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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Beaufort, SC
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Beaufort or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Beaufort
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Beaufort, SC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Beaufort
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Beaufort is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Beaufort, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Beaufort. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Latest News in Beaufort, SC
Lowcountry counties under winter storm warnings as closings announced ahead of storm
Shellie Murdaughhttps://www.blufftontoday.com/story/news/2025/01/21/lowcountry-counties-under-winter-storm-warnings-closings-announced/77838748007/
Lowcountry counties, including Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton, are under a winter storm warning. Schools also announced closings ahead of the weather.Bluffton TodayFrigid temperatures and the forecast for the possibility of heavy snow and mixed precipitation in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties has prompted a winter storm warning to be issued for those counties by the National Weather Service in Charleston.A winter storm warning is issued when heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected in the area.A winter...
Lowcountry counties, including Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton, are under a winter storm warning. Schools also announced closings ahead of the weather.
Bluffton Today
Frigid temperatures and the forecast for the possibility of heavy snow and mixed precipitation in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties has prompted a winter storm warning to be issued for those counties by the National Weather Service in Charleston.
A winter storm warning is issued when heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected in the area.
A winter storm watch was initially issued Jan. 19 and was to be in effect from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday morning for the three counties as well as for some surrounding counties. The National Weather Service updated the watch to a warning around 3 p.m. Monday afternoon.
A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect in Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton counties at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect until noon on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.
The warning means heavy snow is expected and total snow and sleet accumulations are expected to be up to two inches.
The National Weather Service said roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely be impacted by the storm and become slick and hazardous.
"Plan on slippery road conditions," the NWS said. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes."
The NWS added there is an enhanced risk for sleet occurring along the lower South Carolina coastal counties, especially inland of US 17.
"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the NWS said. "The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat."
Travel is not recommended unless it is absolutely necessary, the NWS said, and if travel is absolutely necessary, people should drive with extreme caution.
"Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing," the NWS said. "Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
Cold Weather Advisory
A cold weather advisory is also in effect for Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties until Wednesday at noon.
The weather service said very cold wind chills of 10 to 20 degrees are forecast for Monday night and 10 to 15 degrees above zero Tuesday night.
Impacts due to the frigid temperatures could include frostbite and hypothermia which will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values could also lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
"This will be an unusually long period of bitterly cold weather," the NWS said. "Daytime highs will only warm into the upper 30s to around 40 degrees Tuesday and mid to upper 30s Wednesday."
Overnight lows will also drop into the mid to upper 20s Monday night, then lower to mid 20s Tuesday night.
Winter Weather preparedness tips
Due to the dangerous winter weather, the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division issued several winter weather preparedness tips. The tips include:
1) Keep enough non-perishable food and water for at least three days
2) Make sure you have warm clothing and blankets
3) Ensure you have an updated first aid kit
4) Charge your phone in advance and sign up for emergency alerts
5) Be sure to dress in layers if you must go outside and limit time outside when possible
School and government office closings
Several schools and offices have announced closings as of Monday afternoon due to the pending winter weather in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties.
Jasper County Government offices will close early Tuesday (Jan. 21) at 1 p.m., according to Jasper County Administrator Andy Fulghum. A decision as to whether the county will open its offices on Wednesday (Jan. 22) will be determined as officials monitor the weather. Recycling centers will be operating in Jasper County Tuesday (Jan. 21) from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. City of Hardeeville offices will close Tuesday at 1 p.m. and remain closed Wednesday.
The Town of Bluffton offices will close Tuesday at 2 p.m. and will be closed on Wednesday. Town staff will be working remotely.
Jasper County School District will have half day for students Tuesday. Wednesday is already a scheduled professional development day so there will be no school for students, a school spokesperson said. School district staff will work from home Wednesday. The district said a decision on Thursday will be made Wednesday.
Other schools in Jasper County who have announced closings include Royal Live Oaks Academy and Thomas Heyward Academy that will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and students will have e-learning days. John Paul II Catholic School will dismiss at noon on Tuesday and Wednesday students will have an e-learning day.
Legacy Christian Academy will release students early Tuesday and will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Polaris Tech Charter School will close early Tuesday at 11:15 a.m. for elementary school students and at 11:30 a.m. for middle and high school students. Wednesday will be an e-learning day for all students and the school will continue to monitor the weather and make adjustments as needed. Step of Faith Christian Academy will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry will close its campus Tuesday but will operate virtually until 2 p.m. for classes. The college and classes will remain closed on Wednesday. University of South Carolina Beaufort will be closing Tuesday at 2 p.m. and will remain closed Wednesday. A decision regarding Thursday will be made Wednesday by 3 p.m.
