At the center of this conversation is the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget request, which includes $14.9 million for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). This funding supports a modest but essential $1.00 reimbursement rate increase for personal care and private duty nursing services delivered in the home.

HCBS is a lifeline for more than 40,000 South Carolinians, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and medically fragile children, allowing them to receive care safely in their homes and communities rather than in more costly institutional settings.

However, providers across the state are facing significant workforce challenges, driven by rising costs and wages that are no longer competitive. Without this investment, agencies may be forced to limit admissions, reduce services, or turn away individuals in need leaving families without critical support.

The House version of the budget did not fully fund the DHHS request. Now, the Senate has an opportunity to ensure this essential funding is included.

Fully funding the $14.9 million HCBS request is a practical, cost-effective investment that will:

• Strengthen and stabilize the direct care workforce
• Improve access to care and reduce waitlists
• Support families and caregivers across the state
• Prevent more costly institutional care

📢 Now is the time to act. Urge your Senator to fully fund HCBS and protect access to care in South Carolina.