Open Enrollment Starts October 1
for CCC Plus Members
Virginia Medicaid members who participate in the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) program will start open enrollment on October 1. During open enrollment, members can change their health plan for any reason. For some CCC Plus members, open enrollment starts October 1 and ends December 31, 2022. For others, open enrollment starts November 1 and ends December 31, 2022. Members will receive a letter by mail with their specific dates of open enrollment and a plan selection packet.
Each of the health plans offers different added benefits, such as vision, hearing and free smartphones. It is helpful to remind members to consider what benefits are important to them so they can pick a plan that best meets their needs. Members do not need to do anything if they wish to stay with their current plan.
Members can evaluate their options by viewing the health plan quality report card to see how each plan scores in various health categories. For help with open enrollment, members may call the Enrollment Helpline at 1-844-374-9159 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit the CCC Plus website.
Celebrate National Child Health Day on October 3
Mark your calendar for October 3 as a day to celebrate children’s health and well-being. As one of our advocates, you have the ability to help parents make smart decisions about the health of their children. This October, help parents take steps to keep their children healthy by recommending the following:
- Schedule a well-child visit with their child’s doctor. Help them find a provider in their area.
- Encourage parents to keep their kids up-to-date on their vaccinations. Review the minimum vaccination requirements to attend school, and search for where you can find the latest flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Schedule a dentist appointment. Visit the DentaQuest website and search under the Medicaid Smiles for Children program.
- Encourage healthy eating by setting a good example. Visit the Virginia Department of Health to learn more about dietary guidelines and the Family Nutrition Program, or call the Virginia Family Nutrition Information and Referral Line at 888-814-7627.
|
Virginia Medicaid Supports Community Doulas
Earlier this summer, DMAS announced that Virginia is the fourth state in the nation to offer community doula services as a benefit for Medicaid members. Since then, DMAS has actively recruited state-certified community doulas to join the Virginia Medicaid program, and we are pleased to share the story below from one of our newly certified providers.
State-certified community doulas are trained, non-medical professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to pregnant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a community doula, visit the DMAS website for step-by-step information, or email babystepsva@dmas.virginia.gov for additional assistance.
Sequoi Phipps-Hawkins on her Path to Becoming a Community Doula
“Years ago, I learned about the disparities in health care, specifically maternal health care, and how those disparities put people of color on the receiving end of lower quality care, treatment, and support. Soon after, I read about the positive impact that doulas have on birth outcomes. That is when I knew I wanted to begin learning about birth, birth support, and finding an organization that offered doula training.
“As a community-based doula, I support people of color through the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods of their pregnancy and birth journeys. I have had the opportunity to work with a Spanish-speaking client. We had an interpreter present who supported the entire process. Being able to offer doula care to everyone is extremely important to me and to Birth in Color RVA. I would recommend doula work for anyone who is a naturally supportive person, can advocate for themselves and others, and enjoys propelling others to see their own power and greatness.”
|
|
