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Member FAQs

If you do not find an answer to your question about South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid, please call (888) 549-0820 to speak to a representative.

Healthy Connections Medicaid members can now view how-to videos about the annual eligibility review process. The videos give instructions on how to create an online account, check your annual review status, update contact information, submit documents and more.

View videos

Am I Eligible for Medicaid?

How will I know if I qualify for Medicaid?

First, you must apply. You may use our online application tool at apply.scdhhs.gov, contact Healthy Connections at (888) 549-0820 to request a paper application by mail or apply in person at your local county office. You can return your application and supporting documents electronically to 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov, by mail to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101, or your local county office.

Healthy Connections will take certain criteria into account when determining eligibility. If you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid even if you are not sure of your eligibility. Some income and assets, like home ownership, may not count against you, depending on your situation. You are encouraged to apply if:

  • You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • You are or have a child or teenager age 18 or under
  • You or your child is in foster care or adopted
  • You have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
  • You are blind
  • You have a disability or disabilities
  • You need nursing home care
  • You are over the age of 65
  • You have very low or no income

How can I return my form and paperwork? Can I submit it online?

Yes, you can submit your forms and documents online. Visit apply.scdhhs.gov. To upload documents and forms, click on “Check Status/Update Information.” Then click on “Submit your paperwork online.” 

You can return the form in one of the other ways listed below too.
•    Fax – (888) 820-1204
•    Email – 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov
•    Mail – SCDHHS Central Mail, PO Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202 
•    In-person – Visit scdhhs.gov for a list of local eligibility offices 

How long does it take Healthy Connections to determine my Medicaid eligibility?

Generally, it takes up to 45 days for Healthy Connections to determine eligibility, though determination times can increase for certain applicant categories.

The federal Marketplace told me I’ve been assessed as Medicaid eligible in South Carolina. What should I do?

The federal Marketplace will forward your information to SC Healthy Connections for a final eligibility determination. Healthy Connections will notify you when we have made a determination on your eligibility.

How can I check to see if I have Medicaid?

To check if you have Medicaid, visit apply.scdhhs.gov. Go to “Check Status/Update Information.” Then click on “Check Current Eligibility Status.”

How long will it take for me to receive my Medicaid card?

You should receive your Medicaid card within one week of being determined eligible.

How do I update my contact information?

You can update your mailing address, phone number and more online. Visit apply.scdhhs.gov. Click on “Check Status/Update Information.” Then click on “Update your information.”

I have questions. Where can I get help?

If you need help, please call the Member Contact Center. The number is (888) 549-0820. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  You can also see answers to frequently asked questions online. Visit scdhhs.gov to see our Member FAQs.

What if I am turned down for Medicaid?

If you do not qualify for Healthy Connections Medicaid, you may find an affordable option through the federal Marketplace.

Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information.

I have been turned down for Medicaid and need medical assistance right away. What can I do?

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and other Community Health Centers (CHC) offer comprehensive medical services, including dental services and prescription drugs, to patients with no health insurance. You often only pay what you can afford, based on your income.

Search for FQHCs in South Carolina

I would like to appeal a denial. What are my next steps? 

If you received a denial from the federal Marketplace, you must send your appeal to the Marketplace (see below). If you received a denial from SC Healthy Connections, you must send your appeal to SC Healthy Connections. Healthy Connections cannot process an appeal to the Marketplace and vice versa.

Federal Marketplace Appeals: Your notice from the Marketplace will contain appeals instructions, including the number of days you have to file an appeal. For more information, call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov.

If You Received a Denial South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid)? 

If you have questions about the Medicaid policies and other factors used to reach this decision, please feel welcome to contact the Healthy Connections Medicaid Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820 (TTY (888) 842-3620). If you receive Community Long Term Care (CLTC) services, please contact your CLTC representative for assistance. You have 30 days from the date of this notice to submit new information or submit any information that we previously requested.

If You Would Like to Request a Fair Hearing

You have the right to appeal this decision at a hearing, called a “fair hearing,” with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), the agency that administers Medicaid in South Carolina. You may represent yourself at the hearing, hire an attorney to help you, or have someone speak on your behalf. In your fair hearing request, you should specifically state which issue(s) you wish to appeal and attach a copy of the notification received from SCDHHS regarding the specific matter on appeal. If you submit a fair hearing request within 10 days of the date of this action, you may be eligible to continue to receive Medicaid benefits until a decision is made regarding the issue you seek to appeal. If you decide to continue receiving benefits during the fair hearing process, you may be asked to repay any charges to your Medicaid account if the decision is not in your favor.

