Medicare Blog

soith carolina ssi when am i eligible for medicare from medicaid

by Jerrold Hagenes Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid and often receive Medicare as well. If you receive both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicaid will usually pay your Medicare premium, co-payments, and deductibles.

Full Answer

Will I automatically qualify for Medicaid if I have SSI?

There are 32 U.S. states (and D.C.) that will automatically qualify you for Medicaid if you have SSI.

Does South Carolina have a supplement for SSI?

South Carolina Supplement. South Carolina offers a state supplement to the federal SSI benefit for some residents of the state. This supplement is available to South Carolina residents who receive Supplemental Security Income and are residing in a licensed long-term care facility or an assisted living facility.

Are you eligible for long-term care Medicaid in South Carolina?

To be eligible for long-term care Medicaid in South Carolina, an applicant must have a functional need for such care. For nursing home Medicaid and many HCBS Medicaid waivers, a nursing facility level of care is required. Furthermore, for some program benefits, there may be additional eligibility criteria.

What is Medicaid in South Carolina?

What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is South Carolina's aid program by which the federal and state governments share the cost of providing medical care for needy persons who have low income. Are Medicaid and Medicare the Same? NO, Medicaid and Medicare are two different programs.

Who qualifies for Medicare in SC?

ages 65 and olderWho is eligible for Medicare in South Carolina? Those ages 65 and older are eligible for Medicare in South Carolina (and all 50 states). If you are not yet 65 but are diagnosed with either ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) or ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), you can still qualify.

Does SSI cover Medicare?

Will a beneficiary get Medicare coverage? Everyone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is also eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period. The first 24 months of disability benefit entitlement is the waiting period for Medicare coverage.

Can I apply for Medicare and SSI at the same time?

Ready To Start Medicare? If you'll turn 65 within three months, you can use our online application to apply for Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, or you can use it to apply for just Medicare.

What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicare in South Carolina?

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): The income limit is $1,063 a month if single and $1,437 a month if married. QMB pays for Part A and B cost sharing, Part B premiums, and – if a beneficiary owes them – it also pays their Part A premiums. All QMB enrollees also receive full Medicaid benefits in South Carolina.

How do I know if I am automatically enrolled in Medicare?

Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you're not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, you'll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

How long does it take to get approved for Medicare?

between 30-60 daysMedicare applications generally take between 30-60 days to obtain approval.

How much does Social Security take out for Medicare each month?

The standard Medicare Part B premium for medical insurance in 2021 is $148.50. Some people who collect Social Security benefits and have their Part B premiums deducted from their payment will pay less.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance).

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid?

If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dually eligible), you can have both. They will work together to provide you with health coverage and lower your costs.

What qualifies you for Medicaid in SC?

Who is eligible for South Carolina Medicaid?Pregnant, or.Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or.Blind, or.Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or.Be 65 years of age or older.

How much does Medicare cost in SC?

Medicare in South Carolina by the NumbersPeople enrolled in Original MedicareAverage plan costAnnual state spending per beneficiary733,031Plan A: $0 to $499 per month* Plan B: $170.10 per month**$9,601

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Formerly "Food Stamps")

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides help for low-income households to buy the food needed for good health. In most states...

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)

The TANF program provides cash block grants to states. TANF gives states the flexibility to determine TANF eligibility rules and to set TANF paymen...

Affordable Health Insurance For Children Who Need It

Medicaid provides free health coverage to most low-income children through state children's health insurance programs. Contact your local state or...

State Or Local Assistance Based on Need

Some states offer state or local assistance based on need to aged, blind, and disabled people through the state welfare department. The state may r...

Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare

Many people receive both SSI and Social Security benefits.Medicaid is linked to receipt of SSI benefits in most States. Medicare is linked to entit...

State Programs That Help With Medicare Costs

You may qualify for help with certain Medicare costs under the programs below if:you receive Medicare;your income and resources are limitedThese li...

What is SSI disability?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability & Medicaid coverage. Waiting for a disability status decision and don’t have health insurance. No disability benefits, no health coverage. The Marketplace application and disabilities. More information about health care for people with disabilities.

Do you have to fill out a Medicaid application if you have SSI?

In many states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid and don’t have to fill out a Medicaid application. In other states, your SSI guarantees you Medicaid eligibility, but you have to sign up for it. In a few states, SSI doesn’t guarantee Medicaid eligibility. But most people who get SSI are still eligible.

Can I apply for medicaid if I don't have SSI?

If you have SSI Disability and don’t have Medicaid, you can apply for Medicaid coverage 2 ways: Select your state from the menu on this Medicaid page for contact information. Create an account or log in to complete an application. Answer “yes” when asked if you have a disability, and we’ll send your application to your state Medicaid office.

Do you have to apply for medicaid if you have SSI?

If you have Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability, you may get Medicaid coverage automatically or you may have to apply.

