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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
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.
Service Areas
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
This Small Coastal Town in South Carolina Has Charleston-like Charm Without the Crowds
Lydia Manselhttps://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-beaufort-south-carolina-7484155
Here’s what to know about visiting Beaufort, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful towns.0 seconds of 59 secondsVolume 0%This video file cannot be played.(Error Code: 224003)Charleston may get most of the attention when it comes to South Carolina’s many cities, but the history, culture, and (of course) Southern ch...
Here’s what to know about visiting Beaufort, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful towns.
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Charleston may get most of the attention when it comes to South Carolina’s many cities, but the history, culture, and (of course) Southern charm that make it so special can also be found in smaller and less expensive places in the region. If you’ve ever watched “Forrest Gump” or read anything by the late author Pat Conroy, you may be familiar with Beaufort, a harbor town on Port Royal Island. Its narrow streets, oak trees, and historic district that pre-dates the Civil War are similar to those in Charleston, but Beaufort is remarkable and magical in its own right. Plus, it doesn’t draw the same crowds that tend to flock to notable Holy City hangouts like King Street, Folly Beach, and the Battery.
Before you read any further, though, you need to know how to properly pronounce the name. Not to be confused with Beaufort, North Carolina (said like “bow-fert”), the coastal town has a pronunciation more akin to “bew-fert.” Mistaking the two will immediately identify you as a tourist — and it won’t sit too well with the locals. Once you have that squared away, you can start planning your trip to Beaufort, the second-oldest city in South Carolina.
8 Charming Small Towns in South Carolina — From the Mountains to the Beach
Best Things to Do in Beaufort, South Carolina
In 1969, Beaufort became one of the few U.S. cities with an entire downtown designated as a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so exploring the neighborhoods filled with Victorian, Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Federal-style homes is at the top of most travelers’ lists. At Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you’ll spot Woods Memorial Bridge, recognizable from the aforementioned Tom Hanks blockbuster. Stretching your legs is also encouraged along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile greenway that weaves by Beaufort’s marshes and through trees draped in Spanish moss. Given its waterfront location, Beaufort should also be experienced by boat; book a Dolphin & History Boat Cruise with Coastal Expeditions or an ecology tour with Beaufort Kayak Tours. Paddleboarding is another option, with rental equipment available at Higher Ground Outfitters.
Beaufort’s ties to the literary world are strong; visiting the Pat Conroy Literary Center (Beaufort was Conroy’s adopted hometown) or one of the three independent bookstores in town — NeverMore Books, McIntosh Book Shoppe, and Beaufort Books — is a must for book lovers. For those interested in local art, there’s the Gullah Art Gallery and Museum, Legacy Art Gallery, Rhett Gallery, Thibault Gallery, or Atelier Off Bay.
Many of the best things to do in Beaufort are found further outside of downtown. About 17 miles east is Hunting Island State Park, with its pristine beaches, marshes, maritime forest, saltwater lagoon, and the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which was destroyed during the Civil War and rebuilt in 1875. St. Helena Island (a 13-minute drive away) is home to Penn Center — one of the United States’ first schools for formerly enslaved individuals — as well as the family-owned Dempsey Farms, where you can pick in-season fruits and vegetables. Local produce can also be acquired on Saturdays at the nearby Port Royal Farmers Market.
The Best Things to Do in South Carolina, According to a Local
Beaufort Hotels
An overnight trip to Beaufort is best accompanied by a stay in one of the town’s upscale inns. Slow Southern mornings paired with a home-cooked breakfast can be enjoyed on the expansive wooden porch at The Rhett House Inn. Guests can also book the more modern Rhett House Inn Cottages, which sit across the street from the main building. Once a Union Army hospital, Anchorage 1770 overlooks the Beaufort River and offers a fine dining experience at the Ribaut Social Club. The Beaufort Inn first opened its doors in 1897, and the property’s modern-day chapter features several fully renovated buildings within the town’s historic district.
Where to Eat and Drink in Beaufort, South Carolina
As with most Southern cities and towns, food is a major part of the local culture. If you’re a traveler who plans their vacations around meals, you’ll want to start your day at Blackstone’s Cafe or Herban Market and Cafe. If you’re exploring Beaufort during the day and want something quick, order a fried chicken sandwich or po’boy from Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe. Chapman’s Grocer also has grab-and-go treats, wine, and craft beer. Old Bull Tavern is a lively gastropub open only for dinner, Saltus River Grill is great for indulging in seafood, and those craving Italian should dine at Griffin Market. Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island is one of the area’s most famous restaurants (it appeared on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations); get the shrimp gumbo.
