COVID-19 Response

Virginia Medicaid is increasing access to care in response to COVID-19

Medicaid COVID Response

The Virginia Medicaid agency implemented a variety of policies in 2020 in response to the needs of our members and providers as they confronted the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies protecting members from losing coverage remain in effect, and there is currently no official expiration date for these protections. Some policies affecting providers will end on June 30, 2021, with the expiration of the state Public Health Emergency executive orders.

Please click on the link to the COVID-19 Medicaid Information Eligibility, Enrollment, and Appeals fact sheet to review policies that will be ending on June 30 and those that do not yet have an expiration date.

Infographic - VA Medicaid is taking action to fight COVID-19

Medicaid's Got Virginia Covered: The COVID-19 Emergency [pdf]

Update on HCBS Rate Increases

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) values the important work of home and community-based care providers, including providers of services for physical and behavioral health needs. We understand the challenges they have faced over the past year as they continue to ensure our members have access to critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget passed during the August 2021 special session includes a 12.5% increase for community based service providers starting July 1, 2021. DMAS is currently assessing impacts across a variety of HCBS services and will issue guidance as soon as possible.

Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP)

If you or someone you know is having difficulty in making rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for the Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP). To find out if you may be eligible, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov/eligibility or dial 2-1-1 from any phone.

Emergency Waivers

For the length of the emergency, we are making changes to: telemedicine, service authorization, client appeals, out-of-pocket costs to members, prescription limits, face-to-face requirements, behavioral health, and eligibility and enrollment. Regulatory waivers for these changes are detailed here.
For the length of the emergency, we are changing: home care and hospice, level of care determinations, nursing facility data reporting, nursing facility screening, remote certifications and assessments, durable medical equipment, background checks for personal care, paying responsible parties for certain services, provider screening and enrollment, and additional changes to client appeals and service authorization. Regulatory waivers for these changes are detailed here.