You must submit a request for a fair hearing no later than 30 calendar days from the date of this eligibility decision via one of the following methods:

  • Online - www.scdhhs.gov/appeals
  • Fax - (803) 255-8251
  • Email - appeals@scdhhs.gov
  • Phone - (888) 549-0820 / TTY (888) 842-3620
  • Mail - SCDHHS Division of Appeals and Hearings, PO Box 8206, Columbia, SC, 29202
    • A request for a fair hearing by mail is considered filed if postmarked by the thirtieth (30th) calendar day following receipt of this notification.
  • In Person - Hand deliver your written appeal request to a Healthy Connections Medicaid (SCDHHS) county office or visit the county office to tell us verbally that would wish to appeal. You can find a full list of addresses online or by calling (888) 549-0820.

You may request an expedited hearing if you feel that the standard fair hearing timeframe could jeopardize an individual’s life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain maximum function. Contact SCDHHS to make the request, state that you are requesting an expedited fair hearing and explain why. To avoid delays in the process, please submit any supporting documentation with the request for expedited review or immediately thereafter. While supporting documentation is not required, the Division of Appeals and Hearings will determine if expedited treatment will be granted, based on the information made available at the time we consider the request.

If SCDHHS denies the request to expedite, the appeal will follow the standard 90-day timeframe.

Appeals and Hearings FAQs

How much income can I receive and still be eligible for Medicaid?

Whether your income level qualifies you or your family for Medicaid depends on the size of your family and the Medicaid program for which you are applying. Income limits are set each year by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. These income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and vary for different family sizes and programs. Healthy Connections will determine the income limit for you and your family when you apply.

What if I didn’t file taxes last year?

Filing taxes is not a requirement for Medicaid eligibility. We look at what income you are receiving at the time you file your application for Medicaid. We do ask questions about your plans for filing taxes next year to help make the decision.

If I have private health insurance, am I eligible for Medicaid?

Yes. If your income is low, and you have minor children, you and your children can have private health insurance and still be eligible for Medicaid.

Does my Medicaid from another state work the same now that I live in South Carolina?

No. Medicaid is different from state to state.

I would like to see a copy of the applicant’s rights and responsibilities.

The Rights and Responsibilities are available online and are also included on the signature page of the Healthy Connections Application.

Annual Reviews

What is the annual review process?

South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid must be renewed every year.

We will first try to renew your Medicaid with info already available, such as electronic data about your current pay or other eligibility requirements. If we can confirm eligibility, you will simply receive a “Continuation of Benefits” notice. This means your Medicaid will extend another year. If we cannot verify your eligibility, we will send you a form with your due date. You can complete and return the form or complete your review online.

If we need to send you a review form, we will notify you via mail and text message (if a cell phone number is on file). Once you get your form, you will need to fill it out and return it. You can also do it online. The date it is due will be included in the mail we send you. If the due date has passed, complete the review anyway. You may still be covered. If you do not complete the form, you may lose your Medicaid coverage.

How can I submit forms and other documents? Can I submit them online?

Yes, you can submit your forms and documents online. Visit apply.scdhhs.gov. To upload documents and forms, click on “Check Status/Update Information.” Then click “Submit your paperwork online.” 

You can return the form in one of the other ways listed below too.

Once we get your form, your coverage will continue while your case is reviewed. When we finish, you will receive a notice with a decision.

How will I know when it is time to complete an annual review form?

When we are ready to process your annual review form, we will first try to renew your Medicaid with info already available. This may be info like electronic data about your current pay or other eligibility requirements. If we can confirm eligibility, you will simply receive a “Continuation of Benefits” notice. This means your Medicaid will extend another year. You will not receive an annual review form.

If we cannot verify your eligibility, we will send you a form to complete and return. You can also complete the form online at apply.scdhhs.gov.

If the agency has your cell phone number, we will send you a series of texts. These will remind you to complete your annual review form. If you would like to make sure the agency has your cell phone number, you can go to apply.scdhhs.gov and click on “Check Status/Update Information.” You can contact the Healthy Connections Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820 too. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can visit your local eligibility office for in-person help.