Beaufort County School District will have a half day for students Tuesday and an e-learning day Wednesday. The district said a decision on Thursday will be made by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Hampton County School District will have an early release Tuesday and all district offices and schools will be closed Wednesday. Patrick Henry Academy will have an early dismissal Tuesday at 1:25 p.m. for its elementary school students while middle school students will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. High school students will be dismissed at 1:40 p.m. School is canceled for Wednesday and there will be a decision made for Thursday later in the week.
The Varnville Town Hall will be open until noon on Tuesday and closed on Wednesday. Residential garbage pickup will be on normal pickup days with possible delays. The Estill Town Hall will close at Noon on Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday.
Emergency Warming Shelters Opening
An emergency warming shelter will be opening at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Kingdom Touch Ministries to assist those in need. The church is located at 6750 Tillman Road in Ridgeland.
The church is asking for donations and volunteers to help at the shelter. Those who can donate drinks, non-perishable food items and snacks, hygiene and first aid products or blankets and sleeping bags are asked to drop them off at the church.
Two cold weather shelters will be open in Beaufort County for those in need. Sea Island Presbyterian Church, located at 81 Lady's Island Drive in Beaufort.
The shelter will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights (Jan. 20 until Jan. 22) at 5 p.m. and closes at 8 a.m. the following morning. Dinner and breakfast will be provided, and showers will be available along with showers. There will be no weapons, alcohol, smoking or pets permitted; however service animals will be allowed. For more information, contact the church at (843) 525-0696.
The second cold weather shelter will be located at Christ Lutheran Church at 829 William Hilton Parkway in Hilton Head Island. The shelter will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights (Jan. 20 to Jan. 22) at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m. the following morning. Dinner and a morning to-go meal will be provided. There will be no weapons, alcohol, smoking or pets permitted; however service animals will be allowed. For additional information and transportation assistance, contact Christ Lutheran Church at (843) 540-4229.
Snow is on the way. Here's a list of closures and shelters in Beaufort County.
Tony Kukulichhttps://www.postandcourier.com/beaufort-county/news/beaufort-hilton-head-snow-closures-shelters/article_54045e52-d805-11ef-87ec-4f86d9060e7a.html
BEAUFORT — Preparations are underway as the Lowcountry braces for what is forecast to be the first significant snowfall in seven years.A winter storm warning is in effect for all of the Lowcountry, including Beaufort County, and some inland counties in the region with up to 5 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain expected to start falling during the late afternoon of Jan 21."The confidence is pretty high that accumulating snow, sleet and freezing rain will impact much of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georg...
BEAUFORT — Preparations are underway as the Lowcountry braces for what is forecast to be the first significant snowfall in seven years.
A winter storm warning is in effect for all of the Lowcountry, including Beaufort County, and some inland counties in the region with up to 5 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain expected to start falling during the late afternoon of Jan 21.
"The confidence is pretty high that accumulating snow, sleet and freezing rain will impact much of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia at this point in time," said National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Adam during an evening briefing Jan. 20.
In Beaufort County, the precipitation is expected to start as rain after 5 p.m., changing to snow and sleet after 11 p.m. County residents could wake up to 3 to 5 inches of snow Jan. 22.
Below average temperatures will linger after the snow falls. Highs on Jan. 21 will reach the low to mid-40s, but overnight temperatures will drop into the 20s. The following day could be the coldest of the season so far with highs likely not get out of the 30s. Overnight wind chills are forecast to be in the low teens.
Local closures
Beaufort County School District's elementary schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. and middle and high schools will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 21. The district scheduled an eLearning and remote workday for Jan. 22.
District buildings will be closed. All after-school activities on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 are canceled.
Jasper County School District will have a half-day session Jan. 21. All evening athletic activities will be rescheduled. Jan. 22 was a planned "professional development day," meaning there will be no students in attendance.
Technical College of the Lowcountry will operate virtually until 2 p.m. Jan. 21. The college will fully close and classes are canceled from 2 p.m. Jan. 21 through Jan. 22.
University South Carolina Beaufort will close at 2 p.m. Jan. 21 through Jan. 22.
The Town of Hilton Head Island's administrative offices will close at noon Jan. 21, and will remain closed Jan. 22. Town staff have also shut off all water at park facilities to prevent pipes from freezing.
Restrooms will be closed, but parks and beaches will remain open. Water service will be restored and restrooms reopened as soon as possible when temperatures allow.
Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport are operating normally as of 10 a.m. Jan. 21. However, as potential inclement weather approaches, airport officials encourage travelers to check with their carriers for any possible flight delays or cancelations.
