Medicaid Eligibility CalculatorsSouth Carolina Medicaid eligibility at a glance
- Healthy ConnectionsProgram
- Not adoptedExpansion status
- No general coverage for people 21 and olderPeople under 65
- 67% FPLParents and caretakers
- 199% FPLPregnancy
- 213% FPLChildren (up to)
- 888-549-0820Agency phone
- Official siteAgency website
South Carolina pregnancy and child minimum limits, 2026 (138% FPL)
| Household size | Monthly limit | Yearly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,055 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,894 |
South Carolina Medicaid income limits by group, 2026
| Household | Parents /mo | Pregnancy /mo | Teens 6–18 /mo | Children, top /mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $891 | — | — | — |
| 2 | $1,208 | $3,589 | $3,841 | $3,841 |
| 3 | $1,525 | $4,531 | $4,849 | $4,849 |
| 4 | $1,843 | $5,473 | $5,858 | $5,858 |
| 5 | $2,160 | $6,414 | $6,866 | $6,866 |
| 6 | $2,477 | $7,356 | $7,874 | $7,874 |
Children, pregnancy and parent limits use the Medicaid.gov eligibility levels table (state decisions as of December 1, 2023, the latest shown there), plus the 5% disregard, converted to dollars with 2026 poverty guidelines. States can change these, so confirm with your agency.
South Carolina's children's limit of up to 213% of poverty ranks around the middle of the country, and its pregnancy limit of 199% is around the middle of the country. Compare all states' income limits.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in South Carolina?
- People: South Carolina has not adopted Medicaid expansion. Most people aged 19–64 without dependent children don't qualify on income alone, and parents face limits set by the state. Pregnant people and children are covered to at least 138% of the federal poverty level.
- Parents: with one child and a household of two, the parent limit is about $1,208 a month.
- Pregnant people: a household of two (you and your expected baby) can qualify up to about $3,589 a month.
- Children: a family of four can have up to about $5,858 a month for teens under Medicaid.
- Seniors and people with disabilities: a common benchmark is $1,014 a month and $2,000 in assets for one person. South Carolina's rules may differ, so confirm with the agency.
South Carolina Medicaid examples
- A single person with no children and $1,000 a month is unlikely to qualify, because South Carolina has not adopted expansion.
- A pregnant person in a household of three earning $4,331 a month is within the pregnancy limit.
- A family of four earning $5,658 a month has teens within the Medicaid limit, even if the parents are over theirs.
Federal poverty levels used for South Carolina
| Household | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $58,020 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $69,055 | $75,060 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $76,894 | $83,580 | $111,440 |
Yearly dollars from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Divide by 12 for a monthly figure.
How to apply for Medicaid in South Carolina
- Check your estimate with the South Carolina Medicaid calculator above.
- Gather proof of identity, address, income and household.
- Apply through the South Carolina Medicaid agency, by calling 888-549-0820, or at HealthCare.gov. Applying is free.
- Answer any requests for more information before the deadline.
- Look for a decision, usually within 45 days, or 90 days if it depends on a disability.
See our full Medicaid application guide and who qualifies.
What Healthy Connections covers
Like every state, South Carolina must cover hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests and X-rays, nursing facility care, home health, family planning, rides to medical care and EPSDT services for children. Optional benefits, such as dental care for people 21 and older and eyeglasses, are up to the state. Ask the agency or your health plan for the current South Carolina benefit list.
The coverage gap in South Carolina
Because South Carolina has not adopted full expansion, some people aged 19–64 earn too little for Marketplace premium tax credits, yet don't qualify for Medicaid. If that describes you, ask about community health centers and hospital financial aid. Check again if you become pregnant, get a disability diagnosis, or if your income rises to about 100% of the poverty level, when Marketplace savings may begin.
Seniors and long-term care in South Carolina
Older people and people with disabilities in South Carolina may qualify for coverage, help with Medicare costs, nursing home care or home care through waiver programs. These use separate income, asset and care-need rules, and a 60-month look-back on asset transfers applies to long-term care. See our guide to Medicaid for seniors.
Keeping your South Carolina coverage
- Update your address with the agency when you move.
- Respond to every renewal letter by its deadline.
- Report changes in income or household as required.
- If you're denied, read the notice and ask about a fair hearing, usually within 90 days.
Free help in South Carolina
Trained helpers can assist with applications at no cost. Dial 211, or find a local navigator at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. Be careful of anyone charging a fee to apply. South Carolina residents on Medicaid can also check Lifeline phone discounts and food programs.
South Carolina Medicaid FAQs
What is the Medicaid income limit in South Carolina for 2026?
South Carolina has not adopted full expansion. Parents can qualify at about 67% of poverty, pregnant people at 199% and children up to 213%.
Did South Carolina expand Medicaid?
No. South Carolina is one of 10 states that have not adopted expansion.
How do I apply for Healthy Connections?
Apply online through the state agency or HealthCare.gov, or call 888-549-0820. It is free and you can apply at any time.
Can pregnant women get Medicaid in South Carolina?
Yes. The published limit is about 199% of poverty, or $3,589 a month for a household of two.
Does South Carolina cover children through Medicaid or CHIP?
South Carolina covers children through Medicaid, including any CHIP-funded coverage, up to about 213% of poverty.
Is the South Carolina Medicaid calculator official?
No. It is an independent estimate. Only the South Carolina Medicaid agency can make a decision.
Agency details from Medicaid.gov. Check the agency site for current contact information.
Other state Medicaid calculators
Benefits to know about in South Carolina
Free Rides with Medicaid
Medicaid must help eligible members get to medical care if they have no other way.
Free Phone with Medicaid
Medicaid qualifies you for Lifeline, a federal phone and internet discount.
Free Eyeglasses with Medicaid
Children on Medicaid can get needed eyeglasses; older enrollees depend on the state.