Best Time to Visit
A South Carolina summer is hot and humid — there’s no getting around that. To explore Beaufort in the most comfortable climate, your best bet is to go in either early spring or late fall. April and October are ideal for having plenty to do (winter is far from bustling) while simultaneously avoiding the sweltering weather synonymous with the South.
Getting There
If you’re flying into Hilton Head Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) — both are under an hour away — you’ll need to rent a car to fully experience Beaufort and its surrounding area. Charleston International Airport (CHS) is also an option, although it’ll take about 90 minutes to get to Beaufort.
Beaufort mayor resigns, city to hold special election
Steven Ardaryhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/09/15/beaufort-mayor-resigns-effective-today/
BEAUFORT, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Beaufort will look to fill its mayor seat with a special election before the end of the year.The city announced the resignation of Mayor Stephen Murray on Friday effective immediately.Mayor Pro Tem Michael McFee will become acting mayor until a special election can be held to fill the vacated seat.City spokesperson Kathleen Williams said the special election is expected to be held on Dec. 12.Murray was elected mayor in 2020 after spending six years on the city council being elec...
BEAUFORT, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Beaufort will look to fill its mayor seat with a special election before the end of the year.
The city announced the resignation of Mayor Stephen Murray on Friday effective immediately.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael McFee will become acting mayor until a special election can be held to fill the vacated seat.
City spokesperson Kathleen Williams said the special election is expected to be held on Dec. 12.
Murray was elected mayor in 2020 after spending six years on the city council being elected mayor while serving his second term in the council.
During the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s annual meeting in July, Murray was elected president of the Association of South Carolina Mayors.
In a statement, Murray touts the regional partnerships developed by the city.
“We’ve proved that local government can be responsive, that it can work with a robust list of partners to achieve shared goals, and ultimately provide high-quality daily services while also investing in our preferred future,” Murray said.
Murray said he’s been “actively fighting” against people “who’ve had their hands on political levers for a long time.”
“And while I’m proud of the work and I know there is still much to be done, I’m tired,” Murray said. “I’m tired of the daily barrage of uncivil and rude people accusing me of impropriety without a shred of proof. I’m tired of the ‘he said, she said’ middle school drama that is present among many of the folks that I’m required to work with outside of Team Beaufort. I’m also tired of prioritizing my civic job at the expense of my health, my family, my friends, my businesses, and my reputation.
“The City of Beaufort deserves a mayor that has their heart and energy fully committed to the job. A mayor who is fully committed to fighting the last bastions of the ‘good ole boys’, fully committed to responding to even the nastiest email with kindness, and fully committed to actively and consistently communicating their thoughts to the people they represent. I’d like to think at one time, not too distant ago, I was this mayor. But I do not feel like I am currently up to the task of the mayor I want to be, nor the one Beaufort deserves.”
The full statement can be found below:
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Beaufort Co. early voting for November 7 elections begins
Joseph Leonardhttps://www.wsav.com/news/your-local-election-hq/beaufort-county-announces-early-voting-for-november-7-2023-elections/
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) — Early voting has kicked off in Beaufort County today. Some key mayoral races and council races are on the ballot – but what might turn out to be the biggest issue? The Beaufort County Schools’ biggest referendum ever.“I wanted to raise my voice and vote early and it’s not busy right now so it was perfect,” said Bluffton resident Gonneke Bakels.Voters in the City of Beaufort, Town of Bluffton and Town Of Port Royal will all elect new mayors.There are also ...
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) — Early voting has kicked off in Beaufort County today. Some key mayoral races and council races are on the ballot – but what might turn out to be the biggest issue? The Beaufort County Schools’ biggest referendum ever.
“I wanted to raise my voice and vote early and it’s not busy right now so it was perfect,” said Bluffton resident Gonneke Bakels.
Voters in the City of Beaufort, Town of Bluffton and Town Of Port Royal will all elect new mayors.
There are also some council seats up for grabs too. but, every voter in the county will have a say on the county’s school’s referendum. Local elections like these during off years tend to go unnoticed but election officials say that they shouldn’t.
“In the local election when the president is not on the ballot, some people have a tendency to think it’s not important,” Marie Smalls Beaufort County Elections Director explained. “The local election will affect you more personally than the nationwide election.”
The referendum has a price tag of $439 million dollars. If passed, it will expand existing schools and build new ones – making more room for students. We spoke to voters both in favor and against it.
One couple told News 3 they fear if it’s passed – the Lowcountry will get even more crowded.
“When you build a new school, you know, then you can build other developments and it’s just getting ridiculous,” Bluffton resident Betsy Dowling said. “We’ve been here 20 years and the difference between 20 years ago and now is incredible. And the traffic, everything. So where we want to stop that.”
Unlike absentee voting, you don’t need an excuse. So, anyone who’s registered to vote can skip the election day lines.
