There is a portion of the Medicaid program in each state that covers the health care needs of women. South Carolina has several programs that provide coverage for family planning, pregnancy, or treatment for breast or cervical cancer.
Medicaid is a public, or government run, form of health insurance. It is designed to cover individuals and families who are low-income and who cannot afford to purchase a health plan from a private insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded by the government of an individual state.
In South Carolina, the Medicaid program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Women who are pregnant can apply for the main Medicaid program. A Medicaid eligibility worker will determine whether or not she is eligible for the program based on financial and non-financial requirements.
There is also a Medicaid program called Optional Coverage for Women and Infants (OCWI). In order to be eligible for this program, a woman must meet the following non-financial requirements. She must be pregnant, and she must have the pregnancy and expected date of delivery medically verified. Pregnancy includes the 60 day postpartum period. That period starts on the date of delivery or termination of the pregnancy.
She must be a resident of South Carolina, and a citizen of the United States. She must have a Social Security Number. She must have countable resources at or below $30,000 per Budget Group. Her income must be 185% of the federal poverty level. Women who qualify for OCWI will receive all Medicaid covered services.
The Family Planning (FP) Waiver Services covers both women and men. It is for people whose family income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. It is open to individuals of any age who request eligibility or or otherwise eligible.
Again, the person must be a resident of South Carolina and a citizen of the United States. He or she must have a Social Security number. Women who apply for this program and are eligible remain eligible for 12 months. Pregnant women who are moving to the FP program after delivery are eligible for 10 months of family planning services. Both groups will receive the full range of family planning services covered by Medicaid. A re-determination is required annually.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is for women under the age of 65, who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, and who need coverage. This can include coverage for breast cancer, cervical cancer, or pre-cancerous lesions. Individuals who are approved will receive all Medicaid covered services.
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