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. The rest of this page covers your coverage options in Columbia, the best-reviewed local agencies and the deadlines that matter.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Columbia
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Richland County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Columbia, SC
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $702/mo before subsidies |
| Richland County benchmark (2026) | $571/mo |
| Plans offered in Richland County (2026) | 60 |
| Plan types | HMO, EPO, PPO |
| Marketplace insurers in South Carolina (2027) | 6 |
| Medicaid expansion | No |
| Short-term plans | Sold with state limits (not ACA-compliant) |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
A quick checklist
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
Free enrollment help in South Carolina
HealthCare.gov Marketplace assisters: CMS-funded Navigator organizations plus Certified Application Counselors, who give free, impartial help applying and enrolling; consumers search for nearby help with the HealthCare.gov Find Local Help tool. You can search for in-person help on the official find-help page. If you'd rather have someone compare plans and recommend one, a licensed agent can do that at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which insurers sell marketplace plans in South Carolina?
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.
How much is health insurance in Columbia?
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. A licensed agent can quote your exact price.
Where can I buy health insurance in Columbia?
Through the HealthCare.gov, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
Health insurance 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