Most children in South Carolina qualify for free health coverage at higher income limits than their parents do. A family of four can earn up to $5,720 a month and still have their children covered. If your child does not qualify, Little River Medical Center sees children regardless of insurance status, with fees based on what your household earns.
Does my child qualify?
South Carolina covers children under 19 through Partners for Healthy Children, which uses a higher income limit than adult Medicaid. These are the monthly limits published by SC Healthy Connections, effective 1 March 2026.
| Family size | Monthly household income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,766 |
| 2 | $3,751 |
| 3 | $4,735 |
| 4 | $5,720 |
| 5 | $6,705 |
| 6 | $7,689 |
| Each additional | Add $985 |
To qualify, your child must be under 19, live in South Carolina, and be a citizen or lawful resident. Figures come from SCDHHS program eligibility and income limits and change each spring.
Compare that with the limit for parents and caretaker relatives, which is $1,705 a month for a family of four. It is common for children to be covered while their parents are not. If that is your situation, ask us about our sliding fee scale for the adults in your household.
What coverage pays for
Children covered through Medicaid in South Carolina receive a broader benefit than adults do. Covered care includes well-child visits, immunisations, developmental and hearing screening, sick visits, prescriptions, vision, and comprehensive dental care.
- Well-child checks from newborn through young adulthood
- Immunisations on the recommended schedule
- Developmental and behavioural screening
- School and sports physicals
- Care for minor illnesses, infections and injuries
- Comprehensive dental care, including children’s dentistry and the Miles for Smiles school programme
How long does my child stay covered?
Children keep Partners for Healthy Children coverage until their 19th birthday, provided the household still meets the income limit and the annual review is completed. SCDHHS sends a renewal notice before the review date. Missing that notice is the most common reason coverage lapses, so keep your address current with SCDHHS.
What if my child is not covered?
Little River Medical Center sees children regardless of insurance status. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we set fees on a sliding scale based on household size and income, so an uninsured visit costs what your family can reasonably pay rather than a fixed price. Bring proof of income from the last 30 days and complete a sliding fee application.
We can also help you apply for coverage while you are here. Our certified application counselors will check your child’s eligibility and fill out the application with you at no cost, whether or not you are already a patient.
Call the Outreach Team at 843-663-8000 ext. 9032 to get help applying, or schedule an appointment for your child.
How to apply
Apply online at apply.scdhhs.gov, by phone at 888-549-0820 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or in person with free help from our staff. Our step-by-step guide to applying for Medicaid in South Carolina walks through the documents you will need and what happens after you submit.
Where to bring your child in Horry County
Pediatric care is offered at five of the seven LRMC locations. Confirmed 23 September 2026. Myrtle Beach and Health Access do not offer it, so do not imply county-wide availability anywhere in the copy.
| Location | Town | Pediatrics |
|---|---|---|
| Little River | Little River | Yes |
| Carolina Forest | Myrtle Beach | Yes |
| South Strand | Myrtle Beach | Yes |
| Loris | Loris | Yes |
| Aynor | Aynor | Yes |
Two of these sites, Carolina Forest and South Strand, are in Myrtle Beach. If you are searching for a pediatrician in Myrtle Beach, those are the two to call.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a child stay on Medicaid in South Carolina?
Until their 19th birthday, as long as the household still meets the income limit and completes the annual review. Coverage does not end automatically at a younger age.
Can my child qualify if I do not?
Yes, and this is common. The income limit for children is 208% of the federal poverty level, while the limit for parents and caretaker relatives is 62%. A family of four can earn up to $5,720 a month for children’s coverage but only $1,705 for the parents to qualify.
Does children’s Medicaid cover dental care?
Yes. Children covered by Medicaid in South Carolina receive comprehensive dental benefits. Little River Medical Center accepts Medicaid for dental care at our offices in Little River, Carolina Forest and Aynor.
What do I bring to my child’s first visit?
Bring a photo ID for yourself, your child’s insurance or Medicaid card if you have one, immunisation records, and proof of household income from the last 30 days if you are applying for the sliding fee scale. You can complete the new patient registration before you arrive.
Not sure whether your child qualifies? Our certified application counselors will check for free. Call 843-663-8000 ext. 9032.
