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Advocacy Watch: South Carolina Budget Preserves Key Disability Services
July 29, 2026
South Carolina lawmakers recently passed the state’s new budget. This budget directly impacts people with disabilities. One area we have been following closely is whether they would cut $27 million from Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), as the House Ways and Means Committee proposed. After advocates and community members, including Disability Rights South Carolina, raised concerns, lawmakers did not include the proposed $27 million reduction in the final budget. They dropped the cut, preserving funding for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. Understanding where the money is going—and how it can help—matters for everyone relying on crucial health and support services.
Key Funding Highlights
• $102 million has been allocated to the state’s Health and Human Services agency to help meet the federal “maintenance of effort” requirement for Medicaid. This ensures that South Carolina can continue to provide essential Medicaid programs without disruption.
• $53 million is allocated to help cover Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid. This funding helps eligible individuals maintain access to both Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
• $47 million is dedicated to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). These services help people with disabilities and older adults live in their homes and communities by funding personal care, in-home supports, employment services, respite, and other assistance that can reduce the need for institutional care.