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.
If you want someone to shop the South Carolina market for you, a broker is the usual route. The 11 offices below sit closest to St. Andrews and list themselves as brokers or independent agencies, which typically means access to more than one insurer.
Health Insurance Brokers near St. Andrews
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Richland County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Do 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.
Broker 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.
Carriers a St. Andrews 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
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
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.
How do I find a good health insurance broker in St. Andrews?
Look for a broker licensed in South Carolina who can quote several carriers, is certified with the HealthCare.gov, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the South Carolina insurance regulator.
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
- Seven Oaks, SC 2 miles
- West Columbia, SC 4 miles
- Oak Grove, SC 5 miles
- Irmo, SC 6 miles
- Forest Acres, SC 8 miles
- Lexington, SC 8 miles
- Cayce, SC 8 miles
- Dentsville, SC 9 miles
- Woodfield, SC 10 miles
- Lake Murray of Richland, SC 10 miles