South Carolina residents on Medicare can get help paying their premiums, deductibles, and copays through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which the state administers through Healthy Connections, South Carolina's Medicaid agency (SCDHHS). These programs have specific income and resource limits that update each year, and the 2026 figures took effect in early 2026 based on updated federal poverty level guidelines. If your income falls within the thresholds below, you could eliminate or significantly reduce what you pay for Medicare coverage.
What Are Medicare Savings Programs?
Medicare Savings Programs are federally funded, state-run programs that pay for some or all of your Medicare cost-sharing. South Carolina offers four programs, each covering a different level of costs and serving a different income range:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Covers Part B premiums only (funded separately, spots are limited)
- QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individual): Covers Part A premiums only, for working adults with disabilities under age 65
All four programs are administered by SCDHHS. Enrollment in QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with Part D prescription drug costs, which is worth up to $5,000 per year in drug cost savings.
South Carolina Medicare Income Limits 2026
The tables below show the 2026 monthly gross income limits for each program. South Carolina follows the standard federal limits. These figures include the $20 monthly SSI general income disregard that is applied before comparing your income to the limit.
QMB Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,350 |
| Couple | $1,824 |
QMB is the most comprehensive program. If you qualify, providers who accept Medicare cannot bill you for any Medicare cost-sharing, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. The standard Medicare Part B premium of $185.00 per month in 2026 is also covered.
SLMB Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,616 |
| Couple | $2,184 |
SLMB income limits are higher than QMB, covering individuals earning between roughly 100% and 120% of the federal poverty level. The program pays your Part B premium each month.
QI Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,816 |
| Couple | $2,455 |
QI serves individuals earning between approximately 120% and 135% FPL. Like SLMB, QI pays your Part B premium. However, QI is funded through annual Congressional appropriations, which means enrollment is handled on a first-come, first-served basis if funding runs low. Apply early in the calendar year to secure your spot.
QDWI Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $5,405 |
| Couple | $7,299 |
QDWI is designed specifically for working adults under age 65 with disabilities who lost premium-free Medicare Part A when they returned to work. If you qualify, QDWI covers the Part A premium, which is up to $518 per month in 2026 for those who have fewer than 30 quarters of work history. QDWI has a higher income ceiling because it includes earned income disregards on top of the standard $20 exclusion.
Resource Limits for All MSP Programs
In addition to income limits, South Carolina Medicare Savings Programs have asset (resource) limits. Countable resources include checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and cash. Your home, one vehicle, and personal belongings are generally excluded.
| Program | Individual Resource Limit | Couple Resource Limit |
|---|
| QMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| SLMB | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QI | $9,950 | $14,910 |
| QDWI | $4,000 | $6,000 |
Note: Some states have eliminated resource limits for MSPs, but South Carolina still applies these federal caps as of 2026.
How Income Is Counted
SCDHHS counts gross income before taxes when determining eligibility. This includes Social Security benefits, pension payments, wages, and investment income. Several exclusions apply:
- The first $20 of monthly income from any source is disregarded (the SSI general income disregard)
- For QDWI, an additional $65 earned income disregard plus half of remaining earned income is excluded
- Income from a spouse is included when determining eligibility for a couple
If your gross income is slightly above the limit, check with SCDHHS before assuming you do not qualify. Deductions and disregards may bring your countable income below the threshold.
What MSPs Cover in South Carolina
| Benefit | QMB | SLMB | QI | QDWI |
|---|
| Part A premium | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Part B premium | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Part A deductible | Yes | No | No | No |
| Part B deductible | Yes | No | No | No |
| Copays and coinsurance | Yes | No | No | No |
| Auto-enrollment in Extra Help | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Extra Help with Part D Prescription Drug Costs
If you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI in South Carolina, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). As of 2024, Extra Help was simplified to a single full-subsidy level for all qualifying beneficiaries. In 2026, Extra Help eliminates the Part D deductible (normally $590), caps drug copays at a few dollars per prescription, and eliminates the coverage gap entirely.
