Assisted Living in South Carolina

South Carolina's Medicaid program, Healthy Connections, covers people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. It pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and other medical services. It does not pay rent or meals in assisted living.

Medicaid has a second set of rules for people who need nursing home level care, in a nursing home or through a home and community-based waiver such as Community Choices. In 2026 the income limit for that care is $2,982 a month and the asset limit is $2,000 for one person. If you are married, part of your income can go to a spouse who stays at home. SCDHHS lists the spousal allocation as $4,066.50 a month.

A state-funded program that helps people with low income pay the monthly fee in a community residential care facility (CRCF), South Carolina's licensed assisted living. The facility must be enrolled in the program. You pay most of your income to the facility, and the state pays the rest straight to the facility. The facility must accept this as payment in full for the services the program covers. Everyone who gets OSS also gets full Medicaid.

In 2026 the most a facility is paid for an OSS resident is $1,719 a month. You keep a personal needs allowance for clothing, toiletries, and other costs: $85 a month if SSI is your only income, or $105 a month if you have other income. The General Assembly sets these amounts each year.

Residents who need more help with daily tasks may also get Optional Supplemental Care for Assisted Living Participants (OSCAP). A state nurse assesses you, and the facility gets extra pay to give you personal care.

A Healthy Connections Medicaid program for people who need nursing home level care but choose to live somewhere else. Most people use it at home, where it can pay for a personal care aide, adult day health care, home-delivered meals, respite for family caregivers, an emergency call button, home changes, and medical supplies. A case manager plans your services.

If you live in a community residential care facility (CRCF), the waiver can pay for Residential Personal Care II. This is extra hands-on help with daily tasks, above the basic care every CRCF must give. It is only for residents with an intermediate nursing home level of care, and only in CRCFs that are waiver providers. The waiver can also pay for short respite stays in a CRCF. It never pays room and board, so you pay rent and meals from your own income or through Optional State Supplementation.

The waiver has a waiting list. When a slot opens, people are enrolled mostly in order of their application date. In July 2026, 21,027 people were enrolled. While you wait, you can still use regular Medicaid services.

The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Part A covers hospital stays and a short period of skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Medicare does not pay for assisted living rent or for help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. In 2026, Part B costs $202.90 a month with a $283 yearly deductible, and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736.

Plans sold by private insurers that replace Original Medicare. They must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and many add drug, dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Plans, costs, and doctor networks vary by county.

Drug plans that add prescription coverage to Original Medicare. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and its own premium. Most Medicare Advantage plans already include drug coverage.

A federal program, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, that pays most Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug copays. People who get Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program qualify automatically.

Healthy Connections Medicaid programs that pay Medicare costs for people with limited income. Anyone in QMB, SLMB, or QI also qualifies for Extra Help.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) pays Medicare premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) pay the Part B premium only. They do not give you a Medicaid card or other Medicaid benefits. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) pays the Part A premium for disabled people who lost free Part A because they went back to work. Its asset limit is $4,000 for one person.

Monthly income for retired workers, based on what you earned during your working years. You can spend it on anything, including assisted living. You need at least 40 work credits, which is about 10 years of work. Benefits can start at 62, and the monthly check is larger if you wait until full retirement age or later.

A monthly federal payment for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and savings. Getting SSI usually qualifies you for Medicaid as well.