Last updated: June 21, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in South Carolina and need health care, start with Healthy Connections Medicaid. It may help eligible families with doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, pregnancy care, children’s care, mental health care, and other covered services. Children and pregnant women usually have higher income limits than parents and caretaker relatives.
South Carolina has not adopted full Medicaid expansion for all low-income adults, so some parents may earn too much for parent Medicaid but still not have affordable insurance. If Medicaid does not fit, check HealthCare.gov, a sliding-fee health center, a free clinic, a county public health clinic, and hospital financial assistance. For broader help with bills, food, housing, and urgent needs, keep ASMOM’s emergency help guide open.
This guide is general information only. It is not medical, legal, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice. For care decisions, talk with a licensed medical provider or the official program.
If you need care now
Call 911 first if you have a medical emergency, heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe allergic reaction, a serious injury, or a situation that could be life-threatening.
- Mental health crisis: call or text 988. South Carolina’s 988 in SC page explains when to call.
- Medicaid questions: call Healthy Connections at 888-549-0820, or use the state’s help page during business hours.
- Pregnant and need care: apply for Medicaid and ask your clinic or hospital if they can help with pregnancy coverage while your application is reviewed.
- WIC and nutrition: call 1-855-472-3432 or start through apply for WIC before your appointment.
- Domestic violence or unsafe home: use a safer device if someone monitors your phone. ASMOM’s SC safety guide lists safer next steps.
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 not sure whether you qualify, apply and let the agency review your case.
If you need insurance
Use the state’s apply online portal for Healthy Connections Medicaid. You can also ask SC Thrive, some hospitals, and some health centers for application help.
If you are pregnant
Apply for Medicaid, ask about pregnancy-related coverage, and also call WIC. ASMOM’s postpartum support guide gives more state steps.
If your child needs care
Children may qualify for Partners for Healthy Children even when a parent does not qualify. If your child has disability or complex medical needs, ask about TEFRA/Katie Beckett.
If you were denied
Read the notice, keep the envelope, and act before the deadline. Medicaid appeals can be time-sensitive, and a clinic may still have sliding-fee care while you appeal.
Quick reference for South Carolina health help
| If you need | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health coverage | Healthy Connections Medicaid | “Which category fits my family?” | Parent limits are low. Children and pregnancy rules are different. |
| Pregnancy care | Medicaid, WIC, OB clinic | “Can I be seen while the application is pending?” | Keep your address and phone number current after birth. |
| Food during pregnancy | WIC and SNAP | “Do I need WIC, SNAP, or both?” | WIC is nutrition support, not cash. |
| Care without insurance | Health center or free clinic | “Do you use a sliding fee?” | Services vary by clinic, county, and medical need. |
| A ride to care | Medicaid transportation | “Can I schedule a covered ride?” | Call at least three business days early when possible. |
If food, rent, utilities, or child care are blocking your care, use ASMOM’s SNAP help, housing help, and utility help guides as backup.
Healthy Connections Medicaid
Healthy Connections is South Carolina’s Medicaid program. It provides health coverage for eligible South Carolina residents. Medicaid may cover different services depending on the eligibility group, health plan, age, pregnancy status, disability status, and medical need.
The official eligibility limits page is the safest place to check current rules before you apply. You can call Healthy Connections at 888-549-0820 for application help. If you need help filling out forms, ask SC Thrive, a hospital financial counselor, a health center, or a community organization whether they have trained helpers.
Many members get care through a managed care plan, also called an MCO. After approval, review the managed care page and use SCChoices to compare plans, choose a doctor, or change plans when allowed. Before picking a plan, check your child’s pediatrician, your OB, your pharmacy, and any specialists.
Important reality check
KFF’s expansion status list includes South Carolina among the states that have not adopted full ACA Medicaid expansion. That means an adult can have low income and still not qualify if they do not fit a covered group. If this happens, check Marketplace coverage, free clinics, health centers, and hospital financial assistance instead of giving up.
