the stench is so bad it almost makes you want to regurgitate," Evans said.
According to reports from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Jeffries Creek has experienced more than a dozen water overflows since 2023.
The most recent incident was documented less than two weeks ago. A report from the state agency indicates approximately 100,000 gallons of water were released into Jeffries Creek from a manhole, though the discharge description was listed as unknown.
Officials noted that about half an inch of rainfall, along with inflow and infiltration into the sewer system, may have contributed to the overflow.
SCDES said the city is monitoring the site, has applied lime to the affected area, and has begun water sampling.
Jeffries Creek is also protected under Florence’s Unified Development Ordinance as part of a “non-development overlay district,” which is intended to protect water quality and preserve wildlife habitats.
Evans says the continued overflows are concerning, especially in an area meant to be environmentally protected.
“It’s simple,” Evans said. “I simply want them to stop releasing raw sewage into the Jeffries Creek wetland area.”
ABC 15 reached out to SCDES and Florence city officials, asking about the timeline and potential solutions for addressing residents’ complaints about sewage overflow into the creek.
Florence City Manager Scotty Davis responded, saying he plans to provide an update to the city council during their Monday meeting.
This is not the first sewage overflow reported in the area in recent months.
In October of last year, the city said about 5,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Jeffries Creek following heavy rainfall.
Officials at the time said the incident was addressed with water testing, vacuum truck cleanup, and disinfection of the affected area.
ABC 15 will continue to follow the latest reports and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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