The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) received notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the consolidation of our two managed care contracts into one Cardinal Care Managed Care contract is still pending approval. DMAS had anticipated a July 1, 2023, consolidation date and had communicated that date to our Medicaid community. DMAS anticipates that the new Cardinal Care Managed Care contract will commence later in 2023. DMAS will continue to provide updates regarding the Cardinal Care MCO contract consolidation date. 

We appreciate your patience as we work through this effort to streamline our health coverage programs and processes for our Medicaid members. For the latest news about Cardinal Care, please visit our web page for providers, or our web page for members. If you have questions about the managed care contracts, email ccmccontract@dmas.virginia.gov .

DMAS returned to its normal renewal operations this March after a nearly three-year pause and has already completed over 196,000 Medicaid renewals. Through mailings, emails and robocalls, DMAS is working quickly to remind members to update their contact information, check their mail, and return any paperwork as quickly as possible.

You can assist members by locating their renewal date so they are prepared when it is their turn. Check the DMAS renewal calendar that explains when members should expect to receive their information, or call Cover Virginia at 1-833-5CALLVA to find out a member's renewal date.  

Providers can find out more information about the renewal process by visiting the Medicaid Enterprise System (MES) portal, or by viewing the provider memo with frequently asked questions about renewals. Visit Cover Virginia to find more information about the return to normal enrollment process.

May is National Foster Care Month, and DMAS is re-launching its Foster Care Partnership with related trainings to support all things Medicaid for youth involved in the child welfare system. With over 6,000 youth in foster care enrolled in Medicaid in Virginia, 80 percent of whom require mental health support, it is critical to assist those who care for and help our young members.

The DMAS Foster Care Partnership is an inter-agency statewide group hosted by DMAS with the purpose of improving services to youth in foster care. To support this group, DMAS is hosting mini virtual trainings that include community partner updates and facilitated discussion. The meetings are on the first Tuesday of every other month and are open to local, regional and state DSS workers, CSA staff and FAPT team members, LCPA staff, MCO foster care care coordinators and other interested stakeholders.

Join with Teams from 9–10 a.m., on June 6, August 1, October 3, or December 5.  Or, sign up to confirm your interest and to receive regular information about foster care services. For more information, email fostercare@dmas.virginia.gov.

In March 2022, the Department of Social Services (DSS) launched the Elderly Simplified Application Process (ESAP) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This streamlined application and recertification process seeks to increase participation for SNAP benefits among the older adult (60+), low-income population.

In Virginia, ESAP will extend the certification from 12 to 36 months for ESAP households; remove the requirement of interim reporting; and simplify the reporting process. Older Virginians who may be eligible for SNAP benefits may apply  online through CommonHelp; by completing and submitting the “ESAP Application for Benefits” form on the VDSS website and returning it to their local Department of Social Services; or by calling the Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.