South Carolina Medicare Savings Program 2026: Forms & Limits

South Carolina’s Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible residents pay Medicare premiums and, under QMB, Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

The difficult part is often not understanding the benefit. It is navigating the Healthy Connections Medicaid application process and knowing which form should be completed.

Healthy Connections may begin with its main Medicaid application, later request Form 3400-A, or send Form 3306 after an Extra Help referral from Social Security. Missing one of these follow-up forms can prevent SCDHHS from completing the Medicare Savings Program determination.

For general Medicare Savings Program information, visit our Medicare Savings Programs educational resource. State rules differ. The latest state guide explains the Louisiana Medicare Savings Program and its no-asset rule.

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program Income Limits for 2026

SCDHHS publishes current South Carolina MSP income amounts using Federal Poverty Level percentages.

The 2026 income figures became effective March 1, 2026.

QMB is based on income at or below 100% of the applicable poverty standard. SLMB covers income above the QMB level through 120% FPL. QI covers income above the SLMB level through 135% FPL.

The QDWI figures shown above are federal 2026 screening amounts. QDWI uses special disability, employment, Medicare Part A and income-counting rules, so ask SCDHHS for a category-specific determination.

These are screening figures, not a do-it-yourself eligibility decision. SCDHHS calculates countable income and countable resources.

Income may include:

• Social Security benefits.
• Pension or retirement income.
• Railroad Retirement benefits.
• Wages.
• Self-employment income.
• Annuity payments.
• Certain Veterans benefits.
• Other regular income.

Do not assume the gross amount shown on a Social Security or pension letter is exactly the amount Medicaid will count. Program-specific exclusions may apply.

Review the official SCDHHS eligibility and income limits and our Medicare Savings Program income-limit guide.

What counts as a resource?

SCDHHS may request information about:

• Checking accounts.
• Savings accounts.
• Certificates of deposit.
• Stocks and bonds.
• Retirement or investment accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Property.
• Other resources requested on Form 3400-A.

Not every resource is necessarily countable. Ownership, accessibility and program rules can affect the calculation.

Do not move money, transfer property or close accounts merely because an online chart suggests you may be over a limit. Disclose what SCDHHS requests and let the eligibility agency determine what counts.

Read our Medicare Savings Program resource-limit guide.

What Does Each South Carolina Medicare Savings Program Pay?

QMB: Premium and Medicare cost-sharing help

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary coverage provides the strongest MSP assistance.

QMB may pay:

• The Medicare Part B premium.
• The Medicare Part A premium when one is owed.
• Medicare deductibles.
• Medicare coinsurance.
• Medicare copayments for Medicare-covered services and items.

QMB can therefore help both with the monthly Medicare deduction and with bills received after Medicare-covered care.

SLMB: Help with the Part B premium

The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program generally pays the Medicare Part B premium.

You generally need Medicare Part A and Part B. SLMB by itself does not normally pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or doctor copayments.

QI: Part B premium help at a higher income level

The Qualifying Individual program also pays the Medicare Part B premium.

Important QI rules include:

• You generally need Medicare Part A and Part B.
• You generally cannot receive QI while qualifying for another Medicaid category.
• You must reapply or complete the required review each year.
• States approve QI subject to available federal funding.
• Priority is generally given to people who received QI in the previous year.

Do not delay an application simply because it is late in the calendar year. Let SCDHHS determine availability and eligibility.

QDWI: Part A premium help

QDWI may help certain working people with disabilities pay the Medicare Part A premium.

This category may apply if you:

• Have a qualifying disability.
• Are working.
• Lost premium-free Part A because of work activity.
• Meet the QDWI income and resource requirements.
• Are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid.

Most applicants seeking relief from an ordinary Part B deduction will be screened first for QMB, SLMB or QI.

Who May Qualify in South Carolina?

You may qualify if you:

• Live in South Carolina.
• Have the Medicare entitlement required for the applicable program.
• Meet the applicable countable-income standard.
• Meet the applicable resource standard.
• Meet citizenship or qualified immigration-status requirements.
• Provide enough information for SCDHHS to make an eligibility determination.

A spouse’s income and resources may be relevant when the applicant is married.

You do not have to choose the correct MSP before applying. Tell Healthy Connections that you want screening for QMB, SLMB, QI and any other applicable Medicare Savings Program or Medicaid category.

Read our guide to who may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.

Are South Carolina MSP rules statewide?

