While people in the community have been doing their part to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important now more than ever to seek health care when needed.
Medical Assistance Programs
There are several Medical Assistance Programs offered in Virginia. Each program covers different groups of people and each program has different eligibility requirements. When you apply for Medical Assistance, you are screened for all possible programs based on your age, income, financial resources, and other information. To be eligible for a Medical Assistance Program, you must meet the financial and non-financial eligibility conditions for that program.
Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) provide free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Ø FAMIS, and its program for pregnant women, FAMIS MOMS, covers uninsured children under age 19 years and pregnant women with income that is too high for FAMIS Plus/Medicaid but is under the income limit for FAMIS/FAMIS MOMS.
Ø Medicaid/FAMIS Plus and FAMIS have different income limits and nonfinancial requirements. When someone applies for Medical Assistance, the eligibility worker will determine if the person is eligible for a program. Medicaid and FAMIS pay for a variety of medical services, including prescription drugs, doctor visits, nursing facility care and hospital care.
Ø Information about Medicaid/FAMIS Plus is available online from the Virginia Department of Social Services at www.dss.virginia.gov and from Cover Virginia at www.coverva.org
Plan First is a limited-coverage group that covers family planning services and is available to those who do not meet the criteria for other full-coverage Medical Assistance groups. It covers yearly family planning exams for men and women, pap tests, sexually transmitted infection testing, family planning education and counseling, tubal ligation, and vasectomies. It also covers approved over the counter and prescribed contraceptives and transportation to a family planning service
Accessing Health Care
Ø You can apply for Medicaid at any time at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
Ø You can also apply for low-cost health insurance through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov.
Ø If you do not qualify for full benefits through Medicaid or FAMIS, or you cannot afford Marketplace coverage, please know that people who are uninsured can get health care services at Virginia’s Free and Charitable Health Clinics and Virginia’s Community Health Centers.
How to Apply
Apply in one of these ways:
- You can apply online at virginia.gov
- You may also request an application be mailed to you or pick up one at either of our offices. Applications for all programs are also available on the state website (Select the Assistance tab to find the program you are interested in applying for and the applicable forms will be listed underneath). Mail or drop off a paper application to your local Department of Social Services (DSS) ([PDF] English application [PDF] Spanish application). Mailing may take longer than other ways of applying. To find your local DSS, go to virginia.gov/localagency.
- Call the Cover Virginia Call Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1-855-242-8282(TDD: 1-888-221-1590).
- If you also want to apply for other benefits, you can apply online atvirginia.gov. Or call the Virginia Department of Social Services Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.
When you apply, you will need this information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants who need insurance)
- Note: You may be asked to prove citizenship or immigration status after you apply. Read a list of acceptable [PDF]verification documents and an [PDF] eligible immigration status list.
- Employer and income information for everyone in your family (for example, from paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
- Note:If self-employed, read [PDF] Self-employment Expenses Information.
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance
- Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family.
Application Assisters
- For questions, call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282. If you need help with your application, find an Application Assister.
Federal Health Insurance Marketplace
The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace has an Open Enrollment Period every year from November 1 through December 15 and there are also Special Enrollment Periods.
If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, due to a life event like losing other coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby, you can enroll at any time.
To apply for insurance or to learn more about who qualifies during a Special Enrollment Period, go to Marketplace. Or visit healthcare.gov.
Marketplace Coverage & Coronavirus
Need health insurance?
Because FEMA declared COVID-19 to be a national emergency, there’s a new Special Enrollment Period for the COVID-19 public health emergency. You can enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans through August 15, 2021.
Important: If you had a change more than 60 days ago but since January 1, 2020
If you or anyone in your household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days (or more than 60 days ago but since January 1, 2020) OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days, you may qualify for this Special Enrollment Period through the application. If you had a life event other than a loss of coverage more than 60 days ago and missed your Special Enrollment Period, contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) for more information.
Apply to see if you qualify. You may be asked to submit documents to confirm the loss of coverage.
- Start an applicationor log in to update an existing one.
- Before you apply, you can preview 2021 plans and prices. Answer a few questions to see plans and estimated prices based on your income.
