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Cardinal Care Advocate Access
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August 26, 2026
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Medicaid News & Updates
Important Information Is Coming for Medicaid Expansion Members
Beginning the week of August 24, DMAS will begin mailing letters to Medicaid Expansion members who may be affected by new federal requirements under H.R.1, including new work requirements and more frequent eligibility renewals. These letters will provide important information about the new requirements, who may be affected, and what steps impacted members may need to take. They will also include important links and contact information for members to use as these changes are implemented.
Please remind members to watch their mailboxes over the next several weeks so they don't miss this important letter!
Last Call for Northern VA Members!
Open Enrollment Closes August 31
The countdown is on—Open Enrollment for Virginia Cardinal Care in the Northern Virginia region ends August 31. Help spread the word so no one misses their chance to enroll, update, or confirm their health coverage.
There are three ways members can start their enrollment:
Time is limited—encourage action today to avoid missing the August 31 deadline!
Do You Know About Cardinal Care's Language and Disability Access Plan?
Cardinal Care remains committed to providing language access services and accommodations to members and applicants with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
Language assistance services and aids are available throughout the entire Medicaid process, including:
- Accessing Medicaid program information
- Completing an application
- Obtaining medical services
- Participating in the appeals process
To learn more about how the Language and Disability Access Plan can help members, visit the link below.
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Dental 'Dos' for Your Community!
Oral health matters! Share these simple tips with families to help support healthy smiles:
- DO talk with children about why dental visits are important.
- DO use positive language to help children feel comfortable about seeing the dentist.
- DO encourage brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
- DO promote regular dental checkups, starting around a child's first birthday.
For more dental 'dos,' visit the link below!
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This Fall, Don't "Fall" Victim to Viruses
Cooler temperatures, colorful scenery, and crisp fresh air mean fall is on the way.
Fall is a good time for families to talk with their health care providers about recommended vaccines for respiratory virus season. Recommendations may vary based on age, health conditions, pregnancy status, and current public health guidance.
Encourage families to talk with their health care providers about which vaccines they or their children may need this fall. Cardinal Care members can also contact their health plan or provider to learn about recommended vaccines and covered services.
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What's Happening Around the Commonwealth? |
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Governor Spanberger Signs Executive Order to Protect Virginians' Healthcare & Food Assistance
Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed Executive Order 20, establishing the "Keep Virginia Covered" policy to help protect eligible Virginians' access to healthcare and food assistance in response to federal changes made through H.R.1. The order directs state agencies to reduce barriers to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment and renewals, improve coordination across programs, connect Virginians with workforce and support services, and help eligible individuals maintain coverage and benefits.
More than 1.8 million Virginians are enrolled in Medicaid and nearly 800,000 receive SNAP benefits. Governor Spanberger said the Commonwealth is committed to using every available tool to help eligible Virginians stay connected to healthcare coverage and food assistance while navigating new federal requirements. The order is part of a broader effort to help prevent coverage gaps, support affordability, and strengthen access to essential services across Virginia.
Learn more about Executive Order 20, the "Keep Virginia Covered" policy, and resources available to Virginians at the link below.
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Governor Spanberger Encourages Eligible Families to Apply for Summer Nutrition Program Ahead of August 31 Deadline
Governor Abigail Spanberger is encouraging eligible families to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks, a summer nutrition program that provides a one-time $120 grocery benefit for each eligible school-aged child.
SUN Bucks helps families buy healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and meat during the summer months when children may not have access to free or reduced-price school meals. More than 628,000 Virginia children have already received benefits this summer, but thousands of eligible children may still qualify.
How Can Families Apply?
Eligible families can apply through August 31. Learn more about SUN Bucks, eligibility requirements, and how to apply in the link below.
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Strengthening Your Community |
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Help Members Prepare for Job Interviews
Looking for resources to support members on their employment journey? Share these interview tips to help job seekers feel more confident and prepared:
- Research the position and organization before the interview
- Practice answering common interview questions
- Prepare to summarize your experience in 30–60 seconds and describe what you bring to the position
- Send a thank-you email after the interview
For more interview tips, visit the link below.
Volunteer at Your Local Animal Shelter
Looking to give back to the community while hanging with a furry friend?
Volunteering at your local animal shelter, like the SPCA, is a great way to gain professional and life skills.
To see if your local animal shelter needs volunteers, visit the link below.
Tools to Support Workforce Development
Workforce preparation resources can help individuals build the skills needed for education, training, and employment opportunities. These tools can support career readiness, workplace communication, and professional development.
To learn more about these resources, visit the link below.
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Engage With Your Cardinal Care Community!
Cardinal Care is exploring ways to connect the Medicaid community—and we want to hear from YOU!
Please tell us which Virginia Medicaid topics you would find most helpful for a community forum, question and answer session, or additional resources by completing the survey below.
Medicaid Highlight: Donna's Story
After losing her husband, Donna faced another crisis when her family lost health coverage and her son needed ongoing medical care. Cardinal Care helped connect her family to the treatment and support her son needed while Donna worked to rebuild their lives.
"I'm truly thankful for [Medicaid]," Donna said. "I am so glad these resources exist for people like me."
Donna's experience is a powerful reminder of why access to health coverage matters, especially during a family's most difficult moments.
Share Your Story
Has Medicaid helped you or someone you know access the care you needed or improved your quality of life? We'd love to hear how Medicaid has made a difference for you or your family.
Share your story with us by filling out a short survey. Selected stories may be featured on our social media accounts to inspire others and show the impact of Medicaid in our community. Your voice matters—help us tell the story of Medicaid's impact!
Check out our social media for a chance to submit photos! You could see your pictures featured in future newsletters and on Facebook and Instagram in our new "Real People, Real Members" initiative.
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