South Carolina Medicaid and CHIP income limits, 2026
South Carolina did not expand Medicaid, so adults without children generally can't get Healthy Connections Medicaid on income alone. Parents qualify only up to $1,412 a month for a family of 3 (62% of poverty). Children are covered up to $5,858 a month for a family of 4 (213%), and pregnant people up to $3,589 for a household of 2 (199%).
- Medicaid expansion
- No
- Work requirement
- Not for current groups
- Last verified
South Carolina limits by group, as a percent of poverty
| Group | Limit |
|---|---|
| Adults 19-64 without children | Not covered (no expansion) |
| Parents and caretaker relatives | 62% |
| Pregnant | 199% |
| Children under 19, highest limit (Medicaid or CHIP) | 213% |
Percents include the 5% income disregard that Medicaid applies to modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), so the federal 133% standard shows as 138%. Older adults (65+) and people with disabilities have separate, non-MAGI rules not shown here.
Limits for children by age band (under 1, 1-5, 6-18) are being verified; the table shows the highest limit any child can qualify under.
South Carolina monthly income limits by household size
| Household size | Parents and caretaker relatives (62%) | Pregnant (199%) | Children under 19 (213%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $825 | $2,647 | $2,833 |
| 2 people | $1,119 | $3,589 | $3,842 |
| 3 people | $1,412 | $4,531 | $4,850 |
| 4 people | $1,705 | $5,473 | $5,858 |
| 5 people | $1,999 | $6,415 | $6,866 |
| 6 people | $2,292 | $7,357 | $7,874 |
| 7 people | $2,586 | $8,299 | $8,883 |
| 8 people | $2,879 | $9,241 | $9,891 |
Percent x the 2026 HHS poverty guideline for the 48 contiguous states and DC / 12, rounded up. South Carolina's own chart may differ by a dollar; the state's chart decides. A pregnant woman counts each expected baby in the household size.
Medicaid work requirement in South Carolina
South Carolina did not expand Medicaid, so the federal work requirement for expansion adults does not apply to its current coverage groups.
South Carolina notes
- South Carolina covers children to age 19 through Partners for Healthy Children, with no separate CHIP.
- South Carolina's chart took effect March 1, 2026.
Other 2025 federal law changes
Public Law 119-21 did not change the income limits above. It changes who stays covered and how:
- Fewer non-citizens qualify for federally funded coverage. Federal Medicaid and CHIP funding is limited to citizens, lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants and citizens of the Compact of Free Association nations. Other lawfully present immigrants, such as refugees and people granted asylum, lose federally funded coverage unless the state pays. From October 1, 2026.
- Renewals every 6 months for expansion adults. Expansion adults must have their eligibility re-checked every 6 months instead of every year. Renewals from January 1, 2027.
- Shorter retroactive coverage. Medicaid can pay medical bills from before you applied for only 1 month (expansion adults) or 2 months (everyone else), instead of 3. Applications from January 1, 2027.
- Cost sharing for expansion adults above the poverty line. Expansion adults with income above 100% of poverty can be charged up to $35 per service, capped at 5% of family income. From October 1, 2028.
How to apply in South Carolina
- Online: SCDHHS online application
- South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: Healthy Connections Medicaid eligibility
- Phone: 1-888-549-0820
- You can apply any time of year. If your income is too high for Healthy Connections Medicaid, the same application can check you for a subsidized plan on HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace. Only the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can decide eligibility.
Sources
- https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/national-medicaid-chip-program-information/medicaid-childrens-health-insurance-program-basic-health-program-eligibility-levels
- https://www.scdhhs.gov/members/program-eligibility-and-income-limits
- https://www.scdhhs.gov/sites/dhhs/files/pdf/links/Medicaid%20Eligibility%20Groups%20Effective%201.1.pdf
- HHS 2026 poverty guidelines
- Public Law 119-21 (2025)
South Carolina's chart and Medicaid.gov were compared field by field on ; page updated . We re-check every state each spring, after states adopt the new poverty guidelines. See how we verify benefits limits.