California vs South Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | California (CA) | South Carolina (SC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,208 | $8,280 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 7,080,750 | 1,204,024 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 9,524,332 | 1,638,699 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $78/mo | $72/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $132/mo | $293/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.9% | 7.5% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | California | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $143,424 | $139,006 | +$4,418 |
| Liver Transplant | $135,205 | $131,604 | +$3,601 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,317 | $86,710 | +$2,606 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $81,579 | $91,404 | $-9,825 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,527 | $56,319 | +$208 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,016 | $38,898 | +$117 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $37,120 | $35,018 | +$2,103 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $32,614 | $29,852 | +$2,761 |
| Colectomy | $27,781 | $25,939 | +$1,843 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, California or South Carolina?
California has higher Medicare spending at $10,208 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 7.9% in California.
Have both California and South Carolina expanded Medicaid?
California has expanded Medicaid. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid.