Northern Neck Times

Important changes coming to Virginia Medicaid and CHIP program eligibility

By the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesDo you or a family member currently have health coverage through Virginia Medicaid, recently renamed Cardinal Care, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)? If so, you may soon need to take steps to find out if you can continue your coverage. Soon, states will resume Medicaid and CHIP eligibility reviews. This means some people with Medicaid or CHIP could be disenrolled from those programs. However, they may be eligible to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace®, and get help paying for it. Here are some things you can do to prepare.

Make sure your address is up to date

Make sure the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Programs (DMAS) has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information. This way, they’ll be able to contact you about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

Check your mail

You will be mailed a letter from the state about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. If you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it to your state right away. This may help you avoid a gap in your coverage. 

What if you don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP? 

If you or a family member no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Marketplace plans are: 

• Affordable: 4 out of 5 enrollees can find plans that cost less than $10 a month. 
• Comprehensive: Most plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more. 

Visit HealthCare.gov to find Marketplace plans and see if you might save on premiums. When you apply, don’t forget to include current information about your household, income and Virginia’s recent decision about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. 

Get more information

• Virginia Medicaid will keep members up to date through coverva.org, commonhelp.virginia.gov., emails, text messages and social media. You can also visit Medicaid.gov for more information about Medicaid or CHIP renewal. 
• Virginia Medicaid recipients can contact the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services directly via email at covervirginia@dmas.virginia.gov.
• Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to get details about Marketplace coverage. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.

Original source can be found here