South Carolina vs Washington: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | South Carolina (SC) | Washington (WA) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $8,280 | $9,870 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,204,024 | 1,357,208 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 1,638,699 | 1,842,945 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $72/mo | $33/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $293/mo | $129/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | No | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.5% | 3.0% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | South Carolina | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $139,006 | $148,949 | $-9,943 |
| Liver Transplant | $131,604 | $145,003 | $-13,398 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $91,404 | $88,119 | +$3,285 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $86,710 | $77,017 | +$9,693 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,319 | $37,681 | +$18,638 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $38,898 | $40,403 | $-1,505 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $35,018 | $40,951 | $-5,933 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $29,852 | $26,825 | +$3,028 |
| Colectomy | $25,939 | $25,789 | +$150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, South Carolina or Washington?
Washington has higher Medicare spending at $9,870 per capita vs $8,280 in South Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Washington has a lower uninsured rate of 3.0% compared to 7.5% in South Carolina.
Have both South Carolina and Washington expanded Medicaid?
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Washington has expanded Medicaid.