DMAS: Current federal reconciliation draft leaves Virginia Medicaid intact but could change expansion rules

Jeffrey Leonardi, chief deputy director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, told the Virginia Disability Commission on June 5 that the House version of the federal budget reconciliation package does not include direct reductions to the federal matching share for Virginia’s Medicaid program, Cardinal Care.

"The key takeaway if I leave you with nothing else is ... the current proposals leave Virginia's Medicaid program intact," Leonardi said, citing language in the House draft now with the Senate. He added that the federal bills include many provisions aimed specifically at the Medicaid expansion population rather than people enrolled because of disability.

Leonardi walked commissioners through Cardinal Care’s scope and budget. As of May 1, he said, Virginia covered about 1.9 million people — roughly 22% of the Commonwealth — at an FY2025 appropriation of about $26.3 billion total: $7.2 billion state general fund, $16.8 billion federal funds and $2.3 billion other…