Kentucky vs South Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Kentucky (KY) | South Carolina (SC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $14,424 | $8,280 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,859,991 | 1,204,024 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,513,322 | 1,638,699 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $41/mo | $72/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $243/mo | $293/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 4.9% | 7.5% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Kentucky | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $170,556 | $131,604 | +$38,951 |
| Kidney Transplant | $113,220 | $139,006 | $-25,786 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $69,586 | $91,404 | $-21,818 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $69,356 | $86,710 | $-17,354 |
| Spinal Fusion | $62,020 | $56,319 | +$5,701 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,879 | $35,018 | $-139 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $33,172 | $29,852 | +$3,320 |
| Colectomy | $29,531 | $25,939 | +$3,592 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Kentucky or South Carolina?
Kentucky has higher Medicare spending at $14,424 per capita vs $8,280 in South Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Kentucky has a lower uninsured rate of 4.9% compared to 7.5% in South Carolina.
Have both Kentucky and South Carolina expanded Medicaid?
Kentucky has expanded Medicaid. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid.