5 Critical Updates For Healthy Connections: Your Comprehensive Guide To The Horry County Medicaid Office In Conway
The Horry County Medicaid Office, officially operated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SC DHHS), is the essential local resource for residents seeking enrollment or assistance with the state's Medicaid program, known as Healthy Connections. As of December 22, 2025, understanding the correct location, current operating hours, and the latest program changes is crucial for a smooth application or renewal process. The Conway office serves as the primary hub for managing health coverage applications, eligibility redeterminations, and providing support for a wide range of medical assistance programs tailored for low-income families, children, and elderly or disabled individuals across Horry County.
This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date contact information, a step-by-step breakdown of the application process, and vital details on recent program updates for 2024 and 2025. With a renewed focus on annual eligibility reviews (redeterminations) and significant changes like the implementation of a Single Preferred Drug List, residents must be proactive. The Conway DHHS office is your direct link to securing essential healthcare coverage in the Grand Strand area.
Horry County Medicaid Office (SC DHHS) at a Glance: Contact and Location
The office responsible for managing Healthy Connections Medicaid applications and services in Horry County is a local branch of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SC DHHS). It is important to note the correct location and contact details before planning a visit, as many residents often confuse it with the Department of Social Services (DSS).
Official Office Information (Healthy Connections Eligibility):
- Agency Name: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SC DHHS)
- Program Name: Healthy Connections Medicaid
- Office Location: Genesis Complex, Conway
- Physical Address: 1201 Creel St, Conway, SC 29527
- Mailing Address (for documents): It is best to confirm the exact mailing address directly with the office or use the secure online portal.
- Primary Phone Number: (843) 444-5422
- Statewide Medicaid Help Line: 1-888-549-0820
- Community Long-Term Care (CLTC) Phone: (843) 279-2011
- Standard Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (It is always advisable to call ahead for holiday hours or unexpected closures.)
The Conway DHHS office is where residents can receive in-person assistance with their application, submit required documentation, and inquire about their eligibility status. This facility is the central point for all Medicaid-related inquiries in the county.
Navigating Healthy Connections: Eligibility and Application Process in Conway
Applying for Healthy Connections Medicaid requires careful attention to detail, especially regarding income and asset limitations. Eligibility is determined based on the applicant’s household size, income level, and specific coverage group (e.g., children, pregnant women, elderly, disabled). The Horry County office facilitates several methods for application submission.
Three Ways to Apply for Medicaid in Horry County
- Online Application: The fastest and most convenient method is applying through the official South Carolina Healthy Connections online portal. This allows applicants to submit forms and upload documents from home.
- In-Person Application: You can apply in person at the Horry County DHHS office at 1201 Creel St, Conway, SC 29527. This is ideal for those who need assistance filling out the forms or prefer to speak with a caseworker directly.
- By Phone: Assistance with the application can be obtained by calling the statewide Healthy Connections line at 1-888-549-0820.
Essential Application Requirements and Documents
While the specific requirements vary by program, all applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Immigration Status.
- Proof of South Carolina Residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements).
- Proof of Income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security benefit letters).
- Proof of Assets (for certain programs, such as long-term care).
- Social Security Numbers for all household members applying.
Critical Update: The Return of Medicaid Redetermination
A vital piece of information for all current Healthy Connections beneficiaries in Horry County is the resumption of annual eligibility reviews (redeterminations). Due to the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, South Carolina has restarted the process of checking eligibility for all members. Recipients must ensure their contact information is current and respond promptly to any review forms or requests for documentation from the DHHS office to prevent an interruption in coverage. Failure to complete the review form on time will result in a loss of benefits.
Key Medicaid Programs and Critical 2024/2025 Updates You Need to Know
The Healthy Connections program encompasses numerous categories to ensure various vulnerable populations have access to care. Knowing which program you might qualify for can streamline your application process at the Conway DHHS office.
Major Healthy Connections Programs in Horry County
- Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD): Coverage for individuals 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- Family Planning: Services to help prevent unintended pregnancy.
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Program: Coverage for treatment for women diagnosed through the state's screening program.
- Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Known as Healthy Connections Primary, for children in families with incomes too high for standard Medicaid but too low for private insurance.
- Community Long-Term Care (CLTC): Services for those who require nursing home-level care but wish to remain in their homes or communities.
- Former Foster Care: Coverage for young adults who were in foster care.
Critical 2024 and 2025 Program Changes
To ensure your information is fresh and unique, it is essential to highlight the latest changes impacting beneficiaries in Horry County:
- Single Preferred Drug List (PDL) Implementation (Effective July 1, 2024): The SC DHHS is implementing a single, unified Preferred Drug List for all Healthy Connections beneficiaries. This change is designed to standardize pharmacy benefits across the program. Beneficiaries should consult their healthcare providers or the DHHS for details on how this affects their current prescriptions.
- Healthy Connections Prime Transition (January 1, 2026): The state is transitioning all Healthy Connections Prime plans (for dually eligible Medicare/Medicaid members) to exclusively aligned Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). While the full change takes effect in 2026, planning and communication regarding this transition are active in 2025.
- Focus on SC Thrive Assistance: SC DHHS continues to partner with organizations like SC Thrive to offer free, one-on-one assistance with the Healthy Connections application process, making it easier for Horry County residents to get help.
Understanding the Difference: SC DHHS vs. Horry County DSS
A common point of confusion for residents seeking social services is the difference between the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SC DHHS) and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The distinction is critical for going to the correct office.
- SC DHHS (1201 Creel St, Conway): This is the office for Healthy Connections Medicaid. Its primary focus is on healthcare coverage, including eligibility, enrollment, and management of medical assistance programs.
- Horry County DSS (1951 Industrial Park Rd, Conway): This is the office for the Department of Social Services. Its primary focus is on other social safety net programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Child Protective Services.
While both agencies work together, if your specific need is health coverage (Medicaid), you must visit or contact the DHHS office on Creel Street.
The Horry County Medicaid Office in Conway remains a cornerstone for accessing vital health services for thousands of residents. By utilizing the correct contact information, being aware of the return to annual redeterminations, and understanding the significant program updates for 2024 and 2025, you can successfully navigate the process and maintain your Healthy Connections coverage.
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