Realistically, he can stay put in south Carolina and work with the hospital and pay a ton of money for the surgery,etc.

Or, he can move to a state and live with someone for a few months while he recovers. That state should be one that does allow adults with no dependents to apply for Medicaid. If he has a period of time where he will earn no or very low income and/or has proof that income has ended (termination letter from employer for example) he can apply for Medicaid based on that income. He could apply and during that pending period (waiting for approval) go to the hospital and get treatment and surgery arranged. He would need to do a change of address and provide proof to show he is a resident, but most states don't have more than a day wait for establishing for Medicaid purposes.

Once approved and the bills are paid by Medicaid (could take a few months), he can end Medicaid and move back to south Carolina.

I live in Maryland and had friends do this.