Final Action for the Introduction of Therapeutic Foster Care for Child Medicaid Beneficiaries

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following action regarding the introduction of a therapeutic foster care (TFC) benefit for child Medicaid beneficiaries under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).

Effective on or after July 1, 2020, SCDHHS will amend the South Carolina Title XIX State Plan to allow coverage of TFC services for Medicaid-eligible children aged birth to 21-years-old. 

The addition of TFC to the behavioral health benefit is expected to be budget neutral as this inclusive, per diem reimbursement will replace the provision of Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services provided to children and youth in TFC placements. State Plan language and provider policy will outline same-day-of-service exclusions that will prevent duplicative service provision and billing.

Copies of this notice are available at each South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid county office and at www.scdhhs.gov for public review. Additional information regarding this action is available upon request at the address cited below.

Any written comments submitted may be reviewed by the public at the SCDHHS Division of Coverage and Benefit Design, Jefferson Square Building, 1801 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.