- If you have a qualifying life event or are eligible for Medicaid or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) you can apply any time. If you already have coverage through the Marketplace, the rules in your Marketplace health plan for treatment for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.
- See what Marketplace plans cover. All Marketplace plans cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions and can’t terminate coverage due to a change in health status, including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.
- Check with your health insurance company for their specific benefits and coverage policy.
- Log in to update your Marketplace application if COVID-19 impacts your income or household. You may be able to change your plan if certain situations apply
Find Help in the Richmond, Virginia Area
Uninsured and need health care services?
Application assistance is help applying for health coverage. You can get in-person help across Virginia and by phone. All Virginia assisters are trained and certified to help you learn about health plan choices, your new coverage, and much more. Your information is always kept private. Assister services are free.
How do you get help applying for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS?
You can find local assisters to help you apply for Medicaid or FAMIS. You can also contact your local department of social services (DSS). To find an office near you, go to department of social services.
- The Virginia Health Care Foundation(VHCF) has Project Connect Outreach Workers. They offer one-on-one help to families who want to learn more about the Medicaid and FAMIS programs and apply. To find out if there is a Project Connect Outreach Worker near you, enter your ZIP Code, city or county below. Then choose “Medicaid or FAMIS” from the drop-down list. The map will show a local group, if there is one nearby. You can also find out if there are outreach workers near you at VHCF.
- Navigatorsor Certified Application Counselors (CACs) may be able to help you apply for Medicaid or FAMIS. There are CACs throughout the state. They are often in community health centers and other community-based services.
How do you get help for the Health Insurance Marketplace?
There are two types of assisters who help with Federal Health Insurance Marketplace coverage:
- Navigators help you shop for and enroll in health care coverage.
- ENROLL Virginia! through the Virginia Poverty Law Center serves the entire state. Call 1-888-392-5132 for more information.
- CACs are located throughout the state. They are often in community health centers and community-based services.
- Community Access & Supportive Services, Inc provides outreach services, including medical insurance support, to people in Richmond, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. Call (804) 518-6185 for more information.
Virginia’s Free and Charitable Health Clinics
If you do not qualify for full benefits through Medicaid or FAMIS, or you cannot afford Marketplace coverage, please know that people who are uninsured can get health care services at Virginia’s Free and Charitable Health Clinics. Clinics offer a variety of health care services, including medical, dental, vision, mental health, and pharmacy services. However, not all clinics offer all services and not all areas of Virginia have a free or charitable clinic. Clinics are independent, nonprofit, volunteer-driven, and community-based organizations. Each clinic sets its own eligibility requirements and guidelines, and all must be contacted directly for help.
Free and Charitable Health Clinics in RVA
Access Now
2821 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23294
804-622-8145
Current hours: Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm
Current services: Specialty medical care and related procedures including surgery, rehab, etc.
Currently accepting new patients: Must be referred by a partner primary care
Center for Healthy Hearts
1200 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220
804-359-9375
Current hours: Monday through Thursday from 8am-5pm
Current services: In-person offering new patient visits, paperwork drop off, medication and/or supply pick up, and follow up appointments as necessary. Via telehealth offering follow up visits, mental health visits, and eligibility screening
Currently accepting new patients: Interested individuals should call or contact through the website
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry – Richmond Clinic
108 Cowardin Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224
804-655-2794
Current hours: Monday – Thursday from 8:30am-5pm, Friday from 8:30am-1pm
Current services: Primary and specialty care, chronic disease management, medication pickup and medications management, dental, vision, pediatrics, mental health counseling, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment, social work case management, health education and COVID-19 testing. We are currently offering both in-person and telehealth appointments for most services.
Currently accepting new patients: Prospective patients should call to set up a time for new patient eligibility screening appointment. Accepting uninsured, low-income patients and Medicaid patients.
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry – Henrico Clinic
8600 Quioccasin Road, Suite 105, Richmond, VA 23229
804-655-2794
Current hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am-8pm, Wednesday from 8:30am-5pm, Friday from 8:30am-1pm
Current services: Primary and specialty care, chronic disease management, medication pickup and medications management, dental, vision, pediatrics, mental health counseling, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment, social work case management, health education and COVID-19 testing. We are currently offering both in-person and telehealth appointments for most services.
