|
|
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.
|
|
|
|