Alaska vs South Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Alaska (AK) | South Carolina (SC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,300 | $8,280 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,959,987 | 1,204,024 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 3,979,983 | 1,638,699 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $71/mo | $72/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $259/mo | $293/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.8% | 7.5% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Alaska | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $205,419 | $131,604 | +$73,815 |
| Kidney Transplant | $140,732 | $139,006 | +$1,726 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $95,882 | $86,710 | +$9,172 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $84,129 | $91,404 | $-7,275 |
| Spinal Fusion | $40,907 | $56,319 | $-15,412 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,106 | $38,898 | +$208 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,472 | $29,852 | +$5,619 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,276 | $35,018 | $-742 |
| Colectomy | $27,889 | $25,939 | +$1,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Alaska or South Carolina?
Alaska has higher Medicare spending at $10,300 per capita vs $8,280 in South Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Carolina has a lower uninsured rate of 7.5% compared to 7.8% in Alaska.
Have both Alaska and South Carolina expanded Medicaid?
Alaska has expanded Medicaid. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid.