Governor Northam announces over 182,000 Virginians enrolled in new health coverage

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that more than 182,000 Virginia adults are now enrolled in new health coverage that begins on January 1, 2019.

“I’m proud of the tremendous progress we’re making to enroll Virginians who are newly eligible for health coverage under Medicaid expansion, with more than 182,000 Virginians signed up to date,” said Governor Northam. “I encourage Virginians to visit CoverVA.org to find out if they are among the thousands now eligible under the new Medicaid rules, and apply for new coverage today.”

The new coverage is available to men and women ages 19 through 64 who are not eligible for Medicare and who meet income requirements, which vary by family size. For example, a single adult with an annual income at or below $16,754 may be eligible for coverage. An adult in a three-person family with a total household annual income at or below $28,677 may be eligible.

SNAP recipients and parents whose children are currently receiving Medicaid coverage have the opportunity to use a short-form application to sign up if they do so by January 4, 2019. These individuals were notified by letter earlier this fall, and a follow-up postcard was recently mailed to potentially eligible adults in these categories.

“We urge these moms, dads, and other Virginians to watch for the yellow postcard in the mail and to call our Cover Virginia Call Center right away,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey, M.D. “We already have a relationship with these individuals, so they need to answer just three simple questions to determine their eligibility. We want everyone in their families to have access to comprehensive health services, including visits to primary and specialty care doctors, hospital stays and prescription medications.”

“The enrollment period for Marketplace health plans has ended, but Virginians can apply for Medicaid at any time of the year. We encourage everyone who does not have health insurance to consider applying for high-quality, low- or no-cost coverage today,” said Dr. Jennifer Lee, Director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. “We are inspired by the many men and women who have shared their stories and reminded us that good health empowers our citizens to be more engaged and productive in their work, family life, and communities.”

The Cover Virginia Call Center has received more than 140,000 calls since it began accepting Medicaid applications under the new eligibility rules on November 1. The call center logged more than 6,000 calls on November 1, the largest number in a single day since the facility first opened in July 2001. That record was broken on November 26 when total calls exceeded 7,000.

“It has been very exciting to see the citizens we serve gain access to new health coverage,” said Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Duke Storen. “Our commitment to Virginians achieving better outcomes includes appropriate health care. The time to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity is now.”

More information about the new health coverage and eligibility rules is available at www.coverVA.org. The website includes an eligibility screening tool to help individuals assess whether they may qualify for coverage. Visitors to the website can sign up to receive regular information through email and text about the new coverage and enrollment process. Information is also available by calling 1-855-242-8282. Individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired can call 1-888-221-1590.