How to apply for South Carolina Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

How to apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid

South Carolina processes Healthy Connections applications through SCDHHS. You can apply in four ways:

SC Thrive at scthrive.org can help you complete your application at no cost. SC Thrive assists South Carolinians with benefits access statewide.

Documents you'll likely need

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Social Security number for each applicant, or proof of application for one
• Proof of South Carolina residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with current address
• Income documentation — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or most recent tax return
• Proof of pregnancy, if applying as a pregnant woman (physician statement or prenatal records)
• Disability documentation if applying under aged, blind, or disabled category (SSA determination, if available)
• Immigration documents for qualified non-citizen applicants

For long-term care (nursing facility or HCBS waiver) applications, additional forms are required — including the Application for Nursing Home, Residential or In-Home Care (FM 3401) and the FM 3400-B supplemental form.

Application processing and next steps

Standard Healthy Connections applications are processed within 45 days. Applications involving a disability determination by SSA may take up to 90 days. Once approved, SCDHHS will mail a notice indicating your eligibility category and whether you need to select an MCO.

If you need to choose an MCO, you'll receive a deadline to make your selection. If you don't choose, SCDHHS may auto-assign you to an available plan. MCOs available in South Carolina include Absolute Total Care, Molina Healthcare of South Carolina, Select Health of South Carolina, and Carolina Complete Health.

If you applied through healthcare.gov and were found eligible for Medicaid, your application is automatically transferred to SCDHHS. You do not need to apply again.

What documents you'll need

Gather these before starting your application. Having them ready prevents delays caused by missing information requests, which can add weeks to the review.

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Proof of residency in South Carolina — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address
• Social Security numbers for all household members applying
• Proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters
• Tax filing information if self-employed — prior year return is typically acceptable
• Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record
• Health insurance information if you currently have coverage through an employer or other source

Not every document is required for every applicant. The application will specify what South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections) needs based on your household composition.

The application process, step by step

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Collect proof of identity, residency, income, and household composition before you start. Having everything ready means you can complete the application in one sitting.

2. 2

   Submit the application

   Apply through your preferred method — online is fastest. The application asks about income, household size, citizenship status, and whether anyone in the household has other insurance. Answer completely to avoid requests for more information.

3. 3

   Respond to any follow-up requests

   South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections) may request additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly — delays in providing information can pause or restart the review clock.

4. 4

   Receive your eligibility notice

   The agency will send a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, the notice will state your coverage start date and what benefits you're eligible for.

What to expect after you apply

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days of receipt. Applications based on disability take up to 90 days. If South Carolina hasn't issued a decision by those deadlines, the agency must notify you in writing with the reason for delay.

Medicaid coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you applied, assuming you're determined eligible. In some cases — particularly for pregnant women — retroactive coverage going back up to three months may apply if you received qualifying medical services during that period.

Keep your contact information updated while your application is pending. A notice sent to an old address counts as received.

If your application is denied

A denial notice must state the specific reason and your right to appeal. You have the right to request a fair hearing — typically within 90 days of the denial notice — where you can present evidence and contest the decision before an impartial hearing officer.

Common denial reasons include income above the limit, failure to verify documents within the required timeframe, or a missing signature. Many denials can be resolved by reapplying with the correct documentation.