Registration under way for expanded Medicaid program

The sign-up process for Virginia’s expanded Medicaid program is under way.

The program, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, provides access to low-cost health coverage to eligible adults age 19-64. To qualify, a single adult must earn no more than $16,754 a year, while a family of three would could have a household income up to $28,677.

So far 375,000 Virginians are on track to enroll, beating previous estimates of 300,000. The program is aimed at people too young for Medicare and who earn too much for Medicaid.

You can apply online through Cover Virginia or call 855-242-8282.

The program covers doctor, hospital, and emergency services; prescription drugs; laboratory and X-ray services; maternity and newborn care; home health services; behavioral health, including addiction and recovery treatment; rehabilitative services; family planning; medical equipment; and preventive and wellness services. Coverage is available to people with pre-existing conditions.

People who enroll in the new Medicaid plan will be randomly assigned a health plan, then will be able to choose among the six plans offered in Virginia. Their health insurance company will coordinate healthcare and reimburse doctors and other providers.

Virginia is in the process of developing work requirements for program participants. A proposal under consideration would require Medicaid recipients to work at least 20 hours a month during the first year and 80 hours a month in subsequent years. The work requirement was part of a compromise in the Virginia General Assembly to gain Republican support.