Mar 03 2026
Home care workers are the backbone of our communities, but they are undervalued and underpaid. And in a moment when our elders and loved ones need long-term care more than ever, South Carolina’s home care workforce shortage has left our communities struggling to access the services they desperately need.
The best way to recruit home care workers is to pay a living wage. South Carolina home care agencies receive $25/hour to provide in-home services to individuals across all 8 Medicaid programs. But under the current system, home care workers are only guaranteed $7.25/hour. It’s not enough.
The South Carolina legislature and South Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (SCDHHS) have the opportunity to address South Carolina’s care crisis by passing a law to increase the take-home pay for home care workers who serve Medicaid HCBS beneficiaries. They must take action now.
Legislators need to hear from you. Amplify your support with a personal message below—it’s time to ensure that home care workers are compensated fairly for the critical work they do.