View Another State

Explore key characteristics of Medicaid and CHIP in , including documents and information relevant to how the programs have been implemented by within federal guidelines.

Eligibility in

Information about how determines whether a person is eligible for Medicaid and CHIP.

Enrollment in

Information about efforts to enroll eligible individuals in Medicaid and CHIP in .

Quality of Care in

Information about performance on frequently-reported health care quality measures in the CMS Medicaid and CHIP Child and Adult Core Sets and additional data sources in .

What happens if you approve for SSI?

If we approve you for SSI, your State or local public assistance payments will usually stop. Your State may be entitled to collect part of your retroactive SSI benefits as repayment for the money they paid you while we processed your SSI claim.

How to get a phone number for Medicaid?

To get the phone number for your State Medicaid office, visit Medicare.gov/contacts online. First, choose your state under “Choose your location for contact information,” and then, under “Choose an organization OR topic of interest,” select “State Medical Assistance Office” at the bottom of the list of options.

What is QMB Medicare?

The QMB program helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries by paying Medicare Part A and/or Part B premiums. Medicare providers are not allowed to bill you for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) AND ELIGIBILITY FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT AND STATE PROGRAMS. Many people who are potentially eligible for SSI benefits do not know how receiving SSI affects their benefits or payments from other government and State programs.

Can you get Medicare and Social Security?

SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAID AND MEDICARE. Many people receive both SSI and Social Security benefits. Medicaid is linked to receipt of SSI benefits in most States. Medicare is linked to entitlement to Social Security benefits. It is possible to get both Medicare and Medicaid. States pay the Medicare premiums for people who receive SSI benefits ...

Can I apply for SNAP if I live alone?

SSI benefits count in computing SNAP eligibility. In some States, the SSI application is also an application for SNAP if the individual lives alone.

Can I apply for medicaid if I have SSI?

In most States, if you are an SSI recipient, you may be automatically eligible for Medicaid; an SSI application is also an application for Medicaid. In other States, you must apply for and establish your eligibility for Medicaid with another agency. In these States, we will direct you to the office where you can apply for Medicaid.

What is Medicaid in South Carolina?

Medicaid is South Carolina's aid program by which the federal and state governments share the cost of providing medical care for needy persons who have low income.

How long can you have Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare, is a health insurance program for all people age 65 and over or who have received Social Security disability benefits for a minimum of 24 months. An individual can have both Medicare and Medicaid.

Where does the supplemental payment go in South Carolina?

Most of the supplemental payment goes to the facility . The South Carolina supplement is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Use the DHHS Office Locator to find the office in your county where you can apply for the supplement.

Where is the DDS office in South Carolina?

South Carolina DDS offices are located in Charleston, Greenville, and West Columbia.

Can I get Social Security if I live in South Carolina?

If you live in South Carolina and are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These are federal government benefit programs that are administered by Social Security offices in South Carolina.

Does South Carolina offer temporary disability?

If you receive SSDI or SSI, you are also eligible for health insurance through Medicare or South Carolina's Medicaid program. South Carolina does not offer temporary disability benefits, though some employers offer both long-term and short-term disability policies through private insurance companies.

Can I get medicaid if I have SSDI?

If you are receiving SSDI disability, after you have been receiving benefits for two years, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. If you are receiving SSI disability, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Does South Carolina have SSI?

South Carolina offers a state supplement to the federal SSI benefit for some residents of the state. This supplement is available to South Carolina residents who receive Supplemental Security Income and are residing in a licensed long-term care facility or an assisted living facility. Most of the supplemental payment goes to the facility.

Medically Indigent Assistance Program (MIAP)

Additionally, an applicant’s resources and assets cannot exceed the following thresholds:

Optional State Supplementation Program (OSS)

Monthly Net Income Limit may not exceed $1,456 per month. The individual’s resources must not exceed $2,000.

What age can I get SSI?

You may be eligible for SSI if you are: Over age 65, blind, or disabled. “Blind” is defined as “central visual acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in your better eye with use of a correcting lens” or “visual field limitation in your better eye…”.

What is SSI funding?

SSI is a government program that is funded by “general tax revenues” as opposed to Social Security taxes. The program provides cash assistance for the purpose of paying for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. SSI is only for those who have little or no income/resources and are aged (over 65), blind, or disabled.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

The main difference between the two is that SSI is need-based and does not take work history into account, while SSDI candidates have earned “work credits” by working for a certain number of years and contributing to Social Security taxes.

What is extra help for Medicare?

The Extra Help program provides savings on Medicare prescription drug coverage. Click here to read more about Medicare Extra Help. Start searching for Medicare Plans.

How do I apply for Social Security?

There are a few ways to apply. You can: Apply online through this SSI application link * . Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and make an appointment. Visit your local Social Security office (expect a wait if you don’t have an appointment)

How much is the 2019 FBR for SSI?

