South Carolina vs Tennessee: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | South Carolina (SC) | Tennessee (TN) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $8,280 | $9,015 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,204,024 | 1,829,448 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 1,638,699 | 2,472,597 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $72/mo | $53/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $293/mo | $238/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | No | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.5% | 3.2% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | South Carolina | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $139,006 | $100,118 | +$38,888 |
| Liver Transplant | $131,604 | $180,336 | $-48,732 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $91,404 | $67,341 | +$24,063 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $86,710 | $97,052 | $-10,342 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,319 | $62,210 | $-5,890 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $35,018 | $48,824 | $-13,806 |
| Hip Fracture Repair | $30,725 | $30,792 | $-67 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $29,852 | $36,962 | $-7,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, South Carolina or Tennessee?
Tennessee has higher Medicare spending at $9,015 per capita vs $8,280 in South Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Tennessee has a lower uninsured rate of 3.2% compared to 7.5% in South Carolina.
Have both South Carolina and Tennessee expanded Medicaid?
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid.