An Update on COVID-19 from Virginia Medicaid
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is working with Governor Northam, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and other state agencies to take immediate actions to help fight COVID-19. DMAS is committed to increasing access to health care for the over 1.5 million Virginia Medicaid members and the thousands of low-income residents expected to seek coverage due to concern about the spread of COVID-19. Our members are our highest priority, and we have adopted policies to make sure that no one loses coverage during this critical time
Virginia Medicaid covers all COVID-19 testing and treatment. DMAS recently announced it is taking the following steps, effective immediately, to remove barriers to care for its members and other eligible Virginians:
- Ensuring members do not inadvertently lose coverage due to lapses in paperwork or a change in circumstances. For the length of the emergency, renewals and redeterminations are extended. Any member who files an appeal during the emergency will automatically have coverage extended while waiting for the appeal.
- Eliminating co-pays for all Medicaid and FAMIS covered services, including COVID-19 testing and treatment.
- Allowing Medicaid members to obtain a 90 day supply of many routine prescriptions.
- Waiving pre-approval requirements for many critical medical services, and enacting automatic extensions for approvals that are already in place.
- Enabling Medicaid providers and members to make greater use of telehealth.
Medicaid officials are working closely with providers to review and respond to the needs of higher risk and older members who are most susceptible to COVID-19. The agency is developing additional policies and initiatives to address health challenges related to the coronavirus as conditions evolve.
Virginians who need health coverage can visit coverva.org to find out if they may be eligible for Medicaid. They can apply for health coverage at any time by going online to commonhelp.virginia.gov.