Aged Blind and Disabled Program
The Aged Blind and Disabled Medicaid program delivers Medicaid benefits to those who are 65 and older, blind or disabled. Recipients must meet the Medicaid income and asset limits to qualify, though there are ways to set aside extra income and spend down excess assets. While this program doesn’t cover memory care room and board, it helps cover the costs of medical-related expenses such as:
- Occupational or physical therapies
- Assistance with daily living tasks such as grooming, bathing and eating
- Medical transportation
Seniors must follow the Medicaid application steps to apply for the ABD program and can apply online through Healthy Connections or by printing the applications and either mailing them to South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services or submitting them in-person at their local county office.
Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly
PACE is a combined Medicare and Medicaid program that provides services and supports to seniors living in their communities so they don’t need nursing home placements. Services include personal care, emergency devices, transportation, medical care and therapies. To qualify, you must:
- Be 55 or older
- Reside in a PACE service area (currently offered in eight South Carolina counties)
- Be certified as needing a nursing level of care by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- Be able to live safely in the community with PACE’s services