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SC Medicaid - SCDHHSMedicaid · Administrative · Provider Communication · SCLow impact

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Cost-of-living Adjustment Increases and Rebudgeting of Cases

Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
Identified
Jun 18, 2026

Summary

Effective January 1, 2026, Social Security and SSI benefits increased by 2.8% COLA, requiring nursing facilities and community residential care facilities to update member cost of care information through specific forms (MSC002/MSC004). Maximum facility payments increased to $1,719 and personal needs allowances increased by $2.

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What to do

Action · 3 steps
01Nursing facilities: Complete and submit Form MSC002 or MSC002PNA indicating current level of care for impacted members to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
02CRCFs: Sign Form MSC004 (leave sections II A and B blank for COLA updates) and submit with monthly billing.
03Contact facility-specific liaisons for questions or assistance with forms.

Original notice

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Cost-of-living Adjustment Increases and Rebudgeting of Cases
scdhhs.gov · Always check the source before changing claims.
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SC Medicaid - SCDHHS policiesSC policy changes

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