South Carolina Medicaid, or Healthy Connections, is a government-funded financial assistance program that provides healthcare for low-income families, children, and adults.
Any South Carolina resident who lives within a certain income bracket can use Healthy Connections to get affordable healthcare.
For those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, treatment is covered with Medicaid.
What Addiction Treatment Services Are Covered By Medicaid In South Carolina?
Healthy Connections covers multiple evidence-based addiction rehab programs.
There are different health plans offered under Medicaid, so the covered services may vary depending on the plan you enroll in.
Treatment options generally covered by South Carolina Medicaid include:
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- outpatient treatment
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- inpatient treatment
- prescription drugs
- group, family, and individual therapy
- detoxification
- residential treatment
- peer and family support
The Medicaid program also expanded its virtual treatment options with consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic to include more teletherapy and telemedicine options.
Opioid Abuse Treatment
South Carolina Medicaid covers treatment for opioid addiction. Healthy Connections covers all medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
These include:
- methadone
- buprenorphine (oral, injectable)
- naltrexone
Top 5 Rehab Centers In South Carolina That Accept Medicaid
Many behavioral health centers in South Carolina accept Medicaid, and five have been chosen for this list.
The top five rehab centers below were selected for:
- accreditation
- client testimonials
- Google ratings
- partnerships with valued organizations
- other important selection criteria
1. BHG Aiken Treatment Center, Aiken, South Carolina
Behavioral Health Group (BHG) provides evidence-based treatment for those struggling with drug abuse.
Trusted features of BHG include:
- Joint Commission accreditation
- positive client testimonials
- a 4.4-star Google rating
Here, recovering individuals have access to addiction medicines (buprenorphine, methadone, and Suboxone) and counseling.
Location and contact information:
410 University Pkwy.
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 641-6911
2. Crossroads, Multiple Locations
This is a methadone and Suboxone treatment center for opioid addictions.
There are multiple South Carolina Locations, including clinics in Columbia, Florence, and Greenville.
Crossroads is backed by the following features:
- high Google ratings
- LegitScript certification
- evidence-based treatment
Location and contact information:
1341 N. Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC 29501
(800) 805-6989
3. Keystone Substance Abuse Services, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Keystone has three rehab centers in Rock Hill, South Carolina. There are several programs for youth and adults, including MAT, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab.
The addiction treatment center is supported by:
- partnership with United Way
- accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
Location and contact information:
199 S. Herlong Ave.
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 324-1800
4. Lexington Treatment Specialists, West Columbia, South Carolina
This is a methadone and Suboxone treatment center specializing in treating addictions to heroin, codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and other opioids.
Features of Lexington Treatment Specialists include:
- a 4.7-star Google rating
- the use of evidence-based treatment
Location and contact information:
185 Lott Ct.
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 719-4050
5. LRADAC, Multiple Locations
LRADAC is an addiction treatment center that provides services for individuals, families, and communities. Rehab centers are located in Columbia and Lexington, South Carolina.
Marks of quality care include:
- accreditation from CARF
- positive client testimonials
- partnership with United Way
Here, Medicaid covers substance abuse programs like:
- detox
- outpatient treatment
- MAT
Location and contact information:
2711 Colonial Dr.
Columbia, SC
(803) 726-9300
Find more South Carolina treatment centers near you
Factors That Affect South Carolina Medicaid Coverage For Addiction Treatment
Coverage for addiction treatment facilities will depend on key factors such as copays and prior authorization.
Copayments With South Carolina Medicaid
Most of the cost of treatment will be covered by Healthy Connections, but there are a few copays to keep in mind.
Factor in the following copays:
- doctor’s visits: $2 per visit
- clinic visits: $2 per visit
- prescription medications: $3 per prescription
- inpatient hospital stays: $25
The following groups are not responsible for any copayments:
- children under 19 years of age
- pregnant women
- women receiving family planning services
- those who are institutionalized
- those getting emergency services
- those with home and community-based waiver services
Prior Authorization For Some Services
You might need to get approval for some medicines and rehabilitation services.
With prior authorization, your primary care provider (or whoever is providing the service) will reach out to your health insurance provider to ask for approval.
If you’re denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining why the service was declined.
You also have the right to appeal that decision, which you can file with the member services department for your health plan provider.
South Carolina Medicaid Eligibility
Many groups are eligible for South Carolina Medicaid. The program covers most demographics who earn certain incomes.
You might qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina if you:
- are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- are a child age 18 or under
- have a child age 18 or under
- are in foster care or adopted
- have a child who’s in foster care or adopted
- have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
- are blind or have a disability
- need nursing home care
- are over the age of 65
South Carolina Medicaid Income Eligibility Requirements
If you qualify by being in one of the groups listed above, you may then check your income to determine whether you can enroll in Medicaid. Income limits vary by group.
Here are the monthly income limits for parents and caretaker relatives:
- one-person household: $665.46
- two-person household: $900.03
- three-person household: $1,134.60
- four-person household: $1,369.16
- five-person household: $1,603.73
- six-person household: $1,838.30
- seven-person household: $2,072.86
- eight-person household: $2,307.43
Add $234.56 for each additional person in your home.
How To Use Your South Carolina Medicaid Plan For Drug Rehab
To use Healthy Connections to cover drug and alcohol rehab in South Carolina, you’ll need to select a health plan.
South Carolina Medicaid offers the following health plans:
- Absolute Total Care
- Healthy Blue by BlueChoice of SC
- Humana Healthy Horizons™ in South Carolina
- First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina
- Molina Healthcare of SC
After you enroll in a health plan, you can start looking for a substance abuse treatment center.
Some rehab facilities will only take select health plans under Medicaid. Be sure to check with the rehab center you choose to verify that your health plan is accepted.
South Carolina Medicaid Insurance Coverage For Drug And Alcohol Rehab FAQs
Find answers to common questions about using South Carolina Medicaid to cover behavioral health services.
How Long Does It Take To Get Medicaid?
After you apply for Medicaid, you’ll need to wait to find out whether you’ve been accepted into the program.
It can take up to 45 days for Healthy Connections to determine your eligibility. However, this waiting period can be longer for some individuals.
If you’re accepted, your Medicaid card should arrive after one week. You’ll need this card to enroll in a treatment program.
Does South Carolina Medicaid Cover Therapy?
South Carolina Medicaid does cover several different therapies.
A person in treatment can get individual, group, and family therapy for both substance abuse and mental health treatment procedures.
What If I Need To Stay In Rehab Longer Than South Carolina Medicaid Covers?
Healthy Connections may only cover part of your rehab stay if you decide to stay in treatment longer than your plan covers.
If this is the case, you can finance the rest of your drug abuse program with private insurance, scholarships, government or state grants, or a sliding fee scale payment plan.
Help Finding Medicaid Rehab Centers In South Carolina
Our representatives are available to assist you in finding the best drug rehab center in South Carolina for you or your loved one.
We can help with questions, locating Medicaid rehab centers, and much more. Call us today to learn more about your options and how to get started.
Article Sources- The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)—Am I eligible?
https://www.scdhhs.gov/income-limits - The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)—Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.scdhhs.gov/FAQs - The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)—Medicaid Coverage for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
https://www.scdhhs.gov/press-release/medicaid-coverage-treatment-opioid-use-disorder