Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in South Carolina and need health care, start with Healthy Connections Medicaid. It may help with doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, pregnancy care, mental health care, and care for children. Children and pregnant women usually have higher income limits than parents.
South Carolina does not cover every low-income adult through Medicaid. If your income is too high, or if you do not fit a Medicaid group, still look at HealthCare.gov for coverage, then ask a sliding-fee clinic, free clinic, hospital financial assistance office, or county health department about care while you wait.
This guide is general information. It is not medical, legal, tax, or government-agency advice. For care decisions, talk with a licensed medical provider or the official program.
Urgent help if you need care now
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency, heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe allergic reaction, or a situation that could be life-threatening.
- Mental health crisis: Call or text 988 in SC. Help is available day and night.
- Medicaid questions: Call Healthy Connections at 888-549-0820, or use the state page for where to get help during business hours.
- Pregnant and need care: Apply for Medicaid and ask the clinic or hospital if they can help with temporary pregnancy coverage while your application is reviewed.
- Food and nutrition help: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or have a child under 5, call WIC at 1-855-472-3432 or start through apply for WIC before your appointment.
Where to start
Do not wait until every paper is perfect. Start the application, write down the date, and send missing proof as soon as you can. If you are unsure whether you qualify, South Carolina says to apply and let the agency decide.
If you need insurance
Use apply online for Healthy Connections Medicaid. You can also apply by mail, at some hospitals and health centers, or through SC Thrive help.
If you are pregnant
Apply for Medicaid, ask about pregnancy-related coverage, and also apply for WIC. For more local steps, see ASMOM’s postpartum support guide.
If your child needs care
Children may qualify for Partners for Healthy Children even when a parent does not qualify. If your child has a disability or complex medical needs, ask about TEFRA/Katie Beckett.
If you were denied
Read the notice, keep the envelope, and act fast. Medicaid appeals have deadlines. You can also ask a clinic or hospital about care while you appeal.
Quick reference for South Carolina health help
| If you need… | Start here | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Health coverage for you or your child | Healthy Connections Medicaid through getting started | Parent income limits are low. Children and pregnancy rules are different. |
| Pregnancy, postpartum, or infant care | Medicaid, WIC, your county health department, and your OB clinic | Pregnancy coverage can continue for 12 months after birth, but you must keep your contact information current. |
| Food during pregnancy or for young children | WIC and, if needed, SNAP help | WIC is not the same as SNAP. WIC has nutrition rules and appointments. |
| Care without insurance | A health center, free clinic, DPH clinic, or hospital financial aid office | Some services are limited by funding, appointment space, location, and medical need. |
| A ride to Medicaid care | South Carolina Medicaid rides | You usually need to call at least three business days before the appointment. |
Healthy Connections Medicaid
Healthy Connections is South Carolina’s Medicaid program. It helps pay some or all medical bills for many people who cannot afford care, including children, some parents and caretaker relatives, pregnant women, certain people with disabilities, and people who meet other Medicaid groups.
The official eligibility limits page is the best place to check current rules. South Carolina also lists the Healthy Connections Member Help Center number, 888-549-0820, and SC Thrive as places to ask for application help.
Many Medicaid members are placed in managed care. That means you get most care through a Medicaid health plan, also called an MCO. South Carolina lists five Medicaid managed care plans on its managed care page. After approval, use SCChoices to compare plans, pick a doctor, and change plans when allowed.
Important reality check
South Carolina has not adopted full Medicaid expansion for all low-income adults. This means a parent can have low income and still be over the parent Medicaid limit. If that happens, check Marketplace coverage, clinics, and hospital financial assistance instead of assuming there is no help.
2026 income limits to know
The limits below are monthly income examples shown by South Carolina for programs effective March 1, 2026. These are not the full rules. Household size, pregnancy, disability, immigration status, resources, and other details can change the result.
| Program group | Who it may help | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent/Caretaker Relatives | Some parents or caretaker relatives with a dependent child in the home | $824.60 | $1,118.06 | $1,411.53 | $1,705.00 | Limit is 62% of the federal poverty level. |
| Pregnant Women and Infants | Pregnant women and infants under age 1 | $2,580.20 | $3,498.46 | $4,416.73 | $5,335.00 | Pregnancy coverage continues for 12 months after birth. |
| Partners for Healthy Children | Children under age 19 | $2,766.40 | $3,750.93 | $4,735.46 | $5,720.00 | Limit is 208% of the federal poverty level. |
| Family Planning | Limited family planning coverage for people not eligible for full Medicaid | $2,580.20 | $3,498.46 | $4,416.73 | $5,335.00 | This is limited coverage, not full health insurance. |
| TEFRA/Katie Beckett | Some children age 18 or younger with serious disability needs | Child income and child resources are reviewed under special rules. | South Carolina lists child gross income below $2,982 per month and child countable resources of $2,000 or less. | |||
Pregnancy, postpartum, infants, and children
If you are pregnant, Medicaid may be the fastest place to start. South Carolina says pregnant women may be able to receive medical care while waiting for a full Medicaid decision. Ask your clinic, hospital, or local office what proof they need and whether they can help you submit the application.