2026 income examples to know
The examples below are monthly income limits listed for common South Carolina Medicaid groups effective March 1, 2026. These are not the full rules. Household size, pregnancy, disability, citizenship or immigration status, resources, and other facts can change the decision. Always confirm on the official SCDHHS eligibility page.
| 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 | $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 can continue 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 | $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 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 countable resources of $2,000 or less. | |||
Pregnancy, postpartum, infants, and children
If you are pregnant, Medicaid may be the first place to start. Ask your OB clinic, hospital, or local helper whether they can help submit an application and what proof is needed. South Carolina says pregnancy coverage can continue for 12 months after birth when program rules are met. Keep every notice and report address or phone changes so you do not miss renewal mail.
WIC can help pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5 with healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals. South Carolina WIC says you can use an online pre-application or call 1-855-472-3432 to make an in-person or online appointment. WIC may ask for proof of identity, South Carolina residency, and income or benefit proof. ASMOM’s SC WIC guide can help you prepare.
For federal fiscal year 2026, USDA lists WIC fruit and vegetable benefit amounts as $26 for children, $48 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for fully or mostly breastfeeding participants. Your full WIC food package depends on your category and WIC rules.
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 ASMOM’s special needs support guide. If you need diapers, breast pumps, or newborn supplies, ask WIC, your clinic, a hospital social worker, or your local health department about local referrals.
Clinics, hospital bills, and care 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 public health clinics may offer family planning, immunizations, STI testing and treatment, HIV and hepatitis C testing, TB services, WIC, and other public health services. Not every office offers every service, so check public clinics before you go. For vaccines, DPH says you can call 1-855-472-3432 for an appointment.
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, dental care, or referrals. Use the South Carolina Free Clinic Association’s free clinic finder to search nearby clinics.
If you have a hospital bill, call the billing office and ask for the financial assistance or charity care application. Do this before paying with a credit card if you can. Hospital help 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 screenings for eligible women. Screening help and treatment coverage are not always the same program, so ask what happens if a screening finds a problem.
Rides, dental care, and mental health
If you have Healthy Connections Medicaid, you may be able to get non-emergency medical transportation for covered appointments, pharmacy trips, dialysis, lab work, and other approved care. South Carolina says to call at least three business days before the appointment when possible. Use the state’s Medicaid rides page to confirm the broker for your county.
| 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, use ASMOM’s transportation help guide. For Medicaid dental coverage, free clinics, dental schools, and low-cost options, use ASMOM’s dental help guide.
For mental health care, call or text 988 for crisis support. South Carolina also lists Mobile Crisis services and county-based mental health centers. If you have Medicaid, call your plan and ask how to find a covered therapist, psychiatrist, substance use provider, or child mental health provider.
Documents and information checklist
You may not need every item below. Apply anyway if one paper is missing, then ask what substitute proof is accepted. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you build one folder for Medicaid, WIC, clinics, and other benefits.
| 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, unemployment, child support, SSI, or other benefits | Income affects Medicaid, WIC, and sliding-fee rules. |
| Residency | Lease, bill, school record, shelter letter, or other proof of address | South Carolina programs need state residency proof. |
| Pregnancy or medical need | Due date, clinic record, provider letter, prescription list, or diagnosis | This helps with pregnancy coverage, disability-related coverage, and clinic referrals. |
| Insurance and notices | Insurance card, Medicaid notice, Marketplace notice, hospital bill, or denial letter | These help you appeal, change plans, or apply for financial help. |
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. Check your pediatrician, OB, pharmacy, therapist, and specialists first.
- Missing ride deadlines. Medicaid rides usually need advance notice. Call early and ask for 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 appeals may involve eligibility, reduced or ended services, MCO denials, prior authorization denials, or applications 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 health center, free clinic, or hospital financial assistance office what care can be provided now. If the problem is food, rent, child care, utility shutoff, or legal pressure connected to health, use ASMOM’s child care help, TANF help, and legal help guides.
Backup options while coverage is pending
- Ask a federally funded health center about same-week visits and a sliding fee.
- Ask a free clinic if it serves your county and medical need.
- Ask the hospital billing office for financial assistance before paying a large bill.
- Use HealthCare.gov coverage options if you lost coverage, had a baby, moved, got married, or had another qualifying event.
- Call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 if you need Special Enrollment Period help.
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 community programs, churches, local charities, and county resources, use ASMOM’s community aid guide.
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 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 _____. The 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, citizenship or immigration 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 says Medicaid coverage for pregnant women can continue for 12 months after the baby’s birth when 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 June 21, 2026, next review September 21, 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.