Getting Started
What is Healthy Connections?
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. The program also assists individuals who are over 65 or have a disability with the costs of nursing facility care and other medical expenses. Eligibility is usually based on applicants' income and assets. 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.
Please visit our full list of Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Am I Eligible?
Many groups of people can be covered by Healthy Connections. Eligibility is determined by several factors, which may include your age; whether you are pregnant, have a disability; income and assets; and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.
If you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Healthy Connections coverage even if you are unsure of your eligibility.
Please refer to the list of coverage groups below to learn more.
How do I Apply?
To apply for Healthy Connections, you will need to complete and submit an application. You may apply online at apply.scdhhs.gov. SC Thrive is available to assist you with the online Healthy Connections application and can provide an assessment of your household's most likely health coverage options. Please contact their help line at (800) 726-8774 or visit them online at scthrive.org if you have questions or need assistance.
You may also apply in person at your
local county office or contact our main customer service line at (888) 549-0820. In addition, you may apply in person at federally qualified rural health centers and at most hospitals. TTY: 888-842-3620
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.
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
Please visit our full list of Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
for more information.
Which Program is Right for Me?
Use the table below to find the Healthy Connections program that best fits your needs. If you are unsure, apply anyway and a Healthy Connections representative will assess you for the appropriate program.