South Carolina does not have a standalone PPEC program. Instead, the state delivers pediatric medical day care through the Medically Complex Children (MCC) Waiver, a Medicaid waiver program run by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). If you are searching for "PPEC in South Carolina," this is the program you need to know about.
The good news: the MCC Waiver covers pediatric medical day care, nursing care coordination, respite, and more. And as of the most recent program updates, there is reportedly no waitlist to enroll.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina provides pediatric medical day care through the Medically Complex Children (MCC) Waiver, not a standalone PPEC program.
- The MCC Waiver is a Medicaid program run by SCDHHS that covers nursing care coordination, respite, environmental modifications, and pediatric medical day care.
- New applicants can enroll up to age 20. Currently enrolled participants may receive services through age 21.
- The program is available at no cost to eligible families through Medicaid.
- There is reportedly no waitlist for the MCC Waiver, with approximately 3,091 slots available.
- To apply, families submit the MCC Waiver Referral Form online or by calling 1-888-289-0709.
What Is the Medically Complex Children (MCC) Waiver?
The Medically Complex Children (MCC) Waiver is a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver in South Carolina. It serves children who are medically fragile or technology-dependent and who meet a hospital level of care requirement.
Think of it this way: your child's medical needs are serious enough to require hospital-level attention, but the MCC Waiver lets them receive that care in the community instead. That includes medical daycare settings where your child gets skilled nursing alongside therapy and socialization.
The MCC Waiver covers these services:
- Registered nurse care coordination: A dedicated nurse case manager oversees your child's care plan and connects you with resources.
- Pediatric medical day care: Daytime skilled nursing, therapy, developmental activities, and socialization in a licensed facility. This is the SC equivalent of what other states call PPEC (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care).
- Respite care: Both skilled and unskilled respite to give caregivers a break. Available in-home or at approved facilities.
- Environmental modifications: Home modifications to support your child's medical needs and safety.
- Attendant care (self-directed): As of July 2025, families can direct their own attendant care services, and legally responsible parents may receive payment for providing care.
How South Carolina Differs from Other States
This is the most important thing to understand: South Carolina does not license standalone PPEC centers the way Florida, Texas, or North Carolina does. In those states, PPEC is its own licensed program with dedicated facilities. In South Carolina, pediatric medical day care is one service within the broader MCC Waiver.
What does that mean for you as a parent?
The upside of SC's waiver model is that your child gets a broader package of support, not just day care. The trade-off is that you need to go through the waiver enrollment process first before accessing any of these services.
Who Qualifies for the MCC Waiver?
Your child may be eligible for the MCC Waiver if they meet these criteria:
- Age: New applicants must be under age 20. Children already enrolled can receive services through age 21 (this age limit was recently expanded by SCDHHS).
- Medicaid eligible: Your child must qualify for South Carolina Medicaid. The MCC Waiver uses the child's income only, not the family's. This is similar to the Katie Beckett/TEFRA pathway used in many states.
- Hospital level of care: Your child must meet the medical criteria for hospital-level care. This means chronic physical or health conditions expected to last longer than 12 months.
- Medical complexity: SCDHHS evaluates your child's dependency on medications, medical supervision, hospitalizations, skilled nursing services, therapies, and medical specialists.
Children with conditions like cerebral palsy, tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, seizure disorders, G-tube dependency, and respiratory failure commonly meet these criteria. See all conditions typically served.
How to Apply for the MCC Waiver
Applying is straightforward, and there is reportedly no waitlist. Here is the process:
- Submit the MCC Waiver Referral Form. You can complete and submit this form online through the SCDHHS MCC Waiver page. A printed version is also available to mail to the address listed on the form.
- Call SCDHHS. If you need help or prefer to start by phone, call 1-888-289-0709. You can also reach the MCC Waiver nurse case management line at (888) 827-1665.
- Medical evaluation. After your referral is received, SCDHHS will evaluate your child's medical records to determine if they meet hospital level of care.
- Care plan development. Once approved, a nurse care coordinator works with you to build a care plan and connect you with covered services, including pediatric medical day care if that is what your family needs.
- Start services. After your care plan is in place, your child can begin receiving services. No copays, no deductibles, no out-of-pocket costs.
Helpful resources during the application process:
- SCDHHS MCC Waiver Page for official program details and the referral form
- Family Connection of South Carolina at 1-800-578-8750 for family advocacy and support
- Kids' Waivers SC Guide for a plain-language overview of all SC children's waivers
What If Your Child Does Not Qualify for the MCC Waiver?
If your child does not meet hospital level of care for the MCC Waiver, other South Carolina programs may help:
Katie Beckett / TEFRA
Provides Medicaid coverage for children with significant disabilities who require institutional-level care, regardless of family income. No waitlist. Apply through SC Healthy Connections.
Private Duty Nursing
Available through SC Medicaid for children who need skilled nursing at home. It does not offer the socialization or group therapy of medical day care, but it provides one-on-one clinical attention. See how PPEC compares to private nursing.
BabyNet (Early Intervention)
South Carolina's early intervention program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Provides therapy and family support services regardless of waiver enrollment.
Palmetto Coordinated System of Care (PCSC)
For children up to age 21 with serious emotional disturbances. Provides wraparound services, respite, and individual-directed goods and services. Call (888) 549-0820 for Medicaid-enrolled children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Carolina have PPEC?
South Carolina does not have a standalone PPEC program like Florida or Texas. Instead, the state provides pediatric medical day care as a covered service under the Medically Complex Children (MCC) Waiver. The service is similar to PPEC but accessed through the waiver enrollment process rather than directly at a licensed center.
How much does pediatric medical day care cost in South Carolina?
Pediatric medical day care through the MCC Waiver is covered by Medicaid at no cost to eligible families. There are no copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses.
Is there a waitlist for the MCC Waiver in South Carolina?
As of the most recent information available, there is reportedly no waitlist for the MCC Waiver. The program has approximately 3,091 available slots. Contact SCDHHS at 1-888-289-0709 to confirm current availability.
What ages does the MCC Waiver cover?
New applicants can enroll up to age 20. Children already receiving waiver services can continue through age 21. These age limits were recently expanded by SCDHHS.
How do I apply for the MCC Waiver?
Submit the MCC Waiver Referral Form online through the SCDHHS website or call 1-888-289-0709 for assistance.
What conditions qualify for the MCC Waiver?
Children with chronic medical conditions requiring hospital-level care may qualify. Common qualifying conditions include cerebral palsy, tracheostomy, ventilator dependence, seizure disorders, G-tube dependency, and many others. See all conditions commonly served.
Getting Your Child the Right Care in South Carolina
South Carolina's approach to pediatric medical day care is different from most states, but the support is real. The MCC Waiver gives medically complex children access to skilled nursing, therapy, day care, respite, and home modifications through a single program, all covered by Medicaid.
Start by submitting the MCC Waiver Referral Form online, or call SCDHHS at 1-888-289-0709. If you need help navigating the process, Family Connection of South Carolina at 1-800-578-8750 offers free support for families.
If you are in Florida or Texas, Spark Pediatrics operates 15+ medical daycare centers with experienced NICU and PICU nurses, integrated therapy, and a welcoming environment built for children with complex needs. Check if your child qualifies or get started today.
For a complete list of states with medical daycare programs, see our PPECs by State guide.
This article was reviewed for accuracy as of March 2026. Waiver programs and provider availability change as states update their Medicaid policies. Always verify current eligibility and provider information with SCDHHS or your child's care team.
Spark Pediatrics is Florida's largest PPEC provider and operates PPECC centers in Texas. View all locations | Learn about our services | Get started today