Do I need to report any household changes?

Yes, you must report any changes in your household. This includes income, if someone becomes pregnant, if there is a new household member and any changes to your address or other contact information. You can change your address and phone number online at apply.scdhhs.gov. You can report any changes in your household by calling the Healthy Connections Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can visit your local eligibility office too.

What should I do to make sure I receive information from Healthy Connections Medicaid? How do I update my contact information?

To ensure you don’t miss important information about your Medicaid coverage, contact us to update your address and contact information. You can change your address online at apply.scdhhs.gov. You can also update your address and other contact information by calling (888) 549-0820 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or visiting your local eligibility office.

Also, follow our social media channels (@SCMedicaid on Facebook and Twitter) and visit our scdhhs.gov/annualreviews page for announcements and resources.

Will I receive an annual review form for every person in my household?

Usually, a household receives just one annual review form. However, some situations require each member to have their own review form. If you have received additional review forms for certain members of your household, please complete and return each review form.

How will I receive my annual review form?

All members will receive either a “Continuation of Benefits” notice or an annual review form by mail. It will be sent to the address we have on file for you. 

You can return the form in one of the ways listed below.

Once we receive your form, your coverage will continue while your case is reviewed. When we finish, you will receive a notice in the mail with a decision.

I received a message about my annual review form and/or Medicaid coverage. How do I know it is legitimate?

All members will only receive the notice their benefits will be renewed or an annual review form by mail. It will be sent to the address we have on file for you. You will not get these official documents by phone, email, text, or telephone.

You may receive reminders to update your contact info or to let you know that your annual review is due. These messages may be sent by text message, or mail. Texts will have a short code to show where they come from: 21256. Only members who have a valid cell phone number on file will receive texts.

Reminders also may come from your managed care plan or from an agency partner, such as SC Thrive. These messages do not require immediate action. These messages are intended to let you know where to find more info about the annual review process and ways you can help us reach you.

Healthy Connections Medicaid will never ask for money or gift cards to renew or keep your health coverage.

I am receiving text messages about my annual review form. Is it valid?

South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid is sending texts to remind members to update their contact info and to complete their annual review form. The texts will come from “21256”.

If we have not received your annual review form, you will continue to receive follow-up texts to remind you to complete your form leading up to the date it is due. Only members who have a valid cell phone number on file will receive texts. You can reach out to the Healthy Connections Medicaid Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820 to verify the information you receive and the sender. You can call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What do I do if I receive a message from a scammer or believe I have been scammed?

If you receive an email or text asking you to pay money or provide gift cards to keep or renew your Medicaid coverage, please report it right away. You can call the Medicaid fraud hotline at (888) 364-3224. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email FraudRes@scdhhs.gov.

How do I check my annual review date or status?

To check this information, visit apply.scdhhs.gov. Then click on “Check Status/Update Information.” Go to “Check Review Status.” 

You can also call the Healthy Connections Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

I, or someone in my household, did not get an annual review form or lost our form. How can I get a new one?

If you have not received your annual review form in the mail, you can complete it online. Visit apply.scdhhs.gov. Then click on “Submit Annual Review.” Blank copies of the annual review form are also online at scdhhs.gov/annualreviews.

You can call the Member Contact Center for a form. The number is (888) 549-0820. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can visit your local eligibility office too.

I received an annual review form in the mail. Am I required to complete and return it?

Yes. You are required to complete an annual review. You can complete your review online, over the phone, or complete and submit the form we mailed to you.

All Medicaid members need to complete the annual review forms promptly. The due date will be listed on the form. You can also fill out  your annual review form online at apply.scdhhs.gov.

Be sure to respond to all information requests from South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid to help you keep your Medicaid coverage, if eligible.

What will happen if I do not complete my review form by the due date on the form?

If you have not returned the form or started your review online by the due date, we will begin the process to close your case and end your benefits. You will still have time to complete your review if you receive a closure notice. For example, if the due date on your review form is April 27 and we have not received your review form by that date, you will receive a closure notice letting you know your benefits will end June 1 if we do not receive your review form before June 1.

What should I do if I have received a notice telling me my benefits are going to end because I have not returned my review form? Do I still have time to send it in?

