Medicaid.

Medicaid may be available for your loved one with a disability, assuming they meet certain criteria. There are two different kinds of Medicaid to consider.

Traditional Medicaid is based on the family’s income, and there is no disability requirement. Anyone whose family income falls below certain levels can apply for traditional Medicaid. For more information, visit https://www.scdhhs.gov/Getting-Started.

For children under the age of 18, you can apply for Medicaid through the TEFRA (Katie Beckett) program. This program is for children with disabilities, and considers only the applicant’s income. TEFRA Medicaid forms are available online at https://www.scdhhs.gov/eligibility-groups/disabled-children.

You can also click here to print a hard copy of the Medicaid application.

The application process can take several months. When you fill out the forms, be very detailed. You can attach additional sheets if needed. It also speeds up the process for TEFRA Medicaid if you can attach all the medical and educational records so they don’t have to request them. Before mailing, make a copy of your whole packet as a backup. If your TEFRA application is denied, you can appeal.