Background

Section 4733 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 created an optional coverage group for working disabled individuals with family income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This provision enabled states to provide the full range of Medicaid services to working disabled individuals with relatively high income. South Carolina adopted this option in its 1998 Appropriations Act. The South Carolina Medicaid program began covering these individuals effective October 1, 1998.

Eligibility

A person who may qualify for the Working Disabled program must:

• Be under age 65;
• Be totally and permanently disabled according to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) definition of disability
• Be a South Carolina resident
• Be a United States citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Have a Social Security number or verify one has been applied for
• Assign rights to medical support
• Be working--have earned income

Financial Criteria

The income eligibility determination is a two-step process.

1.       The first step determines if the family's total net income, after certain deductions, is at or must be less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level for a family of that size.

2.      The second step determines if the individual's unearned income is equal to or less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for an individual.

The applicant’s countable resources must be below the $6,600 SSI resource limit for an individual.

Benefits

Individuals who meet these requirements are eligible for the full range of Medicaid covered services and may also be eligible to participate in a waiver services program if a slot is available. Contact your local Community Long Term Care (CLTC) office.

Get an Application

Applications may be obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services or from out-stationed locations such as the County Health Departments , federally qualified rural health centers, most hospitals and the county Department of Social Services. Applications for Medicaid may be filed in person or by mail.

03/01/2009