As of January 1, 2012, the rate for a CRCF which accepts individuals who receive entitlements (e.g., SSI, SSDI) is $1,181 per month, with $59 given to the resident for personal needs allowance. Many individuals pay their room/board fee by using their monthly entitlement check(s) combined with Optional State Supplement (OSS) monies.

The Optional State Supplementation program is a state-funded program authorized by federal law through amendments to the Social Security Act. The program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In South Carolina the OSS payment covers part of the cost for room and board in a licensed and participating CRCF.

The criterion utilized to determine who is eligible for OSS payment in South Carolina is:

• A person must meet the state’s net income requirement.
• A person must also meet the SSI categorical requirements (aged, blind or disabled).
• A person must reside in a CRCF that is licensed by DHEC and listed as a participating facility with DHHS to receive OSS payments.

There are more than 400 CRCFs that have signed a participation agreement with DHHS to provide residential care services to recipients of OSS. To learn more about the OSS program visit DHHS's Web site at www.scdhhs.gov .

In January 2003, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)  implemented the Integrated Personal Care Program.  The Integrated Personal Care Program reimburses qualified Optional State Supplementation providers that contract with DHHS to provide personal care assistance for OSS residents authorized to receive the service.  The services must be directed in an approved service care plan and delivered by training resident assistants.    The services are intended to improve the quality of life and quality of care for those residents who meet the medical criteria, and prevent of delay institutionalization.  For additional information on this program contact DHHS, at 803-898-2590.