State guide

South Carolina

Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in South Carolina. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.

South Carolina overview

South Carolina's Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) administers Medicaid HCBS waiver services. DDSN is organized into Regional Centers statewide — contact your regional center for eligibility and waiver enrollment. South Carolina's waiver waitlists are significant; apply early. For early intervention, BabyNet is South Carolina's birth-to-three program. PRO-Parents of South Carolina is the state's PTI center. The Autism Society of South Carolina and the Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston provide statewide family support and clinical resources.

Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

South Carolina Medicaid Waiver (BHDD/OIDD)

Typical wait: varies — contact BHDD for current waitlist status

Apply through SC BHDD Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) the day of diagnosis — BHDD manages waiver enrollment and all DD services statewide.

Apply or learn more →

Statewide resources

These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.

Parent Training & Information (PTI)

PRO-Parents of South Carolina

(800) 759-4776

Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in South Carolina.

South Carolina requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

SB 599 · effective 2007

Through age 16No dollar capDiagnosis required

One of the earliest state mandates (2007). Covers ABA through age 16 with no dollar cap. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are exempt. Families with older teens should explore South Carolina Medicaid for continued coverage.

Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are typically exempt — ask your HR department which type of plan you have.

Medicaid Waiver

Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in South Carolina.

Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities (ID/RD) Waiver

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), DSN Boards

Currently closed

Typical wait time

5-7 years

Coverage highlights

  • ✓Respite
  • ✓Supported Living
  • ✗Therapy
  • ✓Employment Supports

South Carolina administers its waiver through a network of local Disabilities and Special Needs (DSN) Boards. Waitlists are significant — register with your county DSN Board as early as possible. South Carolina also has an Autism Insurance Benefit mandate and Medicaid covers some ABA therapy for children through EPSDT.

How to apply

Apply online →803-898-9600

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in South Carolina.

Healthy Connections (South Carolina Medicaid)

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit scdhhs.gov or call 1-888-549-0820. Most SC Medicaid beneficiaries are in fee-for-service — check your Medicaid card or call to confirm.

Major plans in this state

  • Healthy Connections Prime (for dual eligibles)
  • South Carolina Medicaid (Fee-for-Service for most families)

South Carolina Medicaid operates primarily fee-for-service for most families. Healthy Connections Prime managed care is mainly for dual-eligible individuals. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Prior authorization is required. Contact SCDHHS to find enrolled ABA providers in your area.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.