Does South Carolina Pay For In-Home Care?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

Yes, South Carolina does pay for in-home care. Eligible seniors may qualify for several programs in the Eastern Seaboard state. Medicare and Medicaid may cover certain home care services for qualified individuals. Other financial assistance programs may be available through a senior’s local South Carolina Area Agency on Aging. However, this will vary depending on the area and need. See who qualifies for in-home care and what services may be available.

Medicare and Medicaid Home Care Programs in South Carolina

Typically, Medicare does not cover the cost of nonmedical in-home care, but it provides some coverage for medical home care, also known as home health care. Medicaid and other state programs are usually the best options for long-term care aid. Low-income seniors with limited assets who qualify for these programs may be able to receive some help to cover the costs of in-home care. South Carolina’s basic Medicaid plan, known as Healthy Connections, provides limited personal care assistance to the elderly. However, South Carolina offers Medicaid waiver programs that cover personal care assistance in the home. There are two Home and Community Based Services Waivers available in this state:

Community Choices Waiver – This waiver helps Medicaid recipients or those who qualify financially and require a nursing home level of care age in place in the comfort of their own homes. Seniors who qualify for this waiver receive all regular Medicaid services plus a wide range of other services, including personal care, companion services, limited skilled nursing care and certain types of medical equipment and supplies.
Community Supports Waiver – This waiver serves individuals who are intellectually impaired or have other related disabilities in their homes. It provides services including in-home support services, personal care, adult day care, respite care, incontinence supplies and assistive technology and appliances.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint Medicare and Medicaid program that helps seniors access the care they need to remain in their homes instead of being placed in a nursing home or other senior living community. In-home care is covered under PACE, and older adults who qualify for Medicare or Medicaid may be eligible for this program. Additional eligibility requirements apply. PACE provides a team of health care professionals to work with you and your family to ensure you receive the coordinated care you need. However, seniors may be required to use a PACE-preferred physician.