Winter 2019 Medicaid Expansion Hits Milestone Our Health


with More Than 200,000 Enrolled Virginians can apply at any time of the year


RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam announced Friday that more than 200,000 Virginia adults are now enrolled and will have health coverage starting January 1. The achievement marks a major milestone in the Medicaid expansion initiative approved last summer.


“This bipartisan initiative has


empowered men and women across the Commonwealth to take an active role in improving their health,” said Governor Northam. “The historic response from our citizens demonstrates


the need for access


to health coverage that will benefit our families, our communities and Virginia’s economy. I encourage uninsured individuals to learn more about


this new health coverage


opportunity and to apply today.” The new coverage is available to


men and women ages 19 through 64 who are not eligible for Medicare and who meet income requirements, which vary by family size. For example, a single adult with an annual income at or below $16,754 may be eligible for coverage. An adult in a three-person family with a total household annual income at or below $28,677 may be eligible. Medicaid applications are accepted year round.


“Having access to quality, low- to


no-cost health insurance gives people the ability to take control of their own health and not live in fear of what will happen if they get sick or injured,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey, M.D. “Newly enrolled Virginians will be able to start 2019 with the health services they need and the peace of mind coverage brings.”


“I am incredibly proud of our


team for the passion and work ethic they demonstrate every day,” said Dr. Jennifer Lee, Director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. “Our Cover Virginia


Call Center staff deserve special recognition because they have truly been the heartbeat of this massive enrollment campaign. There are still thousands of Virginians who need access to health coverage, and I want them to know that we are eager to help them apply.”


has received nearly 170,000 calls since


The Cover Virginia Call Center it began accepting


Medicaid


applications under the new eligibility rules on November 1. The call center logged more than 6,000 calls on November 1, the largest number in a single day since the facility first opened in July 2001. The call center has topped that number on five other days since then, including November 26, when the call volume exceeded 7,000.


“The progress that we have made


to date galvanizes us as we continue to build on these tremendous results,” said Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Duke Storen. “The spirit of collaboration and our joint commitment to the people we serve brought us to this point, and I look forward to celebrating many more


successes as we continue


working together to make a positive impact on the health of our citizens.”


More information about the new


health coverage and eligibility rules is available at www.coverVA.org. The website includes an eligibility screening tool to help individuals assess whether they may qualify for coverage. Visitors to the website can sign up to receive regular information through email and text about the new coverage and enrollment process. Information is also available by calling 1-855-242-8282. Individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired can call 1-888-221-1590. Regular call center hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until noon.


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