After the COVID Public Health Emergency: What Comes Next?

Under the current federal public health emergency, Medicaid members can keep their health coverage even if their eligibility status changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the emergency ends, the Virginia Medicaid agency will have one year to review eligibility for our members and renew coverage for those who qualify.

Although we do not yet know when the public health emergency will end, we are preparing now to ensure that all eligible Medicaid members have the information they need to stay covered.

How You Can Help 

We are asking members to make sure we have their current mailing address and phone number. We will use this contact information to send members important paperwork that we need to check eligibility and renew their coverage. Please help us spread the word and provide support to members who need assistance. Medicaid members can update their information in one of three ways:

• Visit commonhelp.virginia.gov. To create an account, go to the website and click “Check my Benefits.” You can link a case to a CommonHelp account by using the member case number and client ID, log in and select “Manage My Account.”
• Call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282.
• Call the local Department of Social Services by visiting dss.virginia.gov/localagency/index.cgi to search for the local agency’s number.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services also offers a toolkit to guide stakeholders and advocates as you assist Medicaid members with the end of the public health emergency.  The toolkit includes materials in English, Spanish and other languages such as fact sheets, FAQs, posters, fliers and more. Help us get the message out by distributing these materials or sharing them on your social media accounts.

Some Medicaid members may receive multiple reminders to update their contact information with Virginia Medicaid. Please let members know that they only need to update their information once and can ignore subsequent messages if they have completed their update.

Health Coverage Rights and Options

We will notify individuals who may have a change in their Medicaid eligibility status or benefits. If they no longer qualify for Medicaid, their letter will include the date their coverage ends. They will have an opportunity to appeal if they believe they are still eligible for Medicaid coverage. We also will share information on other health coverage options, including health insurance and financial help available through the Federal Marketplace.

We are working closely with Enroll Virginia and its network of assisters to make sure affected individuals visit HealthCare.gov within 60 days of losing their Medicaid coverage. To learn more, visit EnrollVa.org or call 1-888-392-5132.

Stay Connected 

Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Around the Region

The Virginia Department of Health continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to all Virginians.  The community clinics are located throughout Virginia and have walk-in or scheduled appointments available for ages 5 and older.  Free non-perishable food boxes are available while supplies last. See below for upcoming dates, locations and more information.     March 24, 1-4 p.m.  Campbell County Health Department 116 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588   March 25, 2-5 p.m. Southeast Presbyterian Community Center 1228 Jamison Avenue Southeast, Roanoke, VA 24013   March 25, 1-4 p.m. Bedford County Health Department 600 Bedford Ave., Bedford, VA 24523   March 31, 4-6 p.m. Roanoke City Health Department 1502 Williamson Road Northeast, Roanoke, VA 24012   March 31, Noon – 6 p.m. Southampton Meadows Mobile Home Park 33536 Phillips St., Franklin, VA 23851 Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 757-435-4428 or 804-892-3682.   April 1, 1-4 p.m. Appomattox Health Department 475 Court Street, Appomattox, VA  24522   April 1, 9 – 11 a.m. Family Dollar Store Mobile Clinic 324 24th St NW, Roanoke, VA 24017   April 16, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Coastline Apartments 631 Lake Edward Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462

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