Yes. SCDHHS administers Healthy Connections Medicaid statewide.

The same core MSP income and resource standards apply whether you live in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Florence or another South Carolina community.

The Three South Carolina MSP Forms You Need to Understand

South Carolina’s application process is easier to follow when you understand the role of three forms.

See all current documents on the official SCDHHS forms page.

Form 3400: Main Healthy Connections application

Form 3400 is South Carolina’s main paper Healthy Connections Medicaid application.

Use it when:

• You prefer a paper application.
• You want MSP screening.
• You also want SCDHHS to consider full Medicaid.
• An authorized representative is helping you.
• You want to mail, fax, upload or hand-deliver an application.

Complete all applicable sections and sign and date the application.

Do not hold a signed application for several weeks merely because one supporting record is missing. Submit the application and respond promptly when SCDHHS asks for additional information.

Form 3400-A: Additional MSP information

Form 3400-A is titled Additional Information for Select Medicaid Programs.

The form specifically includes Medicare Savings Programs such as QMB, SLMB and QI.

SCDHHS may use it to collect additional information about:

• Income.
• Bank accounts and resources.
• A spouse.
• Medicare coverage.
• Disability.
• Insurance.
• Household circumstances.
• Property or asset ownership.

Receiving Form 3400-A does not mean the application has been denied. It usually means SCDHHS needs more information before making the non-MAGI eligibility decision.

Form 3306: Extra Help referral addendum

Form 3306 is the Addendum for Medicare Savings Programs.

This is not the normal first form every South Carolina applicant should download.

You may receive Form 3306 after applying to Social Security for Medicare Part D Extra Help. Social Security may transmit the Extra Help application to South Carolina for MSP consideration unless the applicant asks that it not be sent.

SCDHHS may then use Form 3306 to collect information that was not included in the Social Security application.

When Form 3306 arrives:

• Find the return deadline.
• Confirm your household or case information.
• Answer every applicable question.
• Attach requested verification.
• Sign the form when required.
• Keep a copy and submission confirmation.

How to Apply Online Through Healthy Connections

The easiest starting point for many applicants is the Healthy Connections Citizen Portal.

During the application:

1. Open the Healthy Connections Citizen Portal.
2. Follow the option to apply for Medicaid.
3. Create an account or follow the portal instructions.
4. Enter household and identifying information.
5. Include Medicare Part A and Part B information.
6. Report income accurately.
7. Report requested resource information.
8. State that you want Medicare Savings Program screening.
9. Review the application carefully.
10. Submit it.
11. Save the confirmation screen or application number.

A useful note is:

Submitting online does not give the application higher priority than a paper application, but it can eliminate mailing time.

How to Apply With Form 3400

Download the Healthy Connections Application, Form 3400.

Before submitting:

1. Complete your identifying information.
2. Report household members.
3. Include Medicare coverage.
4. Report requested income.
5. Report requested resources.
6. Answer citizenship and residency questions.
7. Review the rights and responsibilities section.
8. Sign and date the application.
9. Keep a complete copy.

Healthy Connections staff will review the initial application and determine whether additional forms such as 3400-A are required.

Where to Upload, Fax, Email or Mail South Carolina Medicaid Forms

When uploading documents

• Photograph or scan documents in bright, even light.
• Make sure all four corners are visible.
• Include every page of a statement.
• Upload the back side when it contains information.
• Make sure identifying information is readable.
• Save a screenshot or confirmation.

When faxing

• Use a cover page.
• Include the applicant’s name and date of birth.
• Include the case number when available.
• Count the pages.
• Keep the transmission confirmation.
• Keep the originals.

When mailing

• Keep a complete copy.
• Write down the mailing date.
• Use the full Central Mail ZIP code shown above.
• Consider tracked mail when a deadline is close.

How to Apply or Get Help in Person

You may apply or submit paperwork at a local Healthy Connections eligibility office.

Use the SCDHHS Where to Go for Help page to find an office.

In-person assistance may be especially helpful when:

• You do not have reliable internet access.
• You cannot print or scan documents.
• You have several SCDHHS notices and do not know which one to answer.
• You need full Medicaid screening in addition to MSP.
• A deadline is approaching.
• You want written proof that documents were hand-delivered.

Bring your Medicare card, financial information and every relevant notice.

Ask for a receipt or date-stamped copy when possible.