Yes, you still have time to complete your review. The notice you received has a date your benefits will end if you do not return your review form by that date. To prevent your benefits from ending, send your review form to make sure we receive it by that date.

You can complete your review online at apply.scdhhs.gov. If you prefer to return the paper form, you can provide it in several ways: 
•    Fax – (888) 820-1204
•    Email – 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov
•    Mail – SCDHHS Central Mail, PO Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202 
•    In-person – Visit scdhhs.gov for a list of local eligibility offices

Is there a grace period for late review forms?

Yes. If you have received a notice telling you your benefits are going to end because you have not returned your review form, you have until the date your benefits are scheduled to end for us to receive your form or complete your review online. If we receive it by that date, you will keep your benefits while we process your review. In addition, there is a 90-day grace period if your benefits have already ended because you have not returned your review form. If we receive your form within 90-days of your closure date, we will still process your review to determine if you are still eligible. Medicaid coverage may be provided up to 90 days retroactively.

You can complete your review online at apply.scdhhs.gov. If you prefer to return the paper form, you can provide it in several ways: 
•    Fax – (888) 820-1204
•    Email – 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov
•    Mail – SCDHHS Central Mail, PO Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202 
•    In-person – Visit scdhhs.gov for a list of local eligibility offices

How will I know if I keep my coverage?

You will receive a notice in the mail stating your Medicaid benefits will continue.

What if I no longer qualify for South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid? How can I get health care coverage?

If you or a family member gets a notice you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace and get help with the cost. Visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at (800) 318-2596 to find out more.

Applying for Healthy Connections Online

How do I apply online?

Apply

How long does it take to apply online?

Application times vary significantly by applicant. If you cannot complete your Healthy Connections online application in one sitting, the application tool is designed to allow you to bookmark your work and return to it at a later time.

Will applying online expedite my eligibility determination?

Applying online will save time since you won’t be mailing the application. However, Healthy Connections doesn’t expedite online applications over traditional application methods—once received, all applications are treated and processed equally. Generally, it takes up to 45 days for Healthy Connections to determine eligibility, though determination times can increase for certain applicant categories.

How will I know if my online application went through?

You will be routed to a confirmation screen when your application is successfully submitted. In addition, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided in the application.

I am completing the Medicaid online application. Why am I being asked to confirm things like a previous address or a car I have purchased?

During the application process, we may ask for you to provide information that will confirm your identity such as a previous address or a car that you purchased. Answering these questions will help us confirm who you are and ensure that we correctly process your application.

I completed the Medicaid online application, but it says my identity could not be verified. What should I do?

Because we were unable to verify your identity online, you will need to provide a photocopy of one of the following documents either electronically to 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov, by mail to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101 or in person to your local county office before we can process your application. (Please do not mail in your original documents—send photocopies.)

  • Driver’s license issued by state or territory
  • School identification card
  • Voter registration card
  • U.S. military card or draft record
  • Identification card issued by the federal, state, or local government, including a U.S. passport
  • Military dependent’s identification card
  • Native American Tribal document
  • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card

If you are unable to provide one of the documents listed above, you may provide photocopies of two of the following documents electronically to 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov, by mail to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101 or in person to your local county office.

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Employer identification card
  • High school or college diploma (including high school equivalency diplomas)
  • Property deed or title

Learn more about how to sign up, submit your Annual Review online and update your information on apply.scdhhs.gov.

How to videos for apply.scdhhs.gov

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS APPLICATIONS AND FORMS

I would like to apply with a paper form. How will I know which form to use? Where do I send it?

Applicants should submit the Healthy Connections Application (Form 3400). After initial review, Healthy Connections staff will determine what additional forms are needed and will provide them to you. If you know the Coverage Group for which you are applying (example: Aged, Blind, or Disabled) you may refer here for additional forms.

Mail the completed Healthy Connections Application to 

SCDHHS Central Mail            

P.O. Box 100101            

Columbia, SC 29202-3101

Citizenship and Residency

To obtain full Medicaid benefits in South Carolina, you must be a South Carolina resident and either a U.S. citizen or a legally residing non-citizen. Non-citizens may qualify for coverage for emergencies and labor and delivery services if income requirements are met.