If you do not qualify for an MSP but have limited income and resources, you may still qualify for Extra Help on its own. The 2026 Extra Help income limit is $23,475 per year for individuals and $31,725 for couples, with resource limits of $18,090 for individuals and $36,100 for couples.
How to Apply for Medicare Savings Programs in South Carolina
SCDHHS accepts applications by three methods:
1. Online Application
Visit apply.scdhhs.gov and complete the MSP application. This is the fastest method and you can upload supporting documents directly.
2. Mail
Print and complete the application, then mail to:
SCDHHS Central Mail
P.O. Box 100101
Columbia, SC 29202-3101
3. Fax
Fax your completed application and documents to the electronic fax line at 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov.
You can also call the SCDHHS Member Help Center at 1-888-549-0820 for assistance completing your application or to find a local county office.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents before applying:
- Medicare card (showing Part A and/or Part B enrollment)
- Proof of income: Social Security award letter, recent pay stubs, pension statements
- Proof of resources: recent bank statements (checking and savings), investment account statements
- Proof of identity: driver's license or state ID
- Proof of South Carolina residency: utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your address
After You Apply
SCDHHS typically processes MSP applications within 45 days. Once approved, benefits can be backdated up to three months in some cases. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of the notice.
Healthy Connections Prime Changes in 2026
South Carolina's Healthy Connections Prime program, a Medicare-Medicaid plan (also called a D-SNP) that coordinated care for people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, ended as of January 1, 2026. If you were enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime, you should have received information about transitioning to a new Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) available through private Medicare Advantage insurers operating in South Carolina.
Being dually eligible still entitles you to Medicare Savings Program benefits through SCDHHS. Contact the Member Help Center at 1-888-549-0820 if you need help determining your current coverage status.
Check Your Full Eligibility
Medicare Savings Programs are just one form of assistance available to South Carolina residents. Depending on your income, you may also qualify for full Medicaid through Healthy Connections, SNAP food benefits, LIHEAP utility assistance, or the Lifeline phone discount program.
Use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check all programs at once. You can also visit the South Carolina benefits page for a full guide to state assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for QMB in South Carolina in 2026?
The QMB income limit in South Carolina is $1,350 per month for an individual and $1,824 per month for a couple. These figures include the standard $20 monthly income disregard.
Does South Carolina have an asset test for Medicare Savings Programs?
Yes. South Carolina applies the federal resource limits: $9,950 for individuals and $14,910 for couples for QMB, SLMB, and QI. QDWI has lower resource limits of $4,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples.
What is the difference between QMB and SLMB in South Carolina?
QMB covers all Medicare cost-sharing including premiums, deductibles, and copays. SLMB only covers the Part B premium. QMB has a lower income limit (up to $1,350/month for individuals), while SLMB extends to $1,616/month for individuals.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in South Carolina?
Apply online at apply.scdhhs.gov, by mail to SCDHHS in Columbia, or by fax. You can also call 1-888-549-0820 for help. You will need your Medicare card, proof of income, proof of resources, and a South Carolina ID.
Does qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program help with drug costs?
Yes. Enrolling in QMB, SLMB, or QI automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with Medicare Part D. Extra Help eliminates the Part D deductible and reduces prescription copays to a few dollars in 2026.
Can I qualify for a Medicare Savings Program if I am still working?
Yes. The QDWI program is specifically designed for working adults under 65 with disabilities who lost premium-free Part A when they returned to work. QDWI has a much higher income limit ($5,405/month for individuals) because it includes earned income disregards.
When do Medicare Savings Program income limits update?
MSP income limits update annually, typically in April, when the federal government publishes the new federal poverty level figures. The limits in this article reflect the 2026 update effective in early 2026.
What happened to Healthy Connections Prime in 2026?
Healthy Connections Prime, South Carolina's Medicare-Medicaid coordinated care plan, ended on January 1, 2026. Former members were transitioned to Dual Special Needs Plans offered by private Medicare Advantage insurers. Contact SCDHHS at 1-888-549-0820 to find out your current options.