This benefit is determined by the FBR, or Federal Benefit Rate. The 2019 FBR is $771 for single people and $1,157 for married couples. This amount is subject to change each year.

What does it mean to be disabled?

Disabled means that you have a physical or mental impairment which offers “severe functional limitations,” may result in death, and has lasted for at least one year. Living with limited income and resources. 2019 resources cannot exceed $2,000 for a child or individual adult and $3,000 for an adult couple.

How many states have Medicaid eligibility criteria?

Eleven states have elected to use eligibility criteria for Medicaid that are more restrictive than SSI's. In most of those states, SSI recipients will find that the rules about income and resources or the definition of disability are more restrictive for Medicaid than they are for SSI. Still, the federal government has imposed rules ...

What is medicaid for low income?

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals that is operated by the states according to guidelines established by the federal government. The federal government requires the states to offer Medicaid coverage to some groups of people and allows the states to cover certain additional groups. One group required to be covered by Medicaid is disabled individuals with low incomes. But states are allowed to have different eligibility requirements than the SSI disability program. Whether SSI recipients are automatically eligible for and enrolled in Medicaid depends on the state that the recipient lives in.

Which states make their own Medicaid eligibility decisions?

A few states make their own Medicaid eligibility decisions using the same income, resource, and disability criteria that Social Security uses for the SSI program. Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and the Northern Mariana Islands all make their own Medicaid eligibility decisions using SSI criteria.

Why is Indiana a 209b state?

Social Security calls these ten states the "209 (b) states" because it was section 209 (b) of the Social Security Amendments of 1972 that gave states the option of using their own criteria for Medicaid. Note that Indiana ceased being a 209 (b) state in 2014.

Does Medicaid automatically grant SSI?

Where Medicaid Eligibility Is Automatic. Most states automatically grant Medicaid when you get approved for SSI based on disability. In fact, most states let the Social Security Administration handle Medicaid enrollment for SSI recipients when they are approved for SSI.

Administration

Summary

  • Medicaid is a wide-ranging, jointly funded state and federal health care program for low-income individuals of all ages. However, this page is focused on Medicaid eligibility for South Carolina elderly residents, aged 65 and over, and specifically for long term care, whether that be at home, in a nursing home, or in an assisted living facility.
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Healthcare

  • There are several different Medicaid long-term care programs for which South Carolina seniors may be eligible. These programs have slightly different financial and medical eligibility requirements, as well as differing benefits. Further complicating eligibility are the facts that the requirements vary with marital status and that South Carolina offers multiple pathways towards …
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Programs

  • 1) Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid this is an entitlement program, meaning anyone who is eligible will receive assistance, and is provided only in nursing home facilities. 2) Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) these programs limit the number of participants. Therefore, wait lists may exist. Services are provided at home, adult day care, or in …
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Components

  • Countable assets include cash, stocks, bonds, investments, credit union, savings, and checking accounts, and real estate in which one does not reside. However, for the purposes of Medicaid eligibility, there are many assets that are considered exempt (non-countable). Exemptions include personal belongings, such as clothing and jewelry, household furnishings, one vehicle, burial fun…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Risks

  • Please make note, its important that one does not give away assets or sell them for under fair market value in an attempt to meet South Carolinas Medicaid asset limit. Doing so can violate Medicaids 5-year look-back rule, a period of 60 months from the date of application in which all past asset transfers are reviewed. If one is found to be in violation of this rule, a penalty period i…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Qualification

  • For South Carolina elderly residents, aged 65 and over, who do not meet the eligibility requirements in the table above, there are other ways to qualify for Medicaid.
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Definition

  • 1) Qualified Income Trusts (QITs) QITs, also referred to as Miller Trusts, are special trusts for Medicaid applicants who are over the income limit (also known as the Medicaid Cap in South Carolina), but still cannot afford to pay for their long-term care. (For South Carolina Medicaid purposes, a Miller Trust is often simply called an Income Trust.) This type of trust offers a way f…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Example

  • Unfortunately, Income Only Trusts do not assist one with extra assets in qualifying for Medicaid. Said another way, if one meets the income requirements for Medicaid eligibility, but not the asset requirement, the above option cannot assist one in reducing their extra assets. However, one can spend down assets by spending excess assets on ones that are non-countable, such as home m…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Issues

  • 2) Medicaid Planning the majority of persons considering Medicaid are over-income or over-asset or both, but still cannot afford their cost of care. For persons in this situation, Medicaid planning exists. By working with a Medicaid planning professional, families can employ a variety of strategies to help them become Medicaid eligible. Read more or connect with a Medicaid planner.
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Benefits

  • 1. South Carolina Community Choices Waiver Provides assistance for elderly and disabled individuals who require a level of care consistent to that which is provided in a nursing home, but who wish to remain living in their own homes. A variety of benefits are available, including home modifications, adult day care, durable medical equipment, and assistance with Activities of Dail…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

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