Can children of non-citizens get Medicaid?

If the children are U.S. citizens, they can receive Medicaid if they meet the eligibility requirements. If non-citizens apply for Medicaid for a U.S.-born child, the child’s social security number must be provided or the applicant must show proof that they have applied for a number for the child.

Are interpreters available?

Yes. Healthy Connections can provide an interpreter for a person who has difficulty speaking or understanding English or who is hearing impaired. Applicants may also apply through their own interpreter, such as a bilingual friend or relative.

Getting Health Insurance (Healthy Connections And Federal Marketplace)

What Is South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid)?

Medicaid is a medical assistance program that pays medical bills for eligible low-income families and individuals whose income is insufficient to meet the cost of necessary medical services. The South Carolina Medicaid program, called Healthy Connections, is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) and pays medical bills with state and federal tax money.

Are Medicaid and Medicare the same?

No. Medicaid and Medicare are two different programs. Medicare is a health insurance program for all people age 65 and over or who have received Social Security disability benefits for a minimum of 24 months. You can find out more about Medicare at their website www.medicare.gov or contact them at 1-800-633-4227.

Can I have both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time?

An individual can have both Medicaid and Medicare in some circumstances. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid and often receive Medicare as well. If you receive both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicaid will usually pay your Medicare premium, co-payments, and deductibles.

What is the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. One provision of the law established a system of health insurance exchanges, commonly referred to as the Health Insurance Marketplace or “the Marketplace.”

Insurance plans in the Marketplace are offered by private companies. South Carolinians may use the Marketplace to compare options and apply for coverage. Depending on your income, you might qualify for lower premiums. (Premium costs are reduced with a tax credit which can be applied directly to your monthly premiums immediately.) In addition, you may qualify for the Marketplace cost-sharing reduction, which lowers out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.

To be eligible for health coverage through the Marketplace, an applicant must live in the United States; must be a U.S. citizen or national or be lawfully present; and cannot be currently incarcerated.

Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information.

Does the Affordable Care Act require me to carry health coverage of some kind?

Most people must have health coverage or pay a fee. However, some people may qualify for an exemption to this fee. You are considered covered if you have Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, VA health coverage, retiree coverage, TRICARE, any job-based plan, COBRA, any plan you bought yourself, or some other kinds of health coverage

Should I apply for S.C. Healthy Connections Medicaid or go straight to the Federal Marketplace?

You may apply at either website. If you apply for S.C. Healthy Connections (Medicaid), you may be assessed eligible for services in the Federal Marketplace. However, the Marketplace makes this final decision. Conversely, if you initially apply for health coverage through the Marketplace and are assessed eligible for Medicaid, Healthy Connections makes the final decision as to Medicaid eligibility.

If you think you may qualify for Medicaid, please complete an online Medicaid application at apply.scdhhs.gov. Apply in person at your local county office, or contact our main customer service line at (888) 549-0820. If you do not apply online, you can return your application and supporting documents electronically to 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov, by mail to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101, or at your local county office.

Presumptive Eligibility

What is Presumptive Eligibility?

The Presumptive Eligibility (PE) process allows hospital workers to screen people for Medicaid eligibility during intake. Healthy Connections (Medicaid) has authorized certain hospitals to determine a patient’s Medicaid eligibility onsite at the hospital to help cover the costs of healthcare. A patient/applicant does not have to provide the hospital with financial, citizenship, or other documents at the time of application.

Medicaid eligibility in this category is temporary and is intended to offer immediate coverage, while the applicant is processed for a full Medicaid application, at which point all financial and other data will be verified. The PE program is used as a last-resort payment option; if a patient has any other alternative insurance coverage, the hospital will seek to use the alternative coverage.

Can any hospital or doctor deem me eligible for Medicaid?

No. Only a hospital authorized by Healthy Connections can make a Medicaid determination. Determinations must be performed by a hospital employee and the authority to determine eligibility may not be delegated to any non-employee or third party. Authorized hospitals that fall out of compliance with state policies and procedures risk disqualification from the program.

How will the hospital know if I am eligible?