South Carolina Medicaid for pregnant women can continue for 12 months after the baby’s birth. The infant may also be covered to age 1 when the rules are met. Keep every notice and report address or phone changes so you do not miss renewal mail.
WIC can help with nutrition support for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5. For federal fiscal year 2026, the monthly fruit and vegetable benefit is $26 for children, $48 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for fully or mostly breastfeeding participants, according to FY 2026 WIC guidance. WIC also gives nutrition education and referrals.
For babies and young children, ask about Medicaid, WIC, vaccines, and well-child visits. If you need breast pump or maternity resource help, ASMOM also has breast pump help for South Carolina.
Children under 19 may qualify for Partners for Healthy Children even if you do not qualify as a parent. If your child has major medical or disability needs, ask about TEFRA/Katie Beckett and review local options in ASMOM’s special needs support guide.
Clinics, hospital bills, and help without insurance
If you are uninsured or waiting for Medicaid, ask for care anyway. Tell the clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office that you are uninsured, low income, or waiting on a Medicaid decision. Ask for a sliding fee scale, charity care, payment plan, or help applying for coverage.
South Carolina county public health departments may offer family planning, immunizations, WIC, STI testing and treatment, HIV and hepatitis C testing, TB services, and other public health services. Not every county office offers every service, so check public clinics before you go.
Federally funded health centers can serve people with or without insurance and must offer a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay. Use the HRSA health center finder and call to ask what documents to bring.
Free and charitable clinics may help uninsured people with basic medical care, chronic disease visits, prescriptions, and referrals. Use the South Carolina Free Clinic Association’s free clinic finder to look for a clinic near you. Each clinic sets its own rules and hours.
If you have a hospital bill, call the billing office and ask for the financial assistance or charity care application. Do this even if the bill is already high. Hospital financial aid usually depends on income, household size, insurance status, and whether the care was medically needed.
For breast and cervical cancer screening, South Carolina’s Best Chance Network may provide no-cost screening for eligible women. If screening finds a treatment need, ask the provider and Medicaid office whether breast and cervical cancer Medicaid may apply. Screening rules and treatment Medicaid rules are not the same, so confirm before you rely on them.
Rides, dental care, and mental health
If you have Healthy Connections Medicaid, you may be able to get non-emergency medical transportation for covered medical appointments, pharmacy trips, dialysis, lab work, and other approved care. The state says to call at least three business days before the appointment when possible.
| Region | Phone | Area examples |
|---|---|---|
| Region 1 | 1-866-910-7688 | Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Greenwood, Laurens, and nearby counties |
| Region 2 | 1-866-445-6860 | Richland, Lexington, Sumter, York, Aiken, Orangeburg, Kershaw, and nearby counties |
| Region 3 | 1-866-445-9954 | Charleston, Horry, Florence, Beaufort, Berkeley, Dorchester, Georgetown, and nearby counties |
For more ride options, see ASMOM’s transportation help guide. For dental coverage and low-cost dental options, use ASMOM’s dental help guide.
For mental health care, call 988 for crisis support. South Carolina also has Mobile Crisis services and county-based mental health centers. If you have Medicaid, ask your managed care plan how to find a covered therapist, psychiatrist, substance use provider, or child mental health provider. ASMOM also has South Carolina mental health help.
Documents and information checklist
You may not need every item below, but having these ready can prevent delays. If you do not have one item, apply anyway and ask what substitute proof is accepted.
| What to gather | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and household | Names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers or proof you applied | Programs must confirm who is in the household. |
| Income | Pay stubs, work schedule, self-employment records, unemployment, child support, SSI, or other benefits | Income decides many Medicaid, WIC, and clinic fee rules. |
| Residency and bills | Rent, mortgage, utility bill, lease, or other proof of where you live | South Carolina programs need state residency proof. |
| Pregnancy or medical need | Due date, clinic record, provider letter, diagnosis, prescription list, or appointment details | This helps with pregnancy coverage, disability-related coverage, and clinic referrals. |
| Insurance and denial notices | Insurance card, Medicaid notice, Marketplace notice, hospital bill, or denial letter | These help you appeal, change plans, or apply for financial assistance. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a denial for you means your child is denied. Children have different limits. Ask for a child-only review if needed.