Currently accepting new patients: Prospective patients should call to set up a time for new patient eligibility screening appointment. Accepting uninsured, low-income patients and Medicaid patients.
Free Clinic of Powhatan
2320 Skaggs Road, Powhatan, VA 23139
804-598-5637
Current hours: Mondays from3:30pm-8:30pm and Thursdays 8:30am-4:30pm
Current services: Primary care services, mental health services, prescription services, specialty physician visits. Emergency dental only.
Currently accepting new patients: Call to make an appointment
GoochlandCares
2999 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063
804-556-6260
Current services: Primary care via telehealth, curbside, and in house appointments, on site labs, mental health care via telehealth, emergency dental care, COVID-19 testing.
Currently accepting new patients: Call or visit website.
Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics
125 Beverly Road, Ashland, VA 23005
804-798-8890
Current hours: Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm & Wednesdays from 6-9pm
Current services: Primary care, dental services, podiatry, women’s health
Currently accepting new patients
Health Brigade
1010 North Thompson Street, Richmond, VA 23230
804-358-6343
Current hours: Monday through Thursday from 9am-5pm and Fridays from 9am-12pm
Current services: Medical care, mental health, care management, social work services, medication pick ups (on-site Mon-Wed 10am-2pm), syringe exchange (2 days mobile in the community and on site on Fridays 1-4pm), COVID-19 testing
Currently accepting new patients: Please call to make an appointment
Lucy Corr Village (for older adults)
6800 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, VA 23832
804-748-1511
Current hours: 1st & 2nd Mondays – 8:30am-12pm, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays – 8:30am-4:30pm, Wednesdays – 8:30am-12pm, Thursdays – 8:30am-12pm, Fridays – 8:30am-4:30pm
Current services: dental services
Currently accepting new patients: Please call to make an appointment (must be age 65 or over)
Pathways’ Free Specialty Clinic
1200 West Washington Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
804-862-1104,
Current hours & services: 3rd Mondays – 1pm-3pm (Urology), 3rd Tuesdays – 12pm-2pm(Women’s Health), 1st Thursdays – 9am-12pm (Rheumatology), Thursdays – 11am -1pm (Chronic Care), 2nd & 4th Thursdays – 1pm-3pm (Cardiology), 1st Saturdays – 10am-1pm (Behavioral Health & Chronic care), COVID-19 testing
Currently accepting new patients: Please call to make an appointment
Virginia’s Community Health Centers
If you do not qualify for full benefits through Medicaid or FAMIS, or you cannot afford Marketplace coverage, please know that people who are uninsured can get health care services at Virginia’s Community Health Centers. Virginia’s Community Health Centers (CHCs) help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients.
Community Health Centers in RVA
Helpful Phone Numbers:
State Department of Social Services – 804-726-7000
Dinwiddie Social Services – 804-469-4524
Hanover Social Services – 804-365-4100
Henrico Social Services East End – 804-652-3123
Henrico Social Services West End – 804-501-4001
Hopewell Social Services – 804-541-2330
Petersburg Social Services – 804-861-4720
Powhatan Social Services – 804-598-5630
Chesterfield Social Services – 804-748-1100
–By Tracey Messina
Tracey Messina is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) who provides mental health support to adults in the Richmond, Virginia community. She began working in the mental health field as a Mental Health Skill Building Counselor in January 2017 and now works as a Crisis Stabilization Specialist for Sims Supportive Services, LLC. Messina moved from Alexandria, VA where she worked as a Special Education teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. Prior to teaching Tracey worked with at-risk youth in Prince William County, Virginia for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington first as an Education Director and was later promoted to Program Director. She is a Mount Vernon, Virginia native and a proud graduate of James Madison University. Sims Supportive Services, LLC provides person-centered Mental Health Skill Building and Crisis Stabilization services in Richmond, VA. Their mission is to assist adults with mental, behavioral, and emotional difficulties towards self-sufficiency and stability in their lives, while ultimately reducing the likelihood of disruption to their homes and way of living. The staff at Sims Supportive Service are licensed Qualified Mental Health Professionals dedicated to providing quality service for adults that need additional support.
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