During the initial intake process, hospital staff will determine if you meet the financial and categorical requirements to be eligible for Medicaid. PE is applied to the following Medicaid categories:

  • Pregnant Women
    • A pregnant woman can only be authorized for one PE period (two months) per pregnancy. PE coverage is limited to ambulatory prenatal care, like medical exams, and DOES NOT include labor and delivery. Labor and delivery is covered for pregnant women under a different program. Contact Healthy Connections at (888) 549-0820 for more information.
  • Family Planning
    • Family planning services are available to individuals whose family income is at or below 194% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
  • Former Foster Care (Up to Age 26)
    • Services are available for individuals up to the age of 26 who were formerly in the South Carolina foster care program. Applicants must have been a Medicaid recipient in the State of South Carolina at the time they aged out of foster care. Income is not considered for this coverage group.
  • Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
    • The program is designed for uninsured individuals who are found in need of treatment for breast or cervical cancer or pre-cancerous lesions (CIN 2/3 or atypical hyperplasia).
  • Infants and Children
    • Coverage is available for children who live in families with income at or below 208% of the FPL.
  • Parents and Caretaker Relatives
    • This program provides coverage for parents or other caretaker relatives who meet financial eligibility criteria (62% FPL) and have a dependent child living in the home.

What information will I need to provide to the hospital?

At intake, you only need to provide answers to the questions on the application. No further verification is required for a PE determination.

How long will I have Medicaid, once a hospital determines that I am eligible under the PE program?

Coverage will extend from the beginning of the month in which you applied to the last day of the following month. If you are deemed eligible for full Medicaid during that time, your PE coverage will end on the day your full coverage begins. You may only receive Presumptive Eligibility coverage once within two calendar years.

Text Messaging

I received a text message from Healthy Connections Medicaid. What do I do?

South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid sends texts to cell phones to remind members about needed information. You may receive a text if an annual review form needs to be turned in too. These texts will come from the code 21256.

If you receive a text asking for more information, please send it by the due date on the mailed notice or form. This helps avoid delays with your Medicaid services.

If you want to opt out of getting texts, reply “STOP” to any text from the code 21256.

You can also opt-in to get text updates about your Medicaid. To do this, text “CONNECT” to 21256.

For more information about the type of text received, please visit the text messaging page of our website.

Using Your Healthy Connections Plan

What medical services does Medicaid cover?

Within certain limits, Medicaid will pay for services that are medically necessary. Examples of services that may be covered include doctor visits, medications, hospital visits, and many other medical services.

If you have any questions about what is covered, view this chart that shows each health plan and what they cover. You can also contact Healthy Connections toll-free at 1-888-549-0820.

How long will my Medicaid benefits remain active?

Eligibility for most Healthy Connections programs lasts for 1 year. After 1 year, South Carolina Health and Human Services will review your case annually.

I was enrolled in S.C. Healthy Connections “Choices” and now am told I must choose between health plans. What should I do?

The Healthy Connections “Choices” website offers comprehensive information on its health plans. Members may utilize a Quick Start Guide, search for doctors, compare plans, and more. Please visit S.C. Healthy Connections Choices for more information.

I just had a baby. Will the hospital report this to Healthy Connections?

Hospitals often do not report. We urge every new mother to call Healthy Connections at 1-888-549-0820 and report a baby’s birth within a few days of delivery. The baby is automatically covered by Medicaid for the first 60 days after birth and your Medicaid card will cover the baby during this period. However, coverage will expire for the baby after 60 days unless you enroll the baby separately for extended coverage.

Do I need to tell South Carolina Healthy Connections when I move or change jobs?

Yes. If you have any changes to your income, resources, living arrangements, address or anything else that might affect your eligibility (for example, a child moved out or spouse went to work) you must report these changes to Healthy Connections right away at 1-888-549-0820.

What happens when a client's benefit package changes because of a change in eligibility?

The household will get a new coverage letter, showing adjusted benefit information.

What if my Medicaid card is lost or stolen?

Report a lost or stolen card to Healthy Connections immediately at 1-888-549-0820.

Please allow 7-10 days to receive a replacement card. If you need to visit your healthcare provider sooner than that, your provider can verify your Medicaid status.

I have a complaint about my health care coverage. What can I do?

We recommend that you call your health plan first. If your issue remains unresolved, you can file a complaint by calling Healthy Connections Choices at 1-877-552-4642. Filing a complaint will not affect your benefits in any way. We will discuss the problem with you and see how we can help you resolve it.