Medicaid FAQs
1. What is Medicaid?
In South Carolina, the Medicaid program is called Healthy Connections Medicaid. It is a joint federal‐state health care assistance program that covers eligible low-income individuals and families.
2. How is Medicaid different from Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 +, and for younger people with certain disabilities.
Medicaid (Healthy Connections) is designed for lower-income residents, and eligibility is based on income, resources, disability, age, pregnancy or family circumstances.
It’s possible to have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time — for example, if you qualify for Medicare and also meet Medicaid income/resource rules.
3. Who qualifies for Healthy Connections Medicaid in South Carolina?
Here are some of the major eligibility groups (note: details may vary, and you should consult an attorney or case specialist for your specific situation):
Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) individuals: income and resource limits apply.
Children, parents/caretakers of children, pregnant women: income thresholds depend on program.
Former foster youth (up to age 26) who were in foster care and enrolled in Medicaid at aging-out time. SCDHHS
Important note: South Carolina has not adopted full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act to cover all adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). That means adults without children or caretaking responsibilities — and who are not disabled or aged — may not be eligible under current rules.
4. What are the income & asset limits (2025 values) for major categories?
Here are some sample limits for South Carolina for 2025:
ABD (Aged, Blind or Disabled) individuals: Monthly income limit ~$1,305; annual ~$15,650; resource (asset) limit ~$9,660.
Nursing Home / Long-Term Care: Single applicant income under ~$2,901/month; assets under ~$2,000. Medicaid Planning Assistance
Note: These limits vary based on category, household size, marital status and whether institutional care or home/community care applies.
Important: There is also a “look-back” period (60 months) for asset transfers for long-term care eligibility. Medicaid Planning Assistance
5. How do I apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid?
You can apply online through the Healthy Connections portal.
You can also download the paper application (Form 3400) and mail it to:
SCDHHS Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101When you apply you will need: date of birth, Social Security numbers, income information, benefit info (Social Security/SSI/Veteran’s, etc), amounts in savings/checking, and housing/utility expenses. Humana
After you’re approved, you’ll receive a Medicaid card and access to covered services.
6. What happens after I’m enrolled — do I have to renew?
Yes — Medicaid beneficiaries must complete an annual eligibility review to maintain coverage. If you fail to return the review form on time you risk losing benefits or being moved to a different plan. selecthealthofsc.com
Tip: Make sure your address and contact information are up to date so you receive the review form and avoid interruption.
7. What types of services does Healthy Connections cover?
Coverage typically includes:
Doctor visits, hospital services, preventive care
Prescription medications
Vision, hearing, dental (depending on category) regencyhcs.com
Long-term care services for eligible individuals (nursing facility, home and community-based waiver services)
Non-emergency medical transportation to help get to appointments regencyhcs.com
There are no or very low premiums for most Medicaid recipients.
8. What are common pitfalls or things to watch out for?
If you transfer assets (give away or sell for less than fair market value) during the look-back period you may trigger a penalty period. Medicaid Planning Assistance
Being unaware of the eligibility category: simply being low income may not be enough if you don’t fall into an eligible group (e.g., childless adults may be excluded in SC).
Failing to complete the annual review form on time may cause coverage to be paused or terminated.
Owning a home may impact estate recovery: your primary residence is often exempt from asset limits, but the state may attempt recovery from your estate later. regencyhcs.com
9. How can our law firm help you?
At Strom Law Firm, L.L.C., we guide clients through the complex eligibility rules of Medicaid and long-term care qualification. We can:
Review your financial situation (income, assets, transfers) and advise on planning strategies
Help determine which eligibility category applies to you or a loved one
Assist with the application process, review forms and deadlines
Monitor upcoming changes in law or state policy that may affect eligibility
If you are thinking ahead (for aging parents, spouse in long-term care, or planning recent asset transfers) or you have already been denied, it’s wise to seek personalized advice.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion of your situation. We’re here to walk you through the process and advocate for your best outcome.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility rules for Medicaid and long-term care are highly fact-specific and vary by state and category. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice regarding your individual circumstances.
