If you live in South Carolina and need help paying for healthcare, Medicaid may cover doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, dental care for children, and more — often at no monthly cost. South Carolina’s Medicaid program is called Healthy Connections, and applying is free. This guide walks through who qualifies, what you’ll need, and how to apply, with information on where to get free in-person help in Horry County.
| Need help right now?
Little River Medical Center offers free, in-person enrollment assistance at every location. A certified application counselor can sit with you, explain your options, and help you complete the Medicaid application. No appointment with a doctor is required to get enrollment help. |
What is South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections)?
Healthy Connections is South Carolina’s Medicaid program. It is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Members pay little or nothing out of pocket for covered care.
Covered services typically include primary care visits, prescriptions, hospital care, lab work, maternity care, behavioral health services, and dental and vision care for children. Coverage details vary by program category, so it is worth confirming what your specific plan includes once you’re enrolled.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in South Carolina?
Medicaid eligibility in South Carolina depends mainly on household size, monthly income, and category — such as whether you are a child, parent, pregnant, a senior, or have a disability. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means many low-income adults without children do not qualify for Medicaid here even if they would in other states.
Groups that may qualify
- Children under 19 — through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), called Partners for Healthy Children in SC. Income limits are higher for children than for adults.
- Pregnant individuals — coverage during pregnancy and for at least 12 months after delivery.
- Parents and caretaker relatives of minor children — at significantly lower income limits than for children.
- Adults 65 and older — typically through programs that coordinate with Medicare.
- People with disabilities — including those receiving SSI.
- Former foster youth — up to age 26 in many cases.
| If you don’t qualify for Medicaid
You may still qualify for low-cost coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) with subsidies that lower your monthly premium. And regardless of insurance status, you can apply for our sliding fee application, which adjusts the cost of care based on household income. You can receive care at any of our locations on a sliding fee. |
What documents do you need to apply?
Gathering documents before you start makes the application much faster. You don’t need every item below — bring what applies to your situation.
- Proof of identity for each household member (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate)
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying for coverage
- Proof of South Carolina residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement)
- Proof of income for the last 30 days (recent pay stubs, employer letter, self-employment records)
- Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status
- Information about any current health insurance
- For pregnant applicants: proof of pregnancy from a medical provider
How to apply: 4 ways to submit your application
You can apply for South Carolina Medicaid through any of the following options. All are free, and you can switch methods if one is easier for you.
1. Apply online
The fastest option for most people is the online application at apply.scdhhs.gov. You can save your progress and come back later, and upload documents directly. Create an account first; this also gives you a portal to manage your case after approval.
2. Apply by phone
Call the SCDHHS Member Contact Center at 1-888-549-0820 (TTY: 1-888-842-3620), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A representative can take your application over the phone.
3. Apply by mail or fax
Download the paper application from the SCDHHS website, fill it out, and mail or fax it to the address listed on the form. Make copies of your documents before sending originals.
4. Apply in person with free help
Many people prefer to apply with a trained counselor who can answer questions, double-check documents, and make sure nothing is missed. Little River Medical Center provides this service at no cost. Visit our locations page to find the nearest health center, or call to schedule an enrollment assistance appointment.
What happens after you apply
- You should receive confirmation that your application was received, usually within a few days.
- SCDHHS reviews your application and verifies your information. They may contact you for additional documents — respond quickly to avoid delays.
- A determination is typically made within 45 days for most applicants and 90 days for those applying on the basis of disability.
- If approved, you’ll receive a Healthy Connections member card in the mail and information about choosing a Managed Care Organization (MCO).
- Start using your coverage. You can begin scheduling appointments. If you’re new to LRMC, you can register as a new patient and schedule an appointment right away.
Common reasons applications are denied (and how to avoid them)
- Missing documents. The single most common cause of delays. Use the checklist above and submit everything at once when possible.
- Income above the limit for your category. If you’re denied for income reasons, ask whether you qualify for any other category, and look into Marketplace coverage.
- Incomplete information. Even small blanks can stall an application. An enrollment counselor can review your form before you submit.
- Missed deadlines for requested documents. If SCDHHS asks for something, respond as quickly as possible — usually within 10 days.
If you’re denied, you can appeal
A denial isn’t always final. You have the right to appeal within 30 days of the denial notice. The notice will explain how to request a fair hearing. If you’d like help understanding your options, contact an enrollment assistance counselor — this help is free whether or not you become an LRMC patient.
Get care today, even while you wait
You don’t have to wait for Medicaid approval to see a provider. Little River Medical Center serves patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our sliding fee application can reduce the cost of your visit based on household income, and our team can help you apply for Medicaid at the same time. Visit our locations page or schedule an appointment to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in SC?
Most applications are decided within 45 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days. Missing documents are the most common cause of longer waits.
Does Medicaid cover dental care in South Carolina?
Children covered by Medicaid in South Carolina receive comprehensive dental benefits. Adult dental coverage under Medicaid is more limited; coverage details can change, so confirm with SCDHHS or ask an enrollment counselor.
Can I apply for Medicaid if I’m working?
Yes. Many Medicaid enrollees are employed. Eligibility is based on household income relative to your category, not on employment status itself.
I’m pregnant and uninsured — what should I do?
Apply for Medicaid as soon as possible. Pregnancy-related Medicaid has higher income limits than other adult categories, and coverage continues for at least 12 months after delivery. You can also begin prenatal care at LRMC right away; schedule an appointment and ask about enrollment help at the same visit.
Where can I get free help applying for Medicaid in Horry County?
Little River Medical Center offers free enrollment assistance at all of our locations, including Aynor, Carolina Forest, Health Access, Little River, Loris, Myrtle Beach, and South Strand.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
