Communications
Bulletins 
Sep 20, 2022
Sep 13, 2022
Aug 12, 2022
Jun 30, 2022
Jun 21, 2022
Jun 13, 2022
May 18, 2022
Mar 21, 2022
Dec 16, 2021
Dec 1, 2021
Sep 21, 2021
Jul 30, 2021
Jun 14, 2021
Jun 3, 2021
Public Notices
Public Notice of Final Action for Setting Payment Rates for Long-term Care Facility Services
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following actions regarding its methods and standards for setting payment rates for long-term care facility services (excluding state-owned nursing facilities) under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 09/29/2022 - 4:07pm
Public Notice of Proposed Action for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 DSH Payments and Updated Swing Bed Hospital and Administrative Day Rates Effective January 1, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following proposed actions regarding its methods and standards for establishing Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to qualifying DSH hospitals and updating swing bed hospital and administrative day rates.
Post date: 09/29/2022 - 3:57pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Therapeutic Child Care Rate Increase
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding rates for therapeutic child care services under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Effective for services on or after Oct. 1, 2022, SCDHHS will amend the South Carolina Title XIX State Plan to increase rates for the following services:
Post date: 09/28/2022 - 10:28am
Mechanical Ventilator Dependent Waiver Renewal
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice that it intends to file a waiver renewal with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Mechanical Ventilator Dependent (SC.40181) Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) waiver operated through the Bureau of Policy. The proposed effective date of this waiver is Dec. 1, 2022.
Post date: 08/12/2022 - 4:57pm
Public Notice of ProposedAction for Setting Payment Rates for Long-term Care Facility Services
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following proposed actions regarding its methods and standards for setting payment rates for long-term care facility services (excluding state-owned nursing facilities) under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 08/12/2022 - 4:01pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Adult Day Health Care Transportation
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following action to transition Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) transportation for participants within 15 miles of the ADHC under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 06/24/2022 - 2:08pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Emergency Ambulance Services Rate Increase
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding rates for emergency ambulance services under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Effective for services on or after July 1, 2022, SCDHHS will amend the South Carolina Title XIX State Plan to increase rates for the following emergency ambulance services:
Post date: 06/24/2022 - 2:04pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Private Duty Nursing and Personal Care Rate Increase
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding rates for private duty nursing and children’s personal care services under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 06/24/2022 - 1:59pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Updating the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Early Intervention Medicaid Prospective Payment Rates
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following actions regarding its methods and standards for paying providers under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 06/24/2022 - 1:48pm
Public Notice of Final Action for the Coverage of School-Based Rehabilitative Behavioral Health Services
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding the coverage of school-based rehabilitative behavioral health services (RBHS) under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 06/24/2022 - 11:48am
Public Notice of Proposed Amendment of the Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program
Proposed Amendment of the Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program
Post date: 05/27/2022 - 1:29pm
Public Notice of Proposed Action for Updating the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Early Intervention Medicaid Prospective Payment Rates
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following proposed actions regarding its methods and standards for paying providers under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 05/19/2022 - 3:04pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Mandatory Coverage of Routine Patient Costs Furnished in Connection with Participation in Qualifying Clinical Trials
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding coverage of routine patient costs associated with participation in qualifying clinical trials under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 05/18/2022 - 3:09pm
Public Notice of Final Action for the Supplemental Teaching Physician (STP) Payment Program
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following action regarding its methods and standards for setting payments for the Supplemental Teaching Physician (STP) Payment Program under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 03/30/2022 - 10:49am
Public Notice of Final Action for the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Rate Increase
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following action regarding its methods and standards for setting payments for PRTFs under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 03/28/2022 - 3:02pm
Public Notice of Final Action for 12 Month Postpartum Coverage Option Under the American Rescue Plan Act
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following action to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months for certain eligibility groups under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 03/24/2022 - 4:41pm
Public Notice of 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Waiver Amendments and Community Supports Waiver Renewal
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) intends to file waiver amendments with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for multiple 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers administered through its Office of Waiver and Facility Services. These amendments will establish authority for the use of enhanced funding from Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Post date: 02/25/2022 - 1:48pm
Public Notice of Proposed Action for the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Rate Increase
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following proposed action regarding its methods and standards for setting payments for the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 02/24/2022 - 4:49pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Rate Increases for Certain Incontinence Supplies, DAODAS and ASD Services
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following actions regarding rate increases for certain incontinence supplies, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) providers, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services, and peer support services under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 12/30/2021 - 4:19pm
Public Notice of Final Action for Updating Payment Rates for the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), pursuant to the requirements of Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act, gives notice of the following actions regarding its methods and standards for paying providers under the State Plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).
