South Carolina Medicare Savings Program 2026: Limits and Rules
By Sharon Ben-Moshe · Founder & Editor
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services operates Medicare Savings Programs through Healthy Connections, the state Medicaid agency. These programs help Palmetto State seniors and younger beneficiaries with disabilities retain their monthly income by paying Medicare premiums and outpatient cost-sharing.
South Carolina Healthy Connections MSP income caps for 2026
South Carolina enforces federal baseline poverty percentage guidelines:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Monthly income ceiling of $1,350 for an individual or $1,824 for a couple. Covers Part A premiums if owed, Part B premiums, annual deductibles, and doctor coinsurance.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Monthly income ceiling of $1,616 for an individual or $2,184 for a couple. Covers the monthly Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): Monthly income ceiling of $1,816 for an individual or $2,455 for a couple. Covers the Part B premium on a first-come federal allocation schedule.
South Carolina asset limits and property exemptions
South Carolina tests applicant resources under standard federal limits. In 2026, countable assets cannot exceed $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a couple. Countable assets include checking accounts, credit union deposits, mutual funds, and non-primary property. Exempt property includes your primary residence, one motor vehicle, personal belongings, and burial funds up to $1,500.
The $20 monthly income disregard
South Carolina deducts $20 from your gross monthly unearned income before evaluating program eligibility. If an individual receives $1,360 per month from Social Security, subtracting the $20 disregard leaves $1,340 in countable income, satisfying the $1,350 QMB limit.
How to apply in South Carolina
- Assemble documentation including your Medicare card, bank statements, and monthly Social Security benefit letters.
- Complete an online application at the Healthy Connections application portal.
- Alternatively, download paper Form SCDHHS 3400-B and mail or deliver it to your county Medicaid office.
- Review your qualification status using our free MSP screener.
For a step-by-step review of standard state application workflows, read our guide on how to apply for an MSP and review SCDHHS Healthy Connections rules.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Carolina have an asset test for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. South Carolina enforces resource ceilings of $9,950 for a single person and $14,910 for a married couple. Your primary home and one automobile are exempt.
Can doctors in South Carolina balance bill QMB patients?
No. Federal law prohibits Medicare providers from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments under any circumstances.
Can I receive backdated benefits in South Carolina?
Yes. SLMB and QI programs in South Carolina provide up to three months of retroactive Part B premium reimbursement for months you met eligibility rules.
Does Healthy Connections MSP enrollment include prescription drug discounts?
Yes. Enrolling in QMB, SLMB, or QI triggers automatic enrollment in federal Extra Help, which limits Part D prescription copayments.
Your next steps
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