Healthy Connections is South Carolina's Medicaid program.
It is a medical assistance program that helps pay for some or all medical bills for many people who cannot afford medical care.
Eligibility
Eligibility is usually based on applicants' income and assets. People who are usually eligible for Healthy Connections Medicaid benefits include:
- Children
- Parent and caretaker relatives
- Pregnant women
- People over the age of 65
- People with disabilities
- Children with developmental delays
- Breast and cervical cancer patients
If you’re not sure you’re eligible, you can either apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid or apply at Healthcare.gov for federally-subsidized health insurance. If you apply through Healthcare.gov and are eligible for Medicaid, they will automatically send us your application.
Program Eligibility and Income Limits
If you need help with your application…
SC Thrive is available to assist you with the Healthy Connections application and can provide an assessment of your household's most likely health coverage options, which include Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the new Advanced Premium Tax Credit.
How to Apply
- Prepare Required Documents
Before you apply, you will need to know the following for all the people in your household:
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Income from jobs or training
- Benefits received now (or received in the past), such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veteran's benefits or child support
- Amount of money in your checking account, savings accounts or other resources you own
- Monthly rent, mortgage payment and utility bills
- Payments for adult or child care health coverage and/or medical benefits you currently have
- Submit Application
Note: If you are a pregnant woman, you may be able to receive medical care while you wait for your application to be processed. Please contact Healthy Connections at (888) 549-0820 for more information.
Our online application is the easiest way to apply. If you need assistance filling it out, SC Thrive can help.
Other Ways to Apply
Download a Printable Application (PDF)
Note: You may need additional forms based on what programs you are eligible for.In Person
Apply in person at your local county office or contact our main customer service line at (888) 549-0820. You can also apply in person at federally qualified rural health centers and at most hospitals. TTY: 888-842-3620By Email
You can return your application and supporting documents to 8888201204@fax.scdhhs.gov.By Mail
You can return your application and supporting documents by mail to:SCDHHS-Central Mail
P.O. Box 100101
Columbia, SC 29202-3101- Report Changes and Reapply Annually
You can update your contact information online by logging into your account or over the phone by contacting the Healthy Connections Medicaid Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your county eligibility office for help.
It is important to make certain we have your current contact information so you receive important messages about our program, notices about your Medicaid coverage and your annual review form to ensure you continue receiving Medicaid benefits.
You'll need to reapply every year for Healthy Connections Medicaid coverage.
- Appeal a Decision
You can ask for an appeal if your Medicaid coverage has changed, ended or been denied. You can also ask for an appeal if a medical service you need has been denied or delayed.
To ask for an appeal, submit a request within 30 days from the date on your closure or other notice with your contact information (name, address, phone number and email), a copy of the denial or other notice received and a description of what and why you are appealing.