Call Healthy Connections for Application or Case Help

Healthy Connections Member Contact Center:

1-888-549-0820

TTY:

1-888-842-3620

The Member Contact Center is generally open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

South Carolina’s current public application guidance does not present the Member Contact Center as a standard telephone application route. Use it to:

• Request a paper application.
• Ask which form is required.
• Confirm whether an application was received.
• Ask what verification is missing.
• Update contact information.
• Ask about an annual review.
• Find a local eligibility office.

A useful script is:

Write down the representative’s name or identification number, the date and time, the documents requested and the deadline.

What Documents May You Need?

Document requirements vary by applicant, but useful records may include:

• Medicare card.
• Social Security number.
• South Carolina home and mailing addresses.
• Social Security benefit or award letter.
• Pension or retirement statements.
• Railroad Retirement information.
• Veterans benefit information when applicable.
• Recent wage information.
• Self-employment records when applicable.
• Recent bank statements.
• Investment or resource information.
• Health insurance information.
• Spouse information when married.
• Immigration or citizenship documents when requested.
• SCDHHS, Medicare and Social Security notices.

Do not send your only copy of an original document unless SCDHHS specifically requires it.

Write the submission date on your copy of each item and keep fax, upload or mailing proof with it.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submission, watch for:

• Portal messages.
• Letters from SCDHHS.
• Requests for income or resource verification.
• Form 3400-A.
• Form 3306 after an Extra Help referral.
• Approval notices.
• Denial notices.
• Annual review information.

Do not assume that silence means approval. SCDHHS may be waiting for verification.

If a notice asks for a bank statement, provide the complete statement rather than only a screenshot of the current balance unless the notice specifically says otherwise.

If you move or change phone numbers, update your information immediately. A verification request or decision sent to an old address can create major delays.

How Long Does South Carolina Medicaid Take to Decide Eligibility?

SCDHHS says Healthy Connections generally takes up to 45 days to determine Medicaid eligibility, although processing can take longer for certain applicant categories.

Applying online can save mailing time, but online applications are not automatically processed ahead of paper applications.

You can use the Healthy Connections status tools to review available case information.

The status tool is not an eligibility screener for a person who has not applied.

Call Healthy Connections at 1-888-549-0820 when:

• You need to confirm receipt.
• The portal does not show useful information.
• You submitted a document but SCDHHS says it is missing.
• You do not understand Form 3400-A or 3306.
• The case has been pending beyond the expected timeframe.

Can South Carolina Medicaid Consider Earlier Months?

SCDHHS states that Medicaid coverage may be provided up to 90 days retroactively in eligible situations and lists a separate Form 3400-C, Request for Retroactive Medicaid Coverage, on its forms page.

Medicare Savings Program effective-date rules vary by program. Do not assume that every MSP benefit or QMB billing protection automatically applies to a medical bill from before the effective date shown on your approval notice.

If you need help with Medicare premiums deducted before approval, ask SCDHHS specifically:

• Whether your MSP category can cover prior months.
• Whether Form 3400-C is needed.
• Which months were approved.
• Whether a Part B premium refund should be expected after Medicare and Social Security update their records.

Keep the approval notice and compare its effective date with later Social Security payments.

Read our Medicare Part B premium help guide.

How Does South Carolina MSP Renewal Work?

South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid must generally be renewed every year.

Before sending a review form, SCDHHS may first try to renew eligibility using information already available through electronic data sources.

If SCDHHS can confirm continued eligibility, you may receive a Continuation of Benefits notice without having to complete a full review form.

If more information is needed, SCDHHS sends an annual review form with a due date.

People receiving age- or disability-related coverage, including people receiving help paying Medicare premiums, may receive the Annual Review Form for Non-Institutional Programs.

You may generally return a review:

• Online through apply.scdhhs.gov.
• Through the Document Upload Tool.
• By fax to 888-820-1204.
• By email to [email protected].
• By mail to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101.
• In person at a county Medicaid office.

If the review due date has passed, SCDHHS advises completing the review anyway because coverage may still be recoverable depending on the timing and circumstances.

Review the official Healthy Connections annual review guidance and our Medicare Savings Program renewal checklist.

What Should You Do if South Carolina Denies or Closes the Application?

Read the entire notice before assuming the denial happened because your income was too high.

Common problems may include:

• Missing income verification.
• Missing resource verification.
• An unsigned application.
• A missed deadline.
• A bank statement with missing pages.
• Form 3400-A not returned.
• Form 3306 not returned.
• Incorrect spouse or household information.
• An address problem.
• Income or resources calculated incorrectly.

