Medicaid in South Carolina

Medicaid income limits in dollars

Medicaid limits are expressed as percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These are the 2026 FPL figures that apply in South Carolina:

Household size100% FPL138% FPL200% FPL400% FPL
1$15,960$22,025$31,920$63,840
2$21,640$29,863$43,280$86,560
3$27,320$37,702$54,640$109,280
4$33,000$45,540$66,000$132,000
5$38,680$53,378$77,360$154,720
6$44,360$61,217$88,720$177,440
7$50,040$69,055$100,080$200,160
8$55,720$76,894$111,440$222,880

48 contiguous states + DC — for each additional person above 8, add $5,680 (at 100% FPL). Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines 2026 (Federal Register 2026-00755), effective January 13, 2026 · verify at federalregister.gov

What that means in dollars — South Carolina

  • Parents (family of 3): eligible for Medicaid with annual income up to $18,304 (67% of the $27,320 FPL for 3 persons)
  • Childless adults: NOT eligible for Medicaid in South Carolina (the state has not adopted ACA expansion)

Eligibility percentages: KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). Dollar figures recompute automatically each year from the HHS guidelines.

Medicaid eligibility limits in South Carolina (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicaid data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

ACA expansion status in South Carolina

❌ South Carolina did NOT adopt Medicaid expansion under the ACA. This limits eligibility for childless adults.

Income limits for Medicaid in South Carolina

  • Parents in a family of 3: up to 67% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Pregnant women: up to 199% of FPL (Medicaid)

Calculate your FPL for household size at aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.

Verify eligibility

⚠️ Limits change annually. Verify current eligibility with South Carolina’s Medicaid agency or at healthcare.gov.

Medicaid expansion

South Carolina HAS NOT adopted ACA Medicaid expansion.

This means childless adults typically do not qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina even with very low incomes. The program mainly covers: children, pregnant women, parents with dependent children, people with disabilities, and elderly adults.

Coverage for undocumented individuals

South Carolina does not currently have a state program extending Medicaid to undocumented individuals. However, emergency services are available under Emergency Medicaid (includes childbirth).

Federal rules applying in South Carolina

Regardless of expansion, federal eligibility rules by immigration status apply in South Carolina:

  • Citizens: YES qualify
  • Permanent residents (green card) 5+ years: YES qualify
  • Permanent residents < 5 years: NO (5-year bar), EXCEPT children and pregnant women in CHIPRA Option states
  • Refugees, asylees: YES qualify (no 5-year bar)
  • DACA: NO qualify (excluded by current rule)
  • Undocumented individuals: NO qualify federally

Emergency services

Under EMTALA, all hospitals in South Carolina must treat medical emergencies regardless of immigration status. Emergency Medicaid may cover the cost of emergency treatment for those meeting income requirements but not immigration status.

How to apply for Medicaid in South Carolina

  1. Visit South Carolina’s Medicaid portal (search “South Carolina Medicaid” or specific program name)
  2. Fill application online (also available by paper or in person)
  3. Provide: identification, proof of income, proof of residency, immigration documents (if applicable)
  4. Wait for determination (typically 45 days, 90 for disability-based cases)
  5. If approved, receive Medicaid card + provider information

Last verified: 2026-05-24.