State Aging Agency
This agency has a wide range of services and referrals for seniors.
Office on Aging
http://www.aging.sc.gov/
803-734-9900
Local Area Aging Agencies can be found at the contacts above, or by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 800-677-1116.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP offers free, one-on-one, local counseling to people with Medicare and their families.
South Carolina Insurance Counseling Assistance & Referrals for Elders
http://aging.sc.gov/seniors/medicare/Pages/index.aspx
800-868-9095
Local SHIP counselors can be found at the contact above, or by calling 800-677-1116, or visiting www.shiptalk.org or www.eldercare.gov.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The statewide ombudsman program investigates and resolves complaints of older individuals in nursing and board and care homes, including assisted living facilities, and advocates to protect residents’ rights and ensure quality care.
Office on Aging
http://aging.sc.gov/seniors/ombudsman/Pages/index.aspx
803-734-9898
State Insurance Commissioner
This office has information about insurance plans and costs. They often have special resources for seniors.
South Carolina Department of Insurance
http://www.doi.sc.gov/
800-768-3467
State Medicaid Office
This office manages the state’s Medicaid program. They also handle Medicaid enrollment.
South Carolina Medicaid
http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us/dhhsnew/index.asp
888-549-0820
State Prescription Assistance Program
A program to help you reduce the cost of your prescription drugs
South Carolina Gap Assistance Pharmacy Program for Seniors (GAPS)
http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us/dhhsnew/insidedhhs/bureaus/bureauofeligibilityprocessing/silverxcard.asp
888-549-0820
State Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Agency
This agency protects the legal rights of people with disabilities, including people on Medicaid.
Protection & Advocacy for People with Disabilities Inc.
http://www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org/
866-275-7273
Access to Benefits Coalition Members
Coalition members educate and enroll people in different prescription drug programs, including Medicare. These independent local groups belong to a national network. The agencies below serve only the areas listed.
Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging
800-868-9095
Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg and Sumter Counties
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office Outreach Campaign Manager
CMS Regional Offices play a key role in conducting outreach for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Each office has a team dedicated to helping raise awareness and educate about the new coverage. Contact the regional campaign manager to learn more about local outreach events, schedule an event in your area or request outreach materials.
Region IV - Atlanta
Campaign Manager: Mary Kay Justis
404-562-7417