Living with Diabetes
South Carolina
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in South Carolina.
South Carolina Insurance Department - (803) 737-6160
In South Carolina, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in South Carolina, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.
If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Department. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
South Carolina Healthy Connections (Medicaid) - (888) 549-0320
South Carolina Healthy Connections is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.
South Carolina Health Insurance Pool (SCHIP) - (803) 788-0500, ext. 46401 (Columbia), (800) 868-2500, ext. 46401 (Outside Columbia)
SCHIP is the South Carolina state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness. Premiums may be high, and a pre-existing condition period may apply. Contact SCHIP for more information.
South Carolina Partners for Healthy Children - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (888) 549-0820
Partners for Healthy Children is the health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 whose families may have too great an income or assets to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. To find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines, please contact Partners for Healthy Children directly.
If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.
