DMAS details Cardinal Care managed‑care transition, special enrollment and Anthem foster‑care specialty plan

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) hosted a virtual member education session explaining changes to Cardinal Care Managed Care that go into effect July 1, 2025, including the addition of Humana Healthy Horizons of Virginia and a statewide foster‑care specialty plan administered by Anthem HealthKeepers. DMAS officials and representatives of Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons, Centerra Health Plans (Sentara), and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan answered member questions and summarized benefits, enrollment rules and continuity‑of‑care protections.

DMAS said the Cardinal Care Managed Care (CCMC) reprocurement follows the program’s January 2023 launch and is intended to consolidate and improve Medicaid and FAMIS managed care. The agency told members that eligibility rules are not changing and that most Cardinal Care members already receive benefits through managed care plans rather than fee‑for‑service arrangements.

Why it matters: The transition affects plan contracts, which MCO delivers certain specialty supports (including a new Anthem foster‑care specialty plan), and when members can change plans. DMAS emphasized member choice and described tools and timelines members can use to compare plans and switch coverage during the special selection period.

Key details

- Effective date and vendors: DMAS said new CCMC contracts take effect July 1, 2025. The plans presented were Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons of Virginia, Centerra Health Plans (Sentara Health Plans), and…