How to apply for Medicaid SC? Low-income families require reliable health insurance to cover medical bills. The state operates the assistance program under the name Healthy Connections. Applicants must understand the specific state income rules before they submit applications. Read the complete guide below to check your Medicaid SC eligibility and secure your health benefits today.
1. What is Medicaid SC?
Healthy Connections is the official name of the South Carolina Medicaid program (SCDHHS). It provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. The federal and state governments jointly fund these medical benefits.
So, how does South Carolina Medicaid differ from other U.S. states?
As of 2026, the primary difference is that South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). South Carolina remains a non-expansion state.
This decision creates much stricter income eligibility limits for adults compared to states that adopted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
In most cases, able-bodied adults without dependent children generally do not qualify for Healthy Connections based on income alone. As a result, some low-income adults may fall into a coverage gap where they earn too little for Marketplace subsidies but do not qualify for Medicaid.
>>> Read more: Does Medicaid Cover Dental Implants? Know Your Benefits
2. Who Qualifies for Medicaid SC?
To qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina, you must be a resident of the state and a U.S. citizen or hold qualified immigration status.
You must also meet specific income and asset guidelines. South Carolina is a non-expansion state.
Income alone may not qualify an applicant for Medicaid in South Carolina. So, you must fit into a specific vulnerable category to receive benefits.
The state targets coverage to the following specific groups:
- Pregnant Women: Expectant mothers qualify with a household income up to 199% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This coverage continues for 12 months postpartum.
- Children: Children under age 19 qualify with a household income up to 213% of the FPL.
- Parents and Caretakers: Relatives with dependent children qualify if their household income does not exceed 100% of the FPL.
- Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Individuals aged 65 or older, or people with qualifying disabilities, receive coverage based on limited income and strict asset limits.
Seniors and individuals needing long-term nursing home care face strict financial rules. The state generally applies strict asset limits for long-term care Medicaid programs.
Certain assets, such as a primary residence or one vehicle, may be excluded depending on the applicant’s situation and Medicaid program rules.
South Carolina uses different financial rules for family-based Medicaid and long-term care or disability-based Medicaid programs
The table below shows the estimated 2026 South Carolina Medicaid long-term care eligibility guidelines. Actual eligibility rules and financial limits may change based on federal updates and individual circumstances
| Type of Medicaid | Single Applicant (Income / Asset Limits) | Married (Both Spouses Applying) | Married (Only One Spouse Applying) |
| Institutional / Nursing Home | $2,982 per month / $2,000 | $5,964 per month / $4,000 | $2,982 (applicant) / $2,000 (applicant) & $66,480 (non-applicant) |
| Medicaid Waivers / Home Services | $2,982 per month / $2,000 | $5,964 per month / $4,000 | $2,982 (applicant) / $2,000 (applicant) & $66,480 (non-applicant) |
| Regular Medicaid (Aged/Disabled) | $1,330 per month / $9,950 | $1,803.33 per month / $14,910 | $1,803.33 per month / $14,910 |
3. How to Apply Using the SC Medicaid Portal
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) manages all Medicaid applications. You should gather your necessary documents before you start the process. Applicants need clear proof of identity, state residency, and current household income to avoid processing delays.
Applying online through the official state portal is the convenient method. You can complete your application quickly by following these steps:
- Visit the official state portal at apply.scdhhs.gov.
- Create a secure account and follow the portal’s identity verification process.
- Fill out the application with your household details and upload your required documents.
- Submit your form securely and use the portal to monitor your application status.
You have alternative options if you cannot apply online. You can call the SCDHHS helpline at 888-549-0820 to get application assistance by phone. You can also mail paper forms directly to the state office or visit your local county DHHS office to apply in person.
4. Free Monthly Telecommunication Services for Medicaid SC Residents
Medicaid South Carolina enrollment may help you to be eligible for the federal Lifeline program. This is a government assistance program that helps low-income families afford essential communication services.
The Lifeline program provides eligible consumers a standard monthly discount of up to $9.25 or $24.25 (tribal lands) on their phone service or internet bills.
Besides Medicaid-receiving status, you can also qualify for the Lifeline program if you:
- Meet the household income limit, at or below 135% Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Participation in other programs like SNAP, SSI, Section 8, and specific Tribal programs.
Cintex Wireless, as an Eligible telecommunications carrier, partners directly with the Lifeline program.
Note: Eligibility varies by state and program. Offers depend on availability and qualifications. Cintex Wireless operates under the federal Lifeline Program as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). Service is non-transferable and limited to one service per household.
Many consumers choose Cintex for its simple application process and its offers to eligible users free 5G service and a $0 smartphone. SC residents can use this device to call state caseworkers and doctors without incurring expensive prepaid phone bills.
Currently, this carriers also in the process of merging into AirTalk Wireless, another reputable ETC, to bring a better experience and wider device options to eligible participants.
Eligible users, when applying to Cintex or AirTalk, may receive the following top-tier benefits:
- Unlimited talk and text.
- 5G monthly data.
- Free smartphone or discounted upgrades
- Free international calling to over 200 destinations.
- Nationwide Coverage
- Dedicated Customer Support
- Roaming feature: Available in 70 countries and territories
>>> Read more: Which Are the Trusted Free Government Phone Providers Near Me?
5. FAQs
Q1. Will South Carolina expand Medicaid in 2026?
As of 2026, South Carolina has not adopted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Able-bodied adults without dependent children or disabilities still do not qualify for standard state medical coverage based on income alone.
Q2. What does Absolute Total Care cover under Medicaid SC?
Absolute Total Care covers many standard Medicaid services available through Healthy Connections. This managed care organization provides doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. Some members may also receive additional benefits such as vision or dental services, depending on eligibility and plan coverage
Q3. Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time in SC?
Yes, you can have both programs. The state calls these individuals “dual eligibles.” South Carolina Medicaid acts as secondary insurance. The program pays your Medicare premiums, copays, and services that Medicare may not fully cover, like long-term nursing home care.
Final Words
SC residents now understand the Medicaid SC eligibility rules. You should use the official online portal to submit your paperwork quickly. Approved applicants must select a managed care plan to receive an active insurance card.
Low-income families also qualify for a free Lifeline smartphone plan. Apply for free phone service today to contact state caseworkers and manage your medical benefits easily.
