Healthy Connections is the Medicaid program in South Carolina that offers healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The program covers various medical services, aiming to provide comprehensive and affordable health care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and special health needs. Residents can apply online, by mail, email, or in person at county offices, and must renew their coverage annually.

Medicaid covers medically necessary services to a certain extent. Doctor visits, medications, hospital visits, and many other medical services are examples of the services that may be covered. If you need clarification on what is covered, refer to this chart that outlines the covered services for each health plan. 

• Doctor Visits - Children: Unlimited visits in a health plan
• Doctor Visits - Adults: Unlimited visits in health plan (regular Medicaid limits 12 visits per year)
• Pharmacy/Medications: Unlimited prescriptions if your specific medications are covered
• Pharmacy/Medications - Smoking Cessation: Smoking cessation medications and counseling by physician or through 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• Hospital Stay - Children: Covered hospitals by health plan
• Hospital Stay - Adults
• Home Health Care - Children: Unlimited visits
• Home Health Care - Adults: Limit of 50 visits per year
• Durable Medical Equipment - Children
• Durable Medical Equipment - Adults
• Dental - Children
• Dental - Adults: $750 max of preventive care services annually (annual cleaning, oral exams, x-rays, pulling of teeth, and fillings) 
• Oral Surgery - Children
• Oral Surgery - Adults: Emergency services only
• Vision - Children: Ophthalmologist or optometrist services
• Vision - Adults: No benefit available

Additional Services Available for Medicaid Managed Care Members

• 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line (not available in regular Medicaid)
• Programs are available for asthma, diabetes, and pregnancy 
• Care Coordination (managing care from different doctors or clinics)
  

Contact Healthy Connections toll-free at 1-888-549-0820 with additional questions.

You are encouraged to apply for Healthy Connections in South Carolina if you fall into one or more of the following categories:

• ‍Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant.
• ‍Children and Teenagers: If you have a child or teenager aged 18 or under.
• ‍Foster Care or Adoption: If you or your child is in foster care or has been adopted.
• ‍Specific Health Conditions: If you have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, are blind, or have a disability or disabilities.
• ‍Nursing Home Care: If you require nursing home care.
• ‍Age Consideration: If you are over the age of 65.
• ‍Income Level: If you have very low or no income.

Certain assets, like home ownership, may not affect your eligibility, depending on your particular circumstances. The Medicaid category or categories you qualify for will determine the benefits and services you receive and whether you need to select a Managed Care Organization (MCO) to manage your healthcare.

For detailed eligibility criteria based on individual circumstances, visit the Healthy Connections eligibility and income limits page.

To apply for Healthy Connections in South Carolina, follow these steps:

Gather Required Information

‍Before applying, make sure you have the following information for all household members:

• Date of birth.
• Social security number.
• Income details from jobs or training.
• Information on benefits received currently or in the past (e.g., Social Security, SSI, veteran's benefits, child support).
• Amounts in checking and savings accounts or other resources.
• Monthly rent or mortgage payments and utility bills.
• Payments for any current health coverage, adult or child care.

Special Note for Pregnant Women

‍If you are pregnant, you may receive medical care while waiting for your application to be processed. Contact Healthy Connections at (888) 549-0820 for more details.

Ways to Apply

• ‍Online Application: The easiest way to apply is online. If you need help filling out the application, contact SC Thrive.
• ‍Downloadable Application: Download a printable application form. Note that additional forms may be needed depending on your eligibility for specific programs.‍
• In Person: Apply at your local county office, federally qualified rural health centers, or most hospitals. You can also contact the main customer service line at (888) 549-0820 for guidance. For TTY users, the number is 888-842-3620.‍
• By Email: Send your completed application and supporting documents to 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov.‍
• By Mail: Mail your application and supporting documents to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101

To renew your Healthy Connections Medicaid coverage in South Carolina, keep the following in mind:

Update Contact Information

• Online: Log into your account to update your contact details.
• Phone: Call the Healthy Connections Medicaid Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820. They are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• In-Person: Visit your county eligibility office for assistance.

Annual Reapplication

• You must reapply yearly to continue receiving Medicaid benefits through Healthy Connections.