Directory of Services for Women & Families in South Carolina

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Selected Services
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human
Services (SCDHHS) was created in 1984 to administer
the Medicaid program (Title XIX of the Social Security
Act). Medicaid is South Carolina's aid program by which
the federal and state governments share the cost of
providing medical care for needy persons who have low
income.
• Medicaid
• Transportation – to medical appointments
for Medicaid recipients
• Partners for Healthy Children
MEDICAID - OCWI
(Optional Coverage for Women and Infants)
This is a program to help pay the medical bills for
pregnant women and babies with low family income.
The types of medical services that will be covered are:
• Doctor visits
• Hospital Care
• Medical transportation
• Prescription Drugs
• Family Planning Services
• Emergency Room Services
All medical services must be necessary and some
services are limited.
When should you apply If you are pregnant, you
should apply as soon as you learn that you are pregnant.
If you are applying for children’s services, you should
apply as soon as possible after the child’s birth
Where should you apply You may apply for Medicaid
at your county Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS). Check the services listed under your county of
residence in this directory for more information.
MEDICAID - OCWI
(continued)
What information should you bring to apply
When you apply for Medicaid, you will be asked to provide
the following information:
• Proof of your income
• Your Social Security Card
• A pregnancy statement from your doctor
• Proof of child support/alimony payments
• Health insurance policy or ID card
If you cannot get this information, the Department of
Health and Human Services or the person who takes your
application, is required to assist you.
Even if you have private insurance, Medicaid may pay
for services that your insurance does not cover. For more
information, call your county health and human services
department or look under the listing of services offered in
your county as found in this directory.
ADOPTION
One of the options or choices that is available to
you and the baby’s father is to place your child
up for adoption. Adoption is the legal process by
which permanent custody of a child is transferred
from birth parents to adoptive parents.
The Division of Adoption Services at DSS or other
licensed adoption agencies can help you. For more
information, call the DSS state office at
(803) 898-7318 or 1-888-CARE-4-US (227-3487)
or check the services listed for your county of
residence in this directory. At licensed adoption
agencies, you will receive helpful, supportive
services. You will be counseled about what is
best for you, your baby and your family. You may
have a part in the adoptive parent/family selection
process. The final decision about adoption is yours
to make, and the information you share with an
agency is confidential.
At the DSS Division of Adoption Services,
counseling services are free and may include
the baby’s father. You may receive help with
hospital expenses and maternity home fees. Your
questions will be answered.
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Directory of Services for Women, Children & Families