Medicaid provides inexpensive health care coverage to qualifying individuals.
Medicaid is a federal program designed to provide low-cost or free medical coverage to needy individuals. Medicaid programs are administered at the state level and eligibility to participate is based on family size, income, financial assets and age. In South Carolina, Medicaid programs are available to several primary groups of individuals, but you must meet specific requirements in order to qualify.
Children
Medicaid coverage is available to South Carolina children who are under 19 years of age and whose family income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Children must be U.S. citizens and state residents and all applicants must have a valid Social Security number. Medicaid coverage is also available to disabled children aged 18 and under who still live at home. Parental resources and income are not considered for disabled applicants.
Women
South Carolina offers Medicaid coverage to low-income pregnant women and women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. Pregnant women must be state residents and U.S. citizens with a valid Social Security number. The income limit for pregnant women is 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Breast and cervical cancer patients must be aged 40 to 64, be diagnosed by the South Carolina Best Chance Network and be within the income guidelines to qualify for Medicaid services.
Blind and Disabled
You can also qualify for Medicaid services if you are blind or disabled. As of 2011, the income limits for blind and/or disabled applicants in South Carolina were $908 for individuals and $1,226 for couples. Coverage is available to individuals who meet the Social Security Administration's standard for disability but are still working. Disabled individuals who participate in Medicare Part A may also apply for Medicaid coverage.
Senior Citizens
State residents aged 65 and older may also apply for South Carolina Medicaid coverage. As of 2011, senior applicants could have a gross monthly income of no more than $908 for individuals or $1,226 for couples. The income limit increases to $2,022 for applicants who are seeking long-term care coverage. If you and/or your spouse are applying for long-term care coverage, your total countable resources must not exceed $10,000.
Low-Income Families
Families with low or no income may also qualify for South Carolina Medicaid benefits. To qualify, you must have at least one dependent child living at home and meet monthly income requirements. As of 2011, the net income limit for a family of four was $920. All applicants must also be U.S. citizens, state residents and have a valid Social Security number.
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