Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Richland County cost about $571 a month for 2026, and the South Carolina average for 2027 is $702 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in Richland County for 2026.
Brokers in the Columbia area can quote individual, family and self-employed coverage from multiple carriers licensed in South Carolina. Their commission is built into the premium, so using one doesn't raise your price. Here are 11 brokerages within reach of Columbia.
Health Insurance Brokers near Columbia
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Richland County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in South Carolina.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Carriers a Columbia broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in South Carolina come from 6 insurers: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (incl. BlueChoice), Ambetter (Absolute Total Care), Molina Healthcare, Select Health of SC, UnitedHealthcare and InStil Health. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
Before you call an agent
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
Checking an agent's license in South Carolina
- South Carolina's Department of Insurance uses the NAIC State Based Systems online lookup for its license database, so anyone can search there to confirm an agent's or agency's license. Source
- The South Carolina Department of Insurance licenses insurance producers and agencies and regulates insurers in the state. Consumers can file complaints with the department through its website. Source
Frequently asked questions
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Woodfield, SC 2 miles
- Forest Acres, SC 4 miles
- Dentsville, SC 4 miles
- Cayce, SC 10 miles
- West Columbia, SC 11 miles
- St. Andrews, SC 12 miles
- Seven Oaks, SC 14 miles
- Oak Grove, SC 14 miles
- Irmo, SC 17 miles
- Lugoff, SC 18 miles