Post date: 12/30/2021 - 11:39am
Pages
Provider Alerts
Sep 2, 2022
Latest Press Releases
Sep 28, 2022
SCDHHS and University of South Carolina to Support School Districts in Responding to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Crisis
Aug 5, 2022
Tool Part of Push to Ensure Medicaid Members Have Up-to-date Contact Information
Apr 29, 2022
Behavioral Health Services Accounted for More than 50% of Medicaid Encounters During Pandemic
Mar 29, 2022
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) today announced Medicaid coverage will be extended from 60 days to 12 months postpartum for new and expecting mothers.
Oct 28, 2021
Community Connections Provides Database to Connect Those Seeking Help to Programs and Resources That Can Lead to Better Health Outcomes
Jun 11, 2021
Amendment Introduced by Rep. Herbkersman Supports Agency Initiative Introduced in 2019 to Provide Additional Resources to Low-income, New Mothers
Mar 11, 2021
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) Acting Director Thomas Clark Phillip, in coordination with Governor Henry McMaster, today urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to maintain a key public health initiative it approved in December 2019. In a letter sent to Acting CMS Administrator Elizabeth Richter, Phillip requested the Biden administration uphold the two Section 1115 demonstration waivers that make up the Healthy Connections Community Engagement Initiative citing its “innovative approach to promote better health outcomes and financial independence by providing access to resources to the most vulnerable South Carolinians while incentivizing able-bodied South Carolinians to achieve self-sustainability.”
Jul 7, 2020
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) announced it will immediately begin accepting applications for a new limited-benefit Medicaid coverage group to provide reimbursement for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing for those without healthcare coverage. SCDHHS’ COVID-19 Limited Benefit Program was authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and will provide additional financial support to increase access to testing, a critical component of the state’s response to addressing the pandemic, for South Carolinians without other sources of healthcare coverage.
Mar 31, 2017
Governor Henry McMaster today announced Christian L. Soura’s resignation as Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, effective April 7, 2017.
Jun 2, 2016
South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative Wins National Award for Innovative Strategies to Improve Health of Moms and Babies
Feb 23, 2016
Beginning April 1, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will require that providers verify Medicaid members' controlled substance prescription history before issuing prescriptions for opioids
Feb 16, 2016
Project Aims To Reduce Preterm Births; Prevent Child Injury
Dec 14, 2015
A summary all of public comments received on the proposed five-year renewal of the Intellectually Disabled and Related Disabilities (ID/RD) home and community-based waiver program and the ID/RD Waiver Transition plan.
Apr 30, 2015
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative (SCBOI), the South Carolina Neonatology Consortium and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) have teamed up to open South Carolina’s first Mother’s Milk Bank to improve the health of the state’s most vulnerable infants. This milk bank will provide breast milk to very low birth-weight (VLBW) babies – infants weighing less than 3.3 pounds - in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in South Carolina.
Mar 30, 2015
50-foot vehicle delivers onsite training statewide to reduce non-medically necessary C-sections
Mar 11, 2015
An annual report released today highlights how the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative (SCBOI), a multi-stakeholder collaborative led by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) focused on improving birth outcomes, has successfully reduced non-medically necessary early-elective inductions by 50 percent from 2011 to 2013 with 60 percent of all birthing hospitals in our state boasting a rate of zero percent for early elective inductions between 37 and 38 weeks.
