South Carolina

South Carolina

Number of dialysis patients statewide: 7,820

This state does not currently offer Medigap insurance to dialysis patients under 65.

Legislative session: January 8 - June 6, 2013

Medicare, a federal program, pays for dialysis for over 80% of dialysis treatments. However, many issues concerning dialysis patients are actually handled at the state level.

Individual states have to provide certain basic services under Medicaid, but they also have flexibility in how they structure their plans and set their reimbursement rates. In addition, some states have the authority to determine the need and location for additional dialysis facilities (this is often referred to as certificate of need). Because dialysis patients’ care can be affected by state officials as well as federal officials, DPC members are becoming more active on state issues—ensuring the patients’ voice is heard locally as well as nationally.

South Carolina Dialysis Patient Resources

Patient Support and Financial Resources

National Kidney Foundation Serving the Carolinas - South Carolina Region
Provides financial assistance, nutritional supplements, renal vitamins, clothing and household goods to kidney patients living in South Carolina.
1-800-488-2277

ESRD Network

#6 Southeastern Kidney Council
1000 St. Albans Drive Suite 270
Raleigh, NC  27609
1-800-524-7139

State Run Programs

South Carolina Healthy Connections
1-888-549-0320

  • Adult Programs: Healthy Connections is South Carolina's Medicaid grant-in-aid program by which the federal and state governments share the cost of providing medical care for needy persons who have low income.  Medicaid for Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Provides Medicaid coverage to individuals with low income who are aged, blind, or disabled.  
  • Programs for Children: The Partners for Healthy Children program was authorized under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. This program provides Medicaid coverage for children who live in families with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Health Reform Status

Exchange: The federal government will run the health insurance exchange in South Carolina.

Medicaid: The state will not expand Medicaid eligibility.

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