Healthcare Access in Beaufort County
An interactive analysis of key challenges to access to care in the Lowcountry.
The Five Pillars of Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare is a complex issue. We can understand it better by looking at four key pillars. Click each tab below to explore the data-driven challenges facing Beaufort County in each area.
Pillar I: Health Insurance Coverage
Beaufort County generally has higher coverage rates than rural SC averages, yet disparities exist. A large retirement community (Sun City/Hilton Head) drives exceptional Medicare enrollment, while service workers in the tourism sector often face coverage gaps.
Pillar II: Workforce & Availability
Beaufort County is a regional medical hub with decent provider density. The population-to-PCP ratio is slightly better than the state average, supported by the presence of Beaufort Memorial Hospital and nearby Hilton Head Regional.
Unlike many rural counties, Beaufort benefits from a competitive medical market. The presence of specialists is high, though residents in northern rural pockets (like Sheldon) still face transportation barriers to reach the medical centers in Beaufort and Bluffton.
Pillar III: Utilization & Timeliness
Utilization metrics reflect a high-performing system. Recent improvements in triage at Beaufort Memorial have led to impressive wait time stats, and the rate of preventable hospital stays is among the lowest in the state.
The low rate of preventable hospital stays (2,097) suggests effective primary care management in the community.
Pillar IV: Affordability
While the county is wealthy in aggregate, the high cost of living creates affordability gaps for service workers. Housing costs compete with healthcare budgets for many families in the hospitality industry.
The expected increase in ACA premiums puts strain on household budgets. Estimates suggest that nearly 11% of adults in the region may avoid necessary medical care specifically due to cost, despite the availability of high-quality facilities.
Pillar V: Local Investment
Beaufort County benefits from a robust FQHC network (BJHCHS) that secures significant federal funding to serve the tri-county area, along with strong philanthropic support.