Jan 29, 2015
Over 10,000 participants enrolled in statewide program to improve health
Jan 28, 2015
Over 10,000 participants enrolled in statewide program to improve health
Nov 3, 2014
Columbia, SC - In support of our efforts to improve the health of moms and babies in our state, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) and the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) are hosting the third annual South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative (SCBOI) Symposium on Thursday, November 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. at the Columbia Marriott.
Oct 17, 2014
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) was awarded a four-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to implement the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care (PCSC). This statewide collaborative implements innovative best practices in care for children and youth with behavioral health needs in South Carolina.
Jul 23, 2014
Project supports new statewide care model for children and youth with behavioral health disorders
Apr 29, 2014
Columbia, S.C. – Tony Keck, Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), received the 2014 Early Childhood Champion award from the Institute for Child Success (ICS), a research and policy organization working across South Carolina to create a culture that facilitates and fosters the success of young children.
Mar 28, 2014
Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is proud to announce that Adriana Day, CPA, will serve as Deputy Director for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starting March 28, 2014. Elizabeth (Beth) Hutto, Esq., who served as interim Deputy Director and CFO, has been named Deputy Director for Eligibility, Enrollment and Member Services.
Feb 18, 2014
The Horry County Medicaid Eligibility office and Medicaid Community Long-Term Care office in Conway are moving to a new location in the Genesis Complex at 1201 Creel St.
Feb 10, 2014
Despite strong medical schools, high resident retention rates and $189,940,402 in spending on Graduate Medical Education (GME) by South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) in state fiscal year 2012, South Carolina has struggled for years to attract and retain physicians to serve rural areas and the urban poor.
Jan 31, 2014
SC Hospitals partner with primary care groups to improve health outcomes for frequent ER users
Jan 27, 2014
Phase one of new tool helps users identify and interpret hospital financial and operational trends
Nov 14, 2013
SCDHHS rewards successful hospitals $800,000 for improved practices to support breastfeeding.
Nov 7, 2013
New Case Study Provides Insights to Other States, Advice on Payment Reform
Reports / Statistics
On July 1, 2022, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2022-19 , which directs state agencies to disclose online detailed information about the entities who are receiving earmarked appropriations from the FY 2022-23 General Appropriations Act. The governor’s executive order requires compliance with FY 2022-23 state budget Proviso 117.21 . In order to promote transparency and accountability in the state’s budgetary process, information received by SCDHHS from organizations it contracts with through the state’s budget process will be posted on this website.
Posted: 07/20/2022 - 5:08pm
This report is issued pursuant to Section 117.116 (C) of Act 94 of 2022. “The Department of Health and Human Services shall continue to identify and implement telehealth benefits and policies that are evidence-based, cost efficient, and aligned with the needs of the Medicaid population. The department must also continue to review the temporary telephonic and telehealth flexibilities it has adopted to address the COVID-19 public health emergency and make permanent those that are suitable for inclusion in the Medicaid benefit. No later than October 1, the department shall submit a report to the Governor, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee on policy and benefit changes it has introduced in the furtherance of this goal and as part of its ongoing effort to improve the sustainability of telehealth services.
Posted: 09/28/2022 - 10:06am
Posted: 09/02/2022 - 3:08pm
Posted: 09/02/2022 - 3:03pm
Posted: 09/02/2022 - 3:00pm
The South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA) is a collaboration of academic medical centers, community hospitals and providers, existing telemedicine systems, government leaders and other entities that believe that all South Carolina residents should and can have access to quality health care, while effectively managing the cost of providing care.
Posted: 09/01/2022 - 10:14am
The South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA) is a collaboration of academic medical centers, community hospitals and providers, existing telemedicine systems, government leaders and other entities that believe that all South Carolina residents should and can have access to quality health care, while effectively managing the cost of providing care.