Take these steps:

1. Identify the exact reason. Compare the decision with your application and submitted proof.
2. Call Healthy Connections. Ask what information was used and what is missing.
3. Submit corrected or missing information. SCDHHS’s public FAQ says a denial notice may allow 30 days to submit new or previously requested information.
4. Request a fair hearing when appropriate. Follow the appeal deadline in the notice.
5. Keep proof. Save upload confirmations, fax reports, emails and mailing receipts.

South Carolina Medicaid fair hearing

For an eligibility appeal, SCDHHS says a mailed fair-hearing request is considered timely when postmarked by the 30th calendar day following receipt of the notice.

Follow the deadline in your individual notice.

Current general appeal methods include:

You may also hand-deliver an appeal request to a Healthy Connections county office.

SCDHHS lists Form 3260 ME, Request for Fair Hearing for Medicaid Applicant and Beneficiary, on its forms page.

Review the official SCDHHS appeal instructions and our Medicare Savings Program denial guide.

What if You Have QMB and Receive a Medical Bill?

Federal law prohibits Medicare providers and suppliers from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare Part A or Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare-covered items and services.

This billing protection applies even when the provider does not participate in South Carolina Medicaid.

If you receive a bill:

1. Do not automatically pay it.
2. Confirm QMB was active on the date of service.
3. Check whether Medicare covered the service.
4. Call the provider’s billing office.
5. Explain that you are enrolled in QMB.
6. Provide Medicare and available Healthy Connections information.
7. Ask the provider to correct protected Medicare cost-sharing charges.
8. Contact Medicare or South Carolina SHIP if the bill is not corrected.

1-800-MEDICARE: 1-800-633-4227
Medicare TTY: 1-877-486-2048

If you already paid an amount prohibited by QMB billing rules, ask the provider to review whether the account must be corrected or refunded.

QMB does not make every service free. You may still owe for non-covered care, permitted prescription charges or services Medicare properly denied.

Review the official CMS QMB billing guidance and our QMB Medicare Savings Program guide.

Does South Carolina MSP Approval Include Medicare Part D Extra Help?

People approved for QMB, SLMB or QI generally qualify automatically for Medicare Part D Extra Help.

In 2026, Extra Help can provide:

• A $0 premium for a qualifying Part D plan at or below the applicable benchmark.
• A $0 Part D deductible.
• Copays of no more than $5.10 for covered generic drugs.
• Copays of no more than $12.65 for covered brand-name drugs.
• $0 for covered drugs after total drug costs reach $2,100 in 2026.
• No Part D late-enrollment penalty while receiving Extra Help.

A beneficiary who also has full Medicaid and QMB may pay no more than $4.90 for each covered prescription in 2026.

Exact Part D costs depend on the medication, Medicaid status and plan.

Review the official Medicare Extra Help information.

How Extra Help connects to Form 3306

You can apply for Extra Help through Social Security.

Social Security may send the application information to South Carolina for MSP consideration.

If SCDHHS sends Form 3306 afterward, do not ignore it merely because Social Security already approved Extra Help. The state may still need Form 3306 or other verification before deciding MSP eligibility.

Is an MSP the Same as Full South Carolina Medicaid?

No. Medicare Savings Program eligibility and full Medicaid eligibility are related but not identical.

Some beneficiaries qualify for both Medicare cost assistance and full Medicaid benefits. Others receive MSP-only help.

If you need broader Medicaid coverage, tell SCDHHS rather than limiting the request to premium assistance.

Read our Medicare Savings Program versus Medicaid comparison.

Where Can You Get Free Official Help in South Carolina?

South Carolina SHIP provides free, one-on-one insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers.

SHIP counselors can help with:

• QMB, SLMB and QI questions.
• Medicare and Medicaid coordination.
• Medicare Part D Extra Help.
• Medicare Advantage.
• Medigap.
• QMB billing problems.
• Medicare notices and appeals.
• Questions about a Part B premium that continues after MSP approval.

South Carolina SHIP counseling is free and is not an insurance sales appointment.

Common South Carolina Application Mistakes

Using the national income chart instead of South Carolina’s current table

South Carolina’s current 2026 state figures differ slightly from the national Medicare.gov screening amounts. Use SCDHHS’s published state figures for the South Carolina application.

