South Carolina’s Medicaid program is called Healthy Connections. It’s managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), and it helps low-income families and individuals who are disabled or over the age of 65 receive medical care. Healthy Connections pays for some or all medical bills and can financially assist with nursing facility care. If an individual receives Social Security Income (SSI), they automatically qualify for Medicaid.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
- Must reside in South Carolina
- Must be Age 65 or older, blind or disabled
- Must have a monthly income of $1,012 or less or an annual income of $12,140 or less (single)
- Must have a combined monthly income of $1,372 or less or an annual income of $16,460 (couple)
It takes approximately 45 days for Healthy Connections to determine eligibility, although it may take longer for some applicant categories. Individuals will be notified when a determination has been made, and if approved, they will receive their benefits card within one week.
In addition to the Healthy Connections Medicaid program, there are also waivers to help with the costs of assisted living, but these programs are capped and individuals may be assigned to a waiting list.
The
Community Choices waiver enables individuals with care requirements that qualify them for a nursing home to live at home or an assisted living facility, as long as the costs don’t exceed those of a nursing home. Family members, including adult children, are eligible to be paid to take care of their aging loved one as long as they pass the necessary background checks approved by South Carolina.
Other services offered by this program include adult day care, home modifications, personal support and medical equipment and supplies.
To qualify for the Community Choices waiver, an individual must be:
- A South Carolina resident
- Age 65 and older
- In need of a nursing home level of care
- An applicant with an income of $2,313 or less, with countable assets of no more than $2,000 (single)
- An applicant with a maximum combined income of $3,160.50 and countable assets of less than $2,000 (couple)
Individuals should apply to Healthy Connections Medicaid and Community Choices even if they’re unsure of eligibility but need health care or financial help. Seniors can
apply online, at their
local county office or call the customer service line at (888) 549-0820.