Palmetto Breeze will suspend services on Jan. 22. Regular operations are expected to resume on Jan. 23.
Beaufort Memorial physician practices and outpatient departments will be closed Jan. 22. Elective surgeries planned for Jan. 22 at the hospital and the Beaufort Memorial Surgery Center have been rescheduled. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and infusion services will continue as planned Jan. 21. Appointments for Jan. 22 have been rescheduled.
Local law enforcement and the South Carolina Department of Transportation will work together to determine if road or bridge closures are necessary. Up to date information on road closures can be found on the SCDOT website.
Warming shelters
In Beaufort, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, located at 81 Lady’s Island Drive, opened its cold weather shelter at 5 p.m. Jan. 19. The shelter will operate from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. through the morning of Jan. 23. Service animals are allowed, but pets are not permitted.
Burton Wells Recreation Center, 1 Middleton Recreation Drive, is also open in Beaufort.
On Hilton Head Island, Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, opened a cold weather shelter Jan. 20. It will remain open through the morning of Jan. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Service animal are allowed, but pets are not permitted.
In Jasper County, an emergency warming shelter will open at Kingdom Touch Ministries, 6714 Tillman Road Ridgeland, at 6 p.m. Jan. 21. The church is asking for volunteers and donations, including drinking water, coffee, non-perishable food items, blankets and sleeping bags. Donations can be dropped off at 6750 Tillman Road.
Also in Jasper County, the Agape Life Center at 5855 S. Okatie Highway will open as a warming shelter the evening of Jan. 21 through Jan. 23, operating from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Snow headed to SC. See when Beaufort & Jasper schools, restaurants, government offices are closing
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article298892715.html
From Tuesday, Jan. 21 until Thursday, Jan. 23, some locations throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties will be closed due to the winter storm, which is expected to hit the area Tuesday afternoon and into the evening.Here is a rundown of locations that will be closed.This story will be updated as more locations release their weather protocols.All government offices will close early Tuesday and stay closed Wednesday.Beaufort County School District:BCSD will have a half-day on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and an eL...
From Tuesday, Jan. 21 until Thursday, Jan. 23, some locations throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties will be closed due to the winter storm, which is expected to hit the area Tuesday afternoon and into the evening.
Here is a rundown of locations that will be closed.
This story will be updated as more locations release their weather protocols.
All government offices will close early Tuesday and stay closed Wednesday.
Beaufort County School District:
BCSD will have a half-day on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and an eLearning and remote workday on Wednesday, Jan. 22. (assuming electrical and internet utilities are functioning).
All district buildings will be closed. All after-school activities on Tuesday and Wednesday are canceled.
Updates for Thursday operations will be decided by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 (after Emergency Management’s projection of road conditions).
Half-day dismissal schedule Tuesday, Jan. 21:
• Elementary: 11:45 a.m.
• Middle and High School: 12:45 p.m.
Teachers and/or schools will provide additional information about eLearning.
Jasper County School District:
Jasper County School District will hold a half-day on Tuesday, Jan. 21. All evening athletic activities will be rescheduled for a later date.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, is a Professional Development Day for Jasper County schools, meaning that there will be no students in attendance at schools. Faculty and staff will work from home for the scheduled professional development activities on this day.
Updates for Thursday operations will be decided on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Technical College of the Lowcountry and Culinary Institute of the South:
The Technical College of the Lowcountry and the Culinary Institute of the South, will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
University of South Carolina Beaufort
All USCB facilities will be closing at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. and will remain closed on Wednesday, Jan. 22. A decision will be made regarding Thursday’s schedule by 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Publix: Open for normal hours 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., until further notice
Kroger: Open for normal weekday hours from 7 a.m. to midnight but customers should expect low stock and potential order cancellations on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Harris Teeter: Open for normal hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
ALDI: Open for normal hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Fresh Market: Open for normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Walmart: Open for normal business hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Food Lion: Open for normal business hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Piggly Wiggly in Hilton Head: Open for normal business hours on Tuesday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
To report power outages/gas leaks
Dominion Energy
Palmetto Electric
To report issues with water/sewer services:
Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority
Broad Creek Public Service District
Hilton Head Public Service District
To report cable/internet outages:
Hargray/Sparklight
Spectrum
Brightspeed
For all emergencies, call 911
For non-emergencies, call 843-524-2777 (Use this number if attempting to report non-urgent information to Beaufort County law enforcement agencies, fire departments or Beaufort County EMS).
Department of Public Health Care Line is now available 24/7 to better assist during winter weather: 1-855-472-3432. This line is available to answer questions about interruptions to public health department services, provide weather-related updates and information.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 9:29 AM.