Thinking Form 3306 is the normal starting application

Form 3306 is primarily connected to an Extra Help referral from Social Security. Form 3400 is the standard main Healthy Connections paper application.

Ignoring Form 3400-A

Form 3400-A may contain information SCDHHS needs before deciding QMB, SLMB or QI eligibility. Return it by the stated deadline.

Sending incomplete bank statements

If SCDHHS asks for a statement, send every requested page. A screenshot showing only the balance may not identify the account owner, statement period or account information.

Keeping no proof of submission

Save upload confirmations, email records, fax transmission reports, mailing receipts or a date-stamped copy.

Assuming no news means approval

Check the portal and mail. SCDHHS may be waiting for additional information.

Missing the annual review

Healthy Connections eligibility is generally reviewed every year. Keep your contact information current and respond to the review notice.

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program FAQs

How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in South Carolina?

Apply through the Healthy Connections Citizen Portal or submit Form 3400. Ask SCDHHS to screen you for QMB, SLMB, QI and any other applicable Medicaid category.

What is the 2026 QMB income limit in South Carolina?

SCDHHS publishes a monthly QMB income limit of $1,330 for one person and $1,804 for a two-person household, effective March 1, 2026. The resource limits are $9,950 and $14,910.

What is the 2026 SLMB income limit?

South Carolina’s current SLMB upper limit is $1,596 per month for one person and $2,164 for a married couple.

What is the 2026 QI income limit?

South Carolina’s current QI upper limit is $1,796 per month for one person and $2,435 for a married couple.

Should I apply if I am slightly over a published limit?

Yes. SCDHHS determines what income and resources count. A published screening amount is not a substitute for the state’s eligibility calculation.

What is Form 3400?

Form 3400 is the main Healthy Connections Medicaid paper application and can be used to begin an MSP eligibility review.

What is Form 3400-A?

Form 3400-A collects additional information for select Medicaid programs, including QMB, SLMB and QI. SCDHHS may request it after reviewing the initial application.

What is Form 3306?

Form 3306 is South Carolina’s Addendum for Medicare Savings Programs. It may be sent after Social Security refers an Extra Help application to SCDHHS for MSP consideration.

Can I fax my application or documents?

Yes. SCDHHS currently lists 888-820-1204 for fax submissions. Keep the successful transmission confirmation.

Where can I mail Healthy Connections paperwork?

Current SCDHHS instructions list SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101.

How long can a South Carolina Medicaid decision take?

Healthy Connections says eligibility decisions generally take up to 45 days, although certain application categories may take longer.

Does QMB protect me from Medicare copay bills?

Federal law generally prohibits Medicare providers from billing QMB beneficiaries for Medicare-covered Part A or Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

Does MSP approval help with prescription costs?

People approved for QMB, SLMB or QI generally qualify automatically for Medicare Part D Extra Help, which can reduce Part D premiums, deductibles and prescription costs.

How often is South Carolina MSP eligibility reviewed?

Healthy Connections Medicaid is generally reviewed every year. SCDHHS may renew eligibility automatically when it can confirm continued eligibility from available information.

How long do I have to request a South Carolina Medicaid fair hearing?

SCDHHS states that a mailed eligibility fair-hearing request is considered filed when postmarked by the 30th calendar day following receipt of the notice. Follow the exact instructions in your decision letter.

Who can help me for free?

Call South Carolina SHIP at 1-800-868-9095 for free Medicare counseling. For Healthy Connections application or case assistance, call 1-888-549-0820.

Conclusion

The South Carolina Medicare Savings Program is not only about meeting an income number. A successful application also depends on using the correct Healthy Connections route, returning requested forms and keeping proof of every submission.

Start with the Healthy Connections Citizen Portal if you are comfortable applying online. Use Form 3400 if you prefer paper.

If SCDHHS sends Form 3400-A, complete it by the deadline. If you applied for Extra Help through Social Security and receive Form 3306, respond to that form as well.

Use South Carolina’s current state-specific 2026 income limits rather than automatically substituting the national Medicare chart.

Apply even if you are close to an income or resource limit. SCDHHS must calculate countable income and resources and make the final decision.

Approval may stop the monthly Part B premium deduction, provide Medicare Part D Extra Help and, under QMB, protect you from Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

Editorial disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, financial or benefits advice. Income limits, resource rules, forms, contact information and procedures may change. Check current SCDHHS forms, Healthy Connections instructions and your individual eligibility notice before acting. SCDHHS makes the final Medicaid eligibility decision.