Posted: 05/26/2022 - 10:50am
The strategy document details SCDHHS’ goals to improve the health of South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid members through tracking quality measures that seek to address both medical and non-medical drivers of health. The document outlines SCDHHS’ goals and objectives for quality management and improvement and details specific priority quality initiatives. Providers and other interested stakeholders should submit comments on the draft South Carolina Medicaid Quality Strategy by emailing quality@scdhhs.gov by June 18, 2022.
View or download the report here.
Posted: 05/18/2022 - 9:11am
External Quality Review (EQR) Reports
- Select Health December 17, 2021, Review Year 2021
- Healthy Blue, July 2, 2021, Review Year 2021
- Absolute Total Care Review 2021
- Absolute Total Care MMP EQR Review 2021
- Humana EQR 2022
- Humana Readiness Review 2021
- Molina May 20, 2021, Review Year 2021
- Molina, May 20, 2021, Review Year 2021
- Select Health MMP- expected 7/14/22
- SC Solutions, August 19, 2021 Review Year 2021
- SCEQR Progress Tracking Report
- Annual Comprehensive Technical Report- expected 8/31/22
Posted: 05/17/2022 - 3:12pm
Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2022-02 directing SCDHHS to perform a review and analysis of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health’s School Mental Health Services Program (SMHSP) and make recommendations for improving the program.
View or download the report here.
In addition to the report, Director Robby Kerr delivered a letter to Governor McMaster containing the agency's recommendations for improving school-based mental health services.
View or download Director Kerr's letter here.
Posted: 05/03/2022 - 2:34pm
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) engages in an on-going effort to prevent and identify fraud in the Medicaid program, and to recover the funds lost because of fraudulent and wasteful practices on the part of healthcare providers. Not only is this mandated by federal regulations found in 42 CFR 455, it is critical because of the need to assure that public resources are properly managed.
Posted: 03/31/2022 - 4:53pm
Posted: 03/23/2022 - 4:15pm
The South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA) is a collaboration of academic medical centers, community hospitals and providers, existing telemedicine systems, government leaders and other entities that believe that all South Carolina residents should and can have access to quality health care, while effectively managing the cost of providing care.
Posted: 02/28/2022 - 2:04pm
Written Testimony of Eunice Medina Chief of Staff, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging February 10, 2022
Posted: 02/10/2022 - 5:06pm
Posted: 01/18/2022 - 4:28pm
The South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA) is a collaboration of academic medical centers, community hospitals and providers, existing telemedicine systems, government leaders and other entities that believe that all South Carolina residents should and can have access to quality health care, while effectively managing the cost of providing care.
Posted: 11/22/2021 - 3:53pm
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Reimbursement Methodology and Policy ID/RD Waiver Rates and Waiver Case Management Rates Effective January 1, 2022
Dowload January 1, 2022 ID/RD Waiver Rates Used for Financial Impact Analysis
Posted: 11/18/2021 - 2:50pm
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) has operated a telehealth program since 2011. Telehealth provides an additional option for delivering certain covered services, when appropriate, rather than a separate set of benefits. During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public federal public health emergency (PHE), the department has modified its existing telehealth program to provide needed flexibilities in the delivery of care as the pandemic continues to bring drastic change to healthcare delivery systems across the world. This report will provide a review of the department’s pre-pandemic telehealth program, discuss the flexibilities that were put in place to ensure access to care during the pandemic, evaluate utilization data and provide an outlook for the future direction of SCDHHS’ telehealth program.
Posted: 10/01/2021 - 10:41am
Posted: 07/12/2021 - 12:58pm
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) engages in an on-going effort to prevent and identify fraud in the Medicaid program, and to recover the funds lost because of fraudulent and wasteful practices on the part of healthcare providers. Not only is this mandated by federal regulations found in 42 CFR 455, it is critical because of the need to assure that public resources are properly managed.
Posted: 03/17/2021 - 9:49am