News

Citizenship and Identity Documentation Now Required for FAMIS and FAMIS MOMS As of January 1, 2010, families applying for the FAMIS and FAMIS MOMS programs that indicate US Citizenship for an applicant on the Application for Health Insurance for Children and Pregnant Women are now required to provide proof of Citizenship and Identity (C&I) for those applicants as a condition of eligibility. This requirement came about as a result of federal CHIPRA legislation passed in early 2009. Providing proof of C&I has been part of the FAMIS Plus and Medicaid for Pregnant Women programs since 2007, so this change actually makes the requirement consistent for all people applying on the Application. The easiest ways for applicants to comply with the requirement to document C&I is to provide their Social Security Number on the Application. If they do, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services can check with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and verify C&I electronically via data match. If the information sent by DMAS does not match SSA records, an applicant will have 90 days to provide written documentation of C&I (most commonly a passport or both a birth certificate and driver's license for those over the age of 16).

FAMIS MOMS Income Guidelines Rise (7/09) On July 1, 2009, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance services raised the income guidelines on the FAMIS MOMS program from 185% FPL to 200% FPL. The new income guidelines can be seen here.

Federal Poverty Guidelines Change (1/10) On January 23, 2009 the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced the 2009 Poverty Guidelines. As a result, the income eligibility guidelines for the FAMIS Programs and Medicaid were adjusted in Virginia. The income guidelines can be seen here. The Poverty Guidelines have not changed for 2010, the 2009 number remain in place until further notice.

New Family Planning Program - Plan First Plan First, Virginia’s new family planning program began January 1, 2008. The program is open to men and women who earn less than or equal to 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) – or $1,132 monthly income for an individual. Individuals who have comprehensive health care coverage or have had a sterilization procedure are excluded from this program. What is covered? Plan First will only cover family planning services and supplies. Covered services include: Annual physical exams for men and gynecological exam for women (1 per 12 month period); Cervical cancer screening for women (1 per 6 months); Sexually transmitted infection testing; Laboratory services for family planning and sexually transmitted infection testing; Family planning education/counseling; Sterilization procedures; Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription contraceptives, including emergency contraception; FDA approved over-the-counter contraceptives; and Referrals to a PCP who may provide care for free or on a sliding fee scale for services not covered through Plan First. How do you enroll? An individual who meets the enrollment criteria can enroll in the program using the Plan First application. The completed application can be mailed, dropped off or faxed to the local Department of Social Services (DSS) in the city/county in which the applicant resides. Applications are available online at www.dmas.virginia.gov or at local DSS offices and Health Departments. Because of requirements from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), women who are covered through Medicaid for Pregnant Women will need to complete the application for Plan First after the baby is delivered to participate in this program. While these women are still eligible for family planning services, they will need to actively complete the application in order to be enrolled in Plan First. Women who are currently enrolled in the Family Planning Waiver Services have received a letter informing them of the changes to this program. These women do not need to take action and will continue to receive family planning benefits through Plan First.