Healthy Connections provides benefits to certain children with disabilities who would not ordinarily be eligible because their parents’ income and/or resources exceed the limit.
In 1981, the federal government created the Katie Beckett waiver, named after the child who inspired it, which allowed children to receive institutional care at home while retaining their Medicaid coverage, regardless of parents’ income. In 1982, the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) expanded the waiver.
BabyNet is South Carolina’s interagency early intervention system for infants and toddlers under three years of age with developmental delays, or who have conditions associated with developmental delays. Anyone (a parent, doctor, caregiver, teacher or friend) can make a referral. Look for signs that an infant or toddler might need extra help. If you suspect a child may have a problem, the earlier you get help, the better!
To find more information about referring your child to Babynet visit the site OR by calling the Central Referral Team at 866.512.8881.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income, and provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. SSI for Children — Children with disabilities may be eligible for monthly SSI payments from Social Security.
Medically Complex Children’s Waiver (MCC)
The Medically Complex Children (MCC) waiver serves children who meet hospital level of care (LOC), and have chronic physical/health conditions expected to last longer than 12 months. The participants must also meet the State-defined medical eligibility criteria which evaluates the child's dependency on medications, medical supervision, hospitalizations, skilled nursing services, therapies and medical specialists. You can self refer as well!
At Family Connection, they offer a variety of programs and services to address your questions and concerns on the complex healthcare, mental health, and educational systems you must navigate. When families are connected to a community of support, resources, and other families, the individuals in their care have the best chance to thrive. Their staff are also parents, and provide lived experience to other parents along every stage of their child’s journey.
To find more information about Family Connections visit their site OR call their support and information line at 800.578.8750.
Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)
DDSN strives to serve all South Carolinians who are eligible for services and to ensure that services meet high standards. The populations served by DDSN include individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Related Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury, and Similar Disabilities (disabilities affecting the brain or spinal cord which are not associated with the process of a progressive degenerative illness or disease, dementia, or a neurological disorder related to aging).
The Down Syndrome Center offers resources and tools for children and adolescents with Down syndrome. They can help your child with everything from basic concerns such as eating and sleeping to more complex physical and developmental issues. Their devoted team of specialists helps families become educated advocates for their children.
Prisma Health Down Syndrome Clinic
The Down Syndrome Clinic at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands provides comprehensive multidisciplinary clinical care, advocacy and support for children with Down syndrome from birth to 21 years of age.
Center for Developmental Services (CDS)
The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) is a special place where families can find multiple community services in one location for children and individuals with delays and disabilities.
The Wonder Center is a medical day treatment program of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate, designed to provide compassionate care and a stimulating environment for medically fragile children. We offer a stimulating environment to enhance all aspects of development while also meeting the health needs of the child.
The Meyer Center is a nonprofit specializing in early education and intensive therapy services to empower children with disabilities to reach their maximum potential. Their vision is to enrich the lives of children with disabilities so they reach their maximum potential.
At The Prisma Health Ferlauto Center for Complex Pediatric Care, they are dedicated to providing the best care for your child. The only facility of its kind in the Upstate, the Ferlauto Center is a “medical home” for medically complex children. Their goal is to provide the most up-to-date, comprehensive and advanced medical care for their patients while emphasizing personalized, family-centered care.