Virginia General Assembly simplifies Medicaid Works application process for individuals with disabilities

The Community Stakeholder Meeting held on April 17, 2025, focused on the Virginia Medicaid Program, Cardinal Care, and addressed significant barriers to enrollment in the Medicaid Works program. The meeting was convened to discuss findings from a report commissioned by the 2024 General Assembly, which highlighted low enrollment rates and potential improvements for accessibility.

The meeting began with a presentation on the barriers identified in the report. Key issues included low financial eligibility thresholds, limited residential support options, and a lack of awareness about the program among community members and providers. The complexity of the application process was also noted as a significant hurdle for potential participants.

To address these challenges, recommendations were made to simplify the application process. This included legislative efforts led by Delegate Cohen, who introduced House Bill 1804. The bill aims to streamline the application process by allowing individuals to indicate their interest in the program more easily and to provide necessary information upfront. The bill received unanimous approval from both houses of the General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Youngkin, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is currently working on integrating these changes into the application process to enhance accessibility and reduce the back-and-forth communication required with eligibility workers. The meeting concluded with an invitation for stakeholders to submit questions or requests for further information, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in promoting the Medicaid Works program.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collaborative effort to improve Medicaid services for individuals with disabilities in Virginia, aiming to increase enrollment and support for those in need.