The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding the update of rehabilitative therapies and audiological services under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).

Effective on or after Jan. 1, 2024, SCDHHS will amend the South Carolina Title XIX State Plan to update the rehabilitative therapies and audiological services as follows:

• Update the description of physical therapy, occupational therapy and services for individuals with speech, hearing and language disorders to align with the 42 CFR 440.110.
• Clarify that medically necessary rehabilitative therapy services (physical, occupational and speech language pathology) are covered services as follows:
  • Healthy Connections Medicaid members with full benefits under the age of 21 years are eligible for any medically necessary services.
  • Healthy Connections Medicaid members with full benefits ages 21 years and older are eligible for any medically necessary services with limitations as defined by the agency.
• Adding coverage for medically necessary audiological services for Healthy Connections Medicaid members with full benefits who are ages 21 years and older.

Based on the actions above, SCDHHS anticipates a budget impact of approximately $4.2 million total dollars per year.

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 these actions is available upon request at the address cited below.

Any written comments submitted may be reviewed by the public at SCDHHS, Bureau of Policy, 1801 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Print Version