How to Apply for South Carolina Medicaid
Updated August 2026
South Carolina processes Healthy Connections applications through SCDHHS. You can apply in four ways:
Apply online at apply.scdhhs.gov — the fastest path to Healthy Connections coverage
SCDHHS accepts applications online 24/7 at apply.scdhhs.gov. The application is periodically offline on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. for maintenance. If the system is unavailable, call the Member Help Center at 1-888-549-0820 or visit a local county office.
How to apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid
SC Thrive at scthrive.org can help you complete your application at no cost. SC Thrive assists South Carolinians with benefits access statewide.
- Online: Apply at apply.scdhhs.gov. The online application is the fastest option for most families. You can upload supporting documents directly through the portal.
- By phone: Call the Member Help Center at 1-888-549-0820. Representatives can help you apply by phone and answer questions about eligibility categories.
- Local county DHHS office: Apply in person at your local SCDHHS county office. A directory of county offices is available at scdhhs.gov/members/where-go-help.
- Paper application by mail or fax: Download the Healthy Connections Application Form (FM 3400) from scdhhs.gov, complete it, and mail to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101 or fax to 888-820-1204.
Documents you'll likely need
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.
- 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
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, BlueChoice (Healthy Blue), Humana Healthy Horizons, Molina Healthcare of South Carolina, and Select Health of South Carolina.
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.
South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections)
Visit the official South Carolina Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →