Medicaid in
South Carolina
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Parents qualify for Healthy Connections at roughly 67% of the federal poverty level — about $1,442 a month for three people — and most adults without children cannot qualify at any income.
Who Qualifies for Healthy Connections in South Carolina?
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid
Parents in South Carolina are measured against roughly 67% of the federal poverty level, far below the 138% used in expansion states, and adults with no dependent children generally cannot qualify at any income unless they are pregnant, disabled or 65+. Below 100% of poverty there is no Marketplace subsidy either — that gap is why so many applications in South Carolina are denied.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $841 | $10,090 |
| 2 people | $1,141 | $13,695 |
| 3 people | $1,442 | $17,299 |
| 4 people | $1,742 | $20,904 |
| 5 people | $2,042 | $24,509 |
| 6 people | $2,343 | $28,113 |
| 7 people | $2,643 | $31,718 |
| 8 people | $2,944 | $35,322 |
Limits shown at 67% of the federal poverty level for South Carolina — the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled use different and generally higher limits.
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina.
Income Limit
$1,442/mo for a household of three (67% FPL)
Adults Without Children
Generally not covered in South Carolina at any income unless pregnant, disabled or 65+
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified non-citizen
Non-expansion states limit adults to ~100% FPL.
Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your Medicaid application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Medicaid in South Carolina.
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above before starting.
Submit your application
Apply online through SC DSS Benefits Portal, or by phone at 800-616-1309. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services handles South Carolina applications.
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 days. Keep copies of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in South Carolina in 2026?
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, so the limit is far lower than the 138% of poverty used by expansion states. A parent or caretaker in South Carolina is measured against roughly 67% of the federal poverty level — about $1,442 a month for a household of three. An adult with no dependent children generally cannot qualify for Healthy Connections at any income unless they are pregnant, disabled or 65+. That is the coverage gap.
Can I get Medicaid in South Carolina if I have no children?
Usually not. South Carolina did not expand Medicaid, so a non-disabled adult under 65 with no dependent children generally cannot qualify for Healthy Connections regardless of how low their income is. If your income is at least 100% of the federal poverty level you can instead buy a heavily subsidised Marketplace plan; below that, ask a local community health centre about sliding-scale care.
How do I apply for Medicaid in South Carolina?
Apply for Healthy Connections online through SC DSS Benefits Portal at www.scdhhs.gov, run by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or by phone at 800-616-1309. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does South Carolina take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give South Carolina 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in South Carolina?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — South Carolina covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the adult income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.