Proposed Public Notice for Family Planning-Only Application Process

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following proposed actions regarding the eligibility changes implemented under Social Security Act §1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XXI).

Effective on or after July 1, 2016, SCDHHS proposes to amend the South Carolina Title XIX State Plan to allow an individual the option to apply only for limited benefit, Family Planning Services via a streamlined application process.

Prior to 2014, SCDHHS offered a Family Planning-Only application allowing applicants to indicate that they wished to be considered for Family Planning (limited benefit) eligibility and were not seeking a full benefit Medicaid determination. The Family Planning-Only application requested information for the applicant, and did not require information regarding any other household members. Policy allowed for the income of the applicant to be counted and did not include the income of other household members in the eligibility determination. The Family Planning-Only process allowed for a streamlined application for those seeking this limited benefit. The Family Planning-Only application for adults terminated with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the associated MAGI eligibility rules. The objective is to once again have an option to complete a Family Planning-Only application if only seeking the limited benefit. All applicants would continue to have access to the standard full-benefit application if they so desire.

SCDHHS does not anticipate a budget impact based on this proposed action. Individuals applying for Family Planning-Only would also be eligible for the limited Family Planning benefit via the traditional application process. The proposed change would allow Family Planning-Only applicants to receive a more prompt decision through a streamlined application process.

Copies of this notice are available at each County Department of Health and Human Services Office and at www.scdhhs.gov for public review. Additional information regarding this proposed action is available upon request at the address cited below.

Written comments may be sent to the SCDHHS, Office of Eligibility, Enrollment, and Member Services, Post Office Box 8206, Columbia, South Carolina 29202-8206. Comments may also be submitted to comments@scdhhs.gov. Written and e-mailed comments must be received by close of business June 22, 2016.

Any written comments submitted may be reviewed by the public at the SCDHHS, Office of Eligibility, Enrollment, and Member Services, Jefferson Square Building, 1801 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.