South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid) Program
South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid) Program
WHAT IS HEALTHY CONNECTIONS (MEDICAID)?
Healthy Connections (Medicaid) is South Carolina's grant-in-aid program by which the federal and state governments share the cost of providing medical care for needy persons who have low income. Title XIX of the Social Security Act that was signed into law by the president on July 30, 1965 authorized the program. Congress has continually changed the Medicaid program since it was created and enacted by legislation. South Carolina began participation in the Medicaid program in July 1968.
Because state and federal governments share the cost of the Medicaid program, states are given some flexibility in providing coverage to its needy citizens. For this reason, the rules for Medicaid coverage vary from state to state. An individual who is eligible in South Carolina is not necessarily eligible if he or she moves to North Carolina, Georgia, etc.
ARE (HEALTHY CONNECTIONS) MEDICAID AND MEDICARE THE SAME?
No, Healthy Connections (Medicaid) is a program that pays for health care for needy people of the state. To receive Medicaid benefits, an individual must meet certain non-financial and financial guidelines and categorical requirements.
Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 and over or people who have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. There is no financial eligibility test for Medicare. Medicare is divided into several parts, including Parts A, B and D. Part A is called hospital insurance. It pays at least part of such care as hospital services, skilled nursing home care, hospice care, etc. Part B is called medical insurance. It pays at least part of such care as doctor's services, X-ray and other radiation therapy, durable medical equipment, outpatient surgery, certain physical and occupational therapy, ambulance services, dialysis, home health services, etc. Part D is called prescription drug coverage. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance. Private companies provide coverage through Medicare drug plans. Medicare drug plans will help pay for both brand name and generic drugs you need.
A person can have both Medicaid and Medicare. For a person who has both, Healthy Connections (Medicaid) will pay the monthly Medicare premium and certain services not covered by Medicare. Cost sharing will be paid only for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB).
Department of Health and Human Services
P.O. Box 8206
Columbia, SC 29202
Toll Free-Dial 1 & Then (888) 549-0820
info@scdhhs.gov
