Medicaid is the State and Federal partnership that provides medical coverage to eligible needy persons. Medicaid provides health coverage to over 72.5 million Americans, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Medicaid is the single largest source of health coverage in the United States.
Each State has separate eligibility requirements, unique to that state. An individual seeking Medicaid must be a resident, physically living in that State, before they are eligible to apply for Medicaid. The purpose of Virginia Medicaid is to improve the health of people in Virginia who might otherwise go without medical care.
Virginia Medicaid accepts applications for health coverage year-round. You can choose from three different ways to apply:
- Apply online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov
- Call the Cover Virginia Call Center at 1-833-5CALLVA (TDD: 1-888-221-1590) to apply on the phone Mon - Fri: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sat: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Mail or drop off a paper application to your local Department of Social Services (mailing may take longer than other methods of applying). Find your nearest local Department of Social Services.
There are several Medicaid long-term care programs for which Virginia seniors may be eligible. These programs have differing eligibility requirements, such as income, assets, and functional ability, as well as benefits. Further complicating eligibility is that the criteria vary with marital status and that Virginia offers multiple pathways towards eligibility.
- Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid – This is an entitlement program; Anyone who is eligible will receive assistance. Benefits are provided only in nursing homes.
- Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services – These are not entitlement programs; The number of participants is limited and wait lists may exist. Intended to delay and prevent the need for nursing home care, benefits are provided at home or adult day care.
- Regular Medicaid / Aged Blind and Disabled – This is an entitlement program; Persons who are eligible are guaranteed assistance. Various long-term care benefits, such as personal care assistance or adult day care, may be available.
How Care is There can help:
- Help you explore if you or your loved one qualifies for Medicaid
- Assist you in applying for Medicaid
- Help you locate your local Department of Social Services
- Support you in gathering necessary documentation
- Assist you in making sure that documents received at the Department of Social Services in a timely manner
- Attend Medicaid eligibility meetings with you
Next Steps
Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!
Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Shenandoah Valley: 540.234.0211
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com