Medicaid appeals in South Carolina: hearing deadline and keeping benefits
Healthy Connections Medicaid (South Carolina Medicaid): you have 30 days to ask for a fair hearing.
You may ask for your benefits or services to continue if you ask within 10 days of the date on the notice. New services cannot be started.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Appeal deadlines are strict. If you are near a deadline or your care is urgent, call free help today.
Medicaid (Healthy Connections Medicaid (South Carolina Medicaid)) denials in South Carolina
- Medicaid agency
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
- Who holds the hearing
SCDHHS Office of Appeals and Hearings
- Hearing deadline
30 days
The date of the notice, or the day you receive it, as stated on your notice
- How to ask for a hearing
- Online: SCDHHS Appeals website (www.scdhhs.gov/appeals); you get an email confirmation
- Mail: Eligibility: Attn: Eligibility Appeals, SCDHHS, PO Box 8206, Columbia, SC 29202. Other appeals: Office of Appeals and Hearings, PO Box 8206, Columbia, SC 29202
- Fax: 803-255-8206 (eligibility also 803-255-8251)
- Online: Email eligibility appeals to eligappeals@scdhhs.gov; other appeals to appeals@scdhhs.gov
- Phone: Eligibility appeals: 888-549-0820
- Mail address
Office of Appeals and Hearings, SCDHHS, PO Box 8206, Columbia, SC 29202
- What to include
Say what you are appealing and why you think the decision is wrong. Include a copy of the notice (keep the original) and your full contact information: name, address, phone, email and Medicaid number, and your representative's information if you have one. You may include documents such as medical records. Someone filing for a member needs legal authority or a signed Form 1282.
- Keeping your benefits during the appeal
You may ask for your benefits or services to continue if you ask within 10 days of the date on the notice. New services cannot be started. If the hearing officer rules against you, you may have to pay back disputed benefits received during the appeal.
Law: 42 CFR 431.230
- When the hearing is held
Fair hearings are held in person, not by phone, usually at Jefferson Square, 1801 Main Street, Columbia; you may ask for a different location. Member appeals should ordinarily be concluded within 90 days of filing.
- Faster (expedited) hearing
You can ask for an expedited appeal when you file or later. State that you want an expedited appeal and why, through the Appeals website, fax, email or mail, and send supporting documents. SCDHHS grants it if the standard timeframe could jeopardize your life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain maximum function.
Medicaid health plan (managed care) in South Carolina
- Appeal to the plan first
If you are in a Healthy Connections managed care plan (MCO), first use the plan's internal appeal process, then you can appeal to the SCDHHS Office of Appeals and Hearings. MCOs may have their own appeal times and procedures; read your notice carefully.
Write my appeal: free letters
Sources
The official sources for South Carolina are listed on the South Carolina page.