News

Federal Poverty Guidelines Change On January 23, 2008 the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced the 2008 Poverty Guidelines. As a result, the income eligibility guidelines for the FAMIS Programs and Medicaid were adjusted in Virginia. The new income guidelines can be seen here. It should be noted that any application processed by a local DSS or the FAMIS Central Processing unit on or after January 23, 2008 will be evaluated under these new income guidelines, even if the application was received prior to January 23,2008.

New Director of Maternal and Child Health Named DMAS has announced that they are beginning the new year with an addition to the DMAS Management Team. Rebecca Mendoza has been named as the new Maternal and Child Health Director! Many know her from her work as the FAMIS Marketing and Outreach Manager for the past four years. She has more than 15 years experience for a variety of non-profit and for-profit organizations, including five years with one of our Medicaid contractors, ACS, and six years with community organizations that work with low income clients in Virginia and Tennessee. Rebecca brings enthusiasm, commitment, and leadership qualities to this position.

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.

Cover the Uninsured Week 2008 From April 27 - May 3, 2008 thousands of activities will take place across the United States to tell Congress that health coverage for Americans must be their top priority. Find out what is happening in your area by going to the Cover the Uninsured website at www.covertheuninsured.org.