Politics & Government

SC’s uninsured can apply for COVID-19 testing coverage through Medicaid, HHS says

South Carolinians without health insurance can now apply to have cost of coronavirus testing coverage through the state’s Medicaid program, according to a statement from the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Uninsured residents who pay for a COVID-19 test can apply to have their health care providers reimbursed starting Tuesday, according to the statement. Medicaid would be able to cover appointments dating back to March 18.

To qualify, patients must be uninsured South Carolina residents who have the correct citizenship or immigration status to qualify for Medicaid benefits. They are also required to provide a social security number.

The test must also be performed by a provider who accepts Healthy Connections Medicaid. A list of those providers can be found on SCDHHS’ website.

To apply for the reimbursement, residents can visit scdhhs.gov/COVID19 and click on “Apply for COVID-19 Limited Benefit Coverage” to download an application. Residents can also call 888-549-0820 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday or 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

If a resident successfully applies, SCDHHS would pay the reimbursement directly to the health care provider.

This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 4:06 PM.

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Emily Bohatch
The State
Emily Bohatch helps cover South Carolina’s government for The State. She also updates The State’s databases. Her accomplishments include winning multiple awards for her coverage of state government and of South Carolina’s prison system. She has a degree in Journalism from Ohio University’s E. W. Scripps School of Journalism. Support my work with a digital subscription
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