South Carolina Medicaid Application Guide
South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid · DHHS Form 3400
Content verified 2026-07-17T17:39:35.249Z
All asset transfers and gifts within 5 years are audited under state lookback statutes.
Primary home equity, one vehicle, and personal effects remain protected under community spouse allowances.
Excess income in income-cap states is redirected into a Qualified Income Trust to preserve qualification.
Program overview
South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps pay for some or all medical bills for many people who cannot afford medical care, providing health coverage for eligible residents of South Carolina. Eligibility is usually based on applicants' income and assets, with people who are usually eligible including pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and parents of minor children.
Because South Carolina hasn't expanded Medicaid, the state's Medicaid population consists of low-income people who are children, elderly, disabled, pregnant, or parents of minor children - adults who don't fit into one of these categories are not eligible for coverage, no matter how low their income is. For elderly or disabled individuals, the monthly net income limit may not exceed $1,330 per month and individual resources must not exceed $2,000.
The online application is the easiest way to apply for South Carolina Medicaid. You'll need to reapply every year for Healthy Connections Medicaid coverage. Generally, it takes up to 45 days for Healthy Connections to determine eligibility, though determination times can increase for certain applicant categories.
Key considerations for applicants include gathering all required documentation before applying, understanding that South Carolina uses managed care plans for most Medicaid recipients, and being aware that you can receive assistance with the application process. If you need assistance filling out the application, SC Thrive can help and can provide an assessment of your household's most likely health coverage options. For additional help, you can visit SCDHHS.gov or call 1-888-549-0820.
Main application form
Application for Medicaid and Affordable Health Coverage
Form DHHS Form 3400
Additional forms
Additional Information Form · DHHS Form 3400-A
Supplemental form for additional income and household information
Download form →Authorized Representative Form · DHHS Form 1282
Authorization for someone to handle application on your behalf
Download form →