- Ignoring mail from Medicaid. Renewal and proof requests can have short deadlines.
- Picking a plan without checking doctors. Before choosing an MCO, check your child’s pediatrician, OB, pharmacy, therapist, and specialists.
- Missing ride deadlines. Medicaid rides usually need advance notice. Call early and get a trip number.
- Waiting on a hospital bill. Ask for financial assistance before the bill goes to collections if you can.
What to do if you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
First, read the notice. Look for the reason, the date, the appeal deadline, and whether the decision affects you, your child, or both. If the notice is confusing, call Healthy Connections and ask the worker to explain it in plain language.
If you disagree with a Medicaid decision, use the state Medicaid appeals page. South Carolina says you may appeal when eligibility is denied, services are reduced or ended, an MCO denies a service, prior authorization is denied, or an application or benefit request is not handled on time. You can also use the state page to file an appeal online, by mail, by fax, by email, or by phone.
While you wait, ask a clinic, free clinic, or hospital financial assistance office what care can be provided now. If the problem is food, rent, utility shutoff, child care, or other pressure connected to health, use ASMOM’s emergency help, housing help, and utility help guides for next steps.
Backup options while coverage is pending
- Ask a federally qualified health center about same-week visits and a sliding fee.
- Ask a free clinic if they serve your county and condition.
- Ask the hospital billing office for financial assistance before paying with a credit card.
- Use HealthCare.gov coverage options if you lost coverage, had a baby, moved, got married, or had another qualifying life event.
- Call the Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 if you need help with a Special Enrollment Period.
Other help that can protect your health
Health is not only doctor visits. Food, housing, transportation, utilities, child care, and cash pressure can make it harder to keep appointments or buy medicine. For broader help in the state, see ASMOM’s South Carolina help page and the main guide to SC assistance.
If you need community programs, churches, local charities, and county resources, use ASMOM’s community aid guide. If you need cash help for basic needs, review TANF help and ask DSS what fits your household.
For insurance questions outside Medicaid, the South Carolina Department of Insurance has SC insurance help about the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Plans, prices, subsidies, and enrollment rules can change each year.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling Medicaid about an application
“Hi, my name is _____. I applied for Healthy Connections Medicaid on _____. I am a single parent and need to know if anything is missing. Can you tell me the status, the next step, and the best way to send proof?”
Calling while pregnant
“Hi, I am pregnant and need prenatal care. I applied for Medicaid, but I do not have a decision yet. Can your office help me with temporary pregnancy coverage or tell me what proof I need to be seen?”
Calling a clinic without insurance
“Hi, I do not have insurance right now. Do you offer a sliding fee scale or free clinic visits? What income proof should I bring, and what is the earliest appointment for my concern?”
Calling for a Medicaid ride
“Hi, I need a ride to a Medicaid-covered appointment on ____ at _____. My appointment is at _____. Can you schedule the trip, give me the pickup window, and give me a confirmation number?”
Resumen en español
Si es madre soltera en Carolina del Sur y necesita atención médica, empiece con Healthy Connections Medicaid. Los niños y las mujeres embarazadas pueden tener límites de ingresos más altos que los padres adultos. Si Medicaid no aprueba su caso, revise HealthCare.gov, clínicas con escala de pago, clínicas gratis, WIC y ayuda financiera del hospital.
Si tiene una emergencia médica, llame al 911. Si tiene una crisis de salud mental, llame o envíe un texto al 988. Guarde todas las cartas, fechas y números de confirmación. Si recibe una negación, lea la fecha límite para apelar.
FAQ
What is Healthy Connections Medicaid?
Healthy Connections is South Carolina’s Medicaid program. It can help pay for covered medical care for eligible children, pregnant women, some parents and caretaker relatives, people with disabilities, and other groups.
Can a single mother qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina?
Yes, but the rules depend on income, household size, state residency, immigration or citizenship status, and the Medicaid group. The parent limit is much lower than the limits for children and pregnant women.
Does South Carolina Medicaid cover pregnancy after birth?
South Carolina states that coverage for pregnant women can continue for 12 months after the baby’s birth when the program rules are met. Keep your address and phone number updated so you do not miss notices.
What if my income is too high for Medicaid?
Check HealthCare.gov for Marketplace coverage and ask local clinics about sliding fees. You can also ask hospitals about financial assistance for medically necessary care.
How do I get a ride to a Medicaid appointment?
If you have Healthy Connections Medicaid, call the transportation broker for your region at least three business days before the appointment when possible. Ask for a confirmation number.
Can my child get coverage if I do not?
Possibly. Children have different income limits under Partners for Healthy Children. Ask for your child’s eligibility to be reviewed even if you are not eligible as a parent.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.