Medicaid in South Carolina, Healthy Connections, is operated by the state Department of Health and Human Services. It offers medical care to residents who are disabled, over age 65 or have very low income. It covers prescriptions, nursing care assistance, preventive health services, referrals and laboratory work. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income automatically qualify for Healthy Connections.
To be eligible for services, applicants must:
- Be blind, disabled, over age 65 or pregnant
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Reside in the state of South Carolina
- Have no more than $12,490 in annual income as an individual or $16,910 as a couple
- Have countable assets of no more than $7,730 for individuals or $11,600 for couples
Applicants can find more information and apply for coverage by visiting the
Healthy Connections Choices website, calling the service line at (888) 549-0820 or scheduling an appointment at the
Healthy Connections York County Office located at 454 S. Anderson Road in Rock Hill.
Community Choices Waiver Healthy Connections doesn’t offer assistance paying for assisted living. The
Community Choices waiver program, however, assists Medicaid recipients who need a nursing home level of care but wish to receive services in an assisted living facility or in their home. The waiver helps pay for telemonitoring, delivered meals, durable medical equipment, house modifications, skilled nursing care, companion services and assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, respite care, case management and transportation.
To be eligible, recipients must:
- Be disabled or at least aged 65 years old
- Require a nursing facility level of care
- Have no more than $2,313 in monthly income for an individual or $4,626 for a couple applying jointly
- Have countable assets of no more than $2,000 per applicant with some exceptions
This statewide program is not an entitlement, so spaces are limited, and there may be a waiting list for services. It only covers care costs and not room and board; program enrollees are responsible for paying those costs. For more information or to apply for the waiver, residents should contact their local
DHHS County Office or call (888) 286-2078.