“Being it’s the first day. A lot of people still have not gotten the word, but as the week progresses on, I’m sure the turnout will increase,” Smalls told News 3.
She continued, “When we get closer to the election, then people will realize the urgency and come out and vote.”
You have until November 3 to vote early. There are four polling locations throughout the county and you can also vote absentee by mail.
For details on early voting in Beaufort County, see the original press release below:
Beaufort County announced on Oct. 17 the early voting locations and schedule for the November 7, 2023 elections today.
Early voting will take place from October 23 – November 3 (Monday-Friday) starting at 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be closed on weekends.
Early Voting Centers can be found at the following locations:
Any registered voter is able to visit an early-voting location in Beaufort and vote like they would at their polling place on Election Day which will take place on November 7, 2023.
Potentially on Beaufort County ballots will be the Fripp Island PSD Bond Referendum, the Countywide School Bond Referendum, the Town of Bluffton, the Town of Port Royal and the Town of Yemassee (Part).
Beaufort County asks that voters bring a valid Photo ID (or voter registration card if they do not have a Photo ID).
The following are acceptable types of photo IDs:
If you miss early voting, you still have time to vote on the November 7 election day.
Grimy floors + fruit flies. 4 Beaufort County businesses fell short in October inspections
Lisa Wilsonhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article281608418.html
Editor’s note: Belfair Grill Room’s location has been updated. The incorrect town was listed in DHEC reports. Also, the restaurant’s follow-up inspection, which was not available at press time, has been added. --Four Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in October health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:Belfair Grill Room, 16 Cottage Drive West in Bluffton, ...
Editor’s note: Belfair Grill Room’s location has been updated. The incorrect town was listed in DHEC reports. Also, the restaurant’s follow-up inspection, which was not available at press time, has been added.
--
Four Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in October health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:
Belfair Grill Room, 16 Cottage Drive West in Bluffton, scored an 85% (B) on Oct. 31 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: A food worker touching ready to eat foods with bare hands, issues with shellstock tags, prepared dips and sauces held longer than seven days, packages of beef without date marks, issues with thawing techniques for fish fillets and shrimp, and the three-compartment sink being used for both dirty dishes and food preparation.
The restaurant was reinspected on Nov. 9 and scored a 100% (A). Here is a note included by the inspector: “Upon arrival for follow up inspection on 11/9/23, observed B Grade Decal applied on 10/31/23 had been removed by facility. During followup inspection, facility then attempted to re-attach grade while inspection was being performed. Decal was re-attached but in different, lower location and clearly showed signs of tamper.”
El Super Market, 33 Sherington Drive in Bluffton, scored an 85% (B) on Oct. 30 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: Lack of paper towels at the meat counter hand-washing sink, a spray bottle of bleach stored over produce in the cooler and over bagged flour in the tortilla room, residential roach spray stored near the tortilla maker and under the sink in the meat display area, talcum powder stored in the meat wrapping area, rodent droppings in the tortilla making room and near the bakery oven, open containers of food stored on the floor of the cheese cooler, boxes of food stored on the floor of the freezer, plastic cups without handles stored in masa in the back room, single-use plates and to-go containers stored on the floor in the meat area, untreated wood shelving throughout the back storage room, and heavy food debris accumulation on the shelving units in the cheese and produce walk-in cooler.
The market was reinspected on Nov. 8 and scored a 100% (A).
Editor’s note: El Super, the restaurant with the same name and address as the market, also was inspected on Oct. 30 after a public complaint and scored a 92% (A). It was reinspected on Nov. 8 and scored a 100% (A).
Jasper’s Frosty Dog Cafe, 8 North Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head Island, scored a 72% (C) on Oct. 6 in a routine inspection that was the result of a public complaint. Issues noted by inspectors included: The person in charge does not have a food handlers certificate, lack of a written employee health policy, lack of a clean up policy for vomiting and diarrhea events, lack of hand cleanser at the front hand-washing station, signs of spoilage on produce in the ice cream lowboy, heavily dented cans in dry storage, fryer baskets encrusted with food debris, waffle irons with batter splatter and grime, unclean dipping well containers at the ice cream bar, issues with cold food holding temperatures, lack of a date-marking system for ready-to-eat foods, an unlabeled open container of cleaner, an open container of powdered soap stored above the sandwich prep cooler, a mouse trap on top of shelving holding bulk food items, fruit flies around the cook line prep unit and the three-compartment sink, bagged cheese stored in standing water in the cook line prep unit, boxes of single-use cups and pizza boxes stored on the floor, issues with cold food holding temperatures in the sandwich prep cooler, the soda machine leaking water onto the counter and floor in the ice cream area, accumulation of grime in the sandwich prep cooler and ice cream prep cooler, encrusted dried ice cream on top of the ice cream freezer display case, and flooring in poor condition and with a heavy accumulation of grime, grease, food debris and trash.
