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– Partner Points April 2023 –
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New Call Center Helps Assisters/Navigators with Renewals and Applications
On April 3, 2023, Cover Virginia launched a dedicated call center for our assisters and navigators to help improve customer service and offer a designated line to inquire about application status, existing coverage or renewal related questions.
To reach the Assister Line, call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282, and select option 7. Trained staff will be assigned to answer calls in this queue. A few important reminders:
- You may only submit one application per call and one renewal per call.
- You may inquire about up to three cases per call.
- When calling on behalf of a member, you need their full name, date of birth, complete home address and social security number.
- Your name must be listed as an authorized representative, or someone authorized to receive information about a member’s case. If your name is not listed, the member must also be on the call.
If your issue was not resolved during your call, email our designated assistor/navigator inbox at Auth_rep_inquiry@coverva.org.
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New Calendar Lists Members’ Renewal Dates
In March 2023, Virginia Medicaid returned to its normal renewal operations and started reviewing members’ health coverage to make sure they still qualify. The renewal process was paused during the pandemic; therefore, some members may be unfamiliar with this process. DMAS recently created a renewal calendar that outlines whose renewals will begin each month over the next year. Because the process takes 12 months to renew everyone, it may take several months before members hear from us. Remind members to make sure their contact information is current, check their mail for their renewal application, and return any paperwork as soon as possible.
Visit the Cover Virginia website to see the renewal calendar and dates and find more information about the return to normal enrollment process.
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New Provider FAQs about Postpartum Coverage
In summer of 2022, Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS members now receive guaranteed health coverage for 12 months following pregnancy. The expanded coverage enables new parents to receive critical postpartum care, an important step to improving health outcomes for parents and babies. This is a change from the previous policy that provided coverage for 60 days after the end of a pregnancy.
The change in postpartum coverage took effect during the public health emergency, when most members received continuous coverage regardless of eligibility. Because of this overlap, providers, advocates and members may not have noticed the new 12-months postpartum coverage. DMAS is working to raise awareness about the extended coverage and inform providers that this change is permanent. To help you understand this new policy change, DMAS created a Provider FAQ About Medicaid Postpartum Coverage. Please refer to this document to help understand the policy or contact babystepsva@dmas.virginia.gov with questions.
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Virginia Exceeds 100 State-Certified Community Doulas
DMAS is pleased to announce that more than 100 individuals obtained Virginia state certification as community doulas providing maternal services to women. This milestone achievement comes one-year after launching the new community doula benefit for Medicaid members. This accomplishment is due to the collaboration between the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), DMAS and key partner doula organizations who worked across the state to train and recruit doulas to the state-certified program.
DMAS and VDH recently celebrated the opening of Urban Baby Beginnings in Petersburg, VA. Pictured above are (l-r) Lauren Kozlowski, VDH, Consuelo Staton, VDH, Vanessa Walker-Harris, VDH, Cheryl Roberts, DMAS, Adrienne Fegans, DMAS, Kimberly Moulden, DMAS, Natasha Turner, DMAS, Maryssa Sadler, DMAS, and Jennifer Macdonald, VDH.
The official state-certified doula registry can be found on the Virginia Certification Board website. For more information about the doula benefit, or how to become a state-certified doula, visit the DMAS website for providers.
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DMAS Launches Virtual Forum on Language & Disability Access
DMAS is launching a 2023 Forum on Language & Disability Access to better understand and meet the language and disability needs of communities. The forum will consist of a series of public virtual webinars to consult and engage with Virginia Medicaid stakeholders. Each public meeting will have an overall theme and will feature experts from state agencies and community organizations.
The first forum is on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 1 - 3 p.m., EST, to discuss Best Practices for Providing Language Assistance Services. The forum is open to the public, and we will hear from community stakeholders and state agencies who have implemented these best practices and how it has resulted in increased access to their services for individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities.
Please register for the event in advance, as space is limited. Visit the DMAS website for more information. Questions related to the forum can be emailed to civilrightscoordinator@dmas.virginia.gov.
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