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January 21, 2025 10:39 AM
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The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. She has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Originally from Georgia, Anna Claire studied journalism, legal studies and English at High Point University, where she graduated in 2024. For tips and story ideas, email amiller@islandpacket.com or call (843) 626-0211.
Who will be plowing major Beaufort County roads during snowy, icy conditions? What to know
Evan McKennahttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/traffic/article298899650.html
The Hilton Head Island area is forecast to see snow and freezing rain Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, which would mark the first instance of wintry weather in Beaufort County since January 2018.Here’s what local governments and the South Carolina Department of Transportation are doing to prepar...
The Hilton Head Island area is forecast to see snow and freezing rain Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, which would mark the first instance of wintry weather in Beaufort County since January 2018.
Here’s what local governments and the South Carolina Department of Transportation are doing to prepare for the possible wintry weather, including who’s in charge of roadway maintenance and street closures.
Snow plows and salt on roads are both handled by SCDOT, according to spokesperson Hannah Robinson.
Crews began applying salt and brine on roadways across Beaufort and Jasper counties on Sunday and would continue throughout the week, Robinson said. She could not specify which roads had been pretreated but said “crews start with interstate and primary routes” before moving onto secondary roads.
Agency personnel also operate snow plows to remove snow and ice on roads within the state’s jurisdiction. SCDOT-maintained roads include most major routes within Beaufort and Jasper counties, including U.S. 278, S.C. 170, U.S. 21, I-95, S.C. 46 and Ribaut Road.
For a database of which local streets are maintained by SCDOT, use the agency’s Roadway Information System.
Like all other local municipalities, Beaufort County does not have its own snow plows or winter weather equipment. Local officials will “rely heavily on the partnership and leadership” of SCDOT, according to county spokesperson Hannah Nichols.
The Emergency Management Division of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will monitor road conditions during the winter storm and coordinate responses to traffic accidents.
As always, any closure of the Hilton Head bridges will be decided by SCDOT. The Wilton J. Graves Bridge last closed in January 2018 due to snow and freezing rain.
Gated communities on the island like Sea Pines and Hilton Head Plantation are in charge of maintaining their own roads, according to town spokesperson Heather Woolwine.
The island’s main loop, made up of William Hilton and Cross Island parkways, is maintained by SCDOT.
The Town of Bluffton says it is in charge of maintaining 13 streets, the majority of which are in the historic district. Officials also have sand bags to aid in emergency responses, according to town spokesperson Debbie Szpanka.
Szpanka added that the town has a large amount of sand for use in emergency situations, such as when a specific road ices over and needs to be treated.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM.
Are Lowcountry bridges and roads closing due to the snow storm? Here’s what SC DOT says
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article298896105.html
As the winter weather inches closer, travel and transportation in the Lowcountry may be impacted.According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, roads throughout the Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions have been salted and brined in preparation for the winter storm.On Sunday, Jan. 19, The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area, with the Beaufort and Jasper counties still under a cold weather advisory....
As the winter weather inches closer, travel and transportation in the Lowcountry may be impacted.
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, roads throughout the Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions have been salted and brined in preparation for the winter storm.
On Sunday, Jan. 19, The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area, with the Beaufort and Jasper counties still under a cold weather advisory.
Regarding road and bridge closures, SCDOT does not anticipate closing any of the roads as of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. They state that they will continue to actively monitor the roads and will provide real-time updates through their website and social media.
The bridges to Hilton Head Island rarely close during hurricanes or tropical storm, but the span closed for nearly two days after snow and freezing rainfall in January 2018, the last instance of wintry weather in Beaufort County.
Updated forecasts show much of Beaufort and southern Jasper counties will experience a mix of snow and sleet. Rain falling in the early evening on Tuesday will likely turn to snow overnight.
The snow and freezing rain is expected to start from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with the greatest impacts occurring from 8 p.m. Tuesday into early morning Wednesday.
The winter storm warning is expected to lift Wednesday at noon. The updated snow forecast shows an increase in the amount of snow the area is likely to experience. Much of the county can expect 2 to 3 inches of snow.
All roads within Beaufort and Jasper counties are monitored by the county and the SCDOT.
“Salt and brine has been spread over both Beaufort and Jasper counties. Our crews start with interstate and primary routes then move on to secondaries,” said SCDOT spokesperson Hannah Robinson.
The Island Packet will continue to update this story if roads and bridges do close over the following days.
Prepare early and it is recommended not to drive, especially on Wednesday, Jan. 22 unless you absolutely must to ensure the safety of all and facilitate the efforts of emergency services.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM.
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