The restaurant was reinspected on Oct. 16 and scored a 86% (C). This percentage normally would merit a B grade, but the inspector maintained the C grade because of continued priority violations. The inspector noted the person in charge does not have a food handlers certificate, issues with cold food holding temperatures, lack of date marks on ready-to-eat foods, a cleaner bottle stored on top of the Dippin’ Dots ice cream bin, drain cleaner stored at the waffle cone making station, the soda machine leaking water onto the floor, dried ice cream debris on the ice cream coolers, flooring in poor condition, and a heavy accumulation of food debris, grease and grime under the kitchen prep unit doors and under the cook line equipment.
The restaurant was reinspected on Oct. 24 and scored a 97% (A).
Okatie Ale House, 25 William Pope Court in Bluffton, scored a 93% (C) in a follow-up inspection related to September’s restaurant ratings. This percentage normally would merit an A grade, but the inspector downgraded the restaurant to a C because of failure to correct temperature issues with the outside walk-in cooler.
The restaurant was reinspected on Oct. 10 and scored a 100% (A).
Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score.
During October, DHEC recorded 196 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.
Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.
Below are the SC DHEC restaurant grades in Beaufort County from Oct. 1-31, 2023.
At the top left of the chart, there is a space to search for the name of a restaurant. Please note that this month’s inspections take up two pages. Switch to page 2 at the top right.
This story was originally published November 9, 2023, 12:52 PM.
Beaufort named #1 Best Small Town in S.C. by Southern Living
Explore Beaufort -https://explorebeaufortsc.com/beaufort-named-1-best-small-town-in-s-c-by-southern-living/
Hey y’all. Beaufort did it again. Beaufort SC was just named the #1 Best Small Town in S.C. by Southern Living magazine.“Sure, big city trips can be fun for a change, but when we want to truly sink into vacation mode, we’re partial to visiting small towns,” SL said in its article. “And some of our favorite spots lie within the state lines of South Carolina. We’ve always loved the Palmetto State for bringing us universally beloved destinations like Charleston and Hilton Head, but dive a little deeper...
Hey y’all. Beaufort did it again. Beaufort SC was just named the #1 Best Small Town in S.C. by Southern Living magazine.
“Sure, big city trips can be fun for a change, but when we want to truly sink into vacation mode, we’re partial to visiting small towns,” SL said in its article. “And some of our favorite spots lie within the state lines of South Carolina. We’ve always loved the Palmetto State for bringing us universally beloved destinations like Charleston and Hilton Head, but dive a little deeper into the state’s geography, and you’ll find dozens of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.”
Enter, Beaufort, South Carolina.
“Wild beauty and Lowcountry allure abound in this South Carolina gem.”
“Get lost among the pines and palmettos of an ancient maritime forest at Hunting Island State Park, catch a striking sunset over the Beaufort River, and marvel at the columns and sweeping porches of stately mansions on Historic Craven Street.”
Southern Living seems to nail it with that description.
In a nod to local cuisine, SL said, “One final bit of advice for our trip to Beaufort: Order the tomato pie at Lowcountry Produce. It’s a seasonal delicacy that can’t be missed. ”
It’s good to be consistently included among the best, but this isn’t really that much of a surprise if you’ve ever visited Beaufort SC.
Beaufort is in some good company on the list, too.
The Top 10 are:
1. Beaufort 2. Georgetown 3. Bluffton (congrats, neighbor!) 4. Aiken 5. Folly Beach 6. Clemson 7. Travelers Rest 8. Edisto Island 9. Landrum 10. Anderson
For the entire list, visit here.
The accolades really have been pouring in for Beaufort recently, and we couldn’t be more proud.
Just last month, CNN named Beaufort one of the Best Small Towns in America.
Trips To Discover recently named Beaufort the Best Summer Vacation Destination in South Carolina, one of the Most Friendliest Towns in the U.S. and one of the 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.
In 2022, Southern Living magazine named Beaufort the #1 Best Small Town in the South.
We’ve also recently been named one of the 25 Best Small Towns in America by Architectural Digest; the Most Charming Small Town in South Carolina; one of the Cutest Towns in the U.S. and the Most Quaint Town in South Carolina.
In addition to those, Southern Living magazine named the Old Sheldon Church ruins one of the South’s Most Beautiful Chapels; named Hunting Island State Park one of the Best State Parks in the South; and named downtown Beaufort’s Craven Street one of the South’s Most Beautiful Streets.
To see more of Beaufort, the Best Small Town in S.C., check out this link, too.
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