The Virginia Medicaid program was designed to provide medical facilities to people who have limited income and resources. This article will provide you information about this program including; Medicaid services, who can apply, how to apply, etc.

Medicaid is an annuity program that provides medical facilities to low income persons. This program is financed by state and Federal government and administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). This program was designed to provide medical assistance to people who have limited income and resources.

In Virginia, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for handling application forms and determining eligibility. The eligibility rules for this program are different for children, adults and senior citizens.

Who Is Covered by Medicaid?

Medicaid program was created to assist poor people with low income. Those falling into following categories can apply for this program:

1. Low income children
2. Pregnant women
3. People with disabilities
4. People age 65 and older
5. Parents & Caretakers of Dependent Children
6. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients

In Virginia, the Medicaid resource and income limits may vary by category.

Medicaid Services

The Virginia Medicaid program covers all the federally mandated services, including:

1. Inpatient hospital care
2. Outpatient hospital care
3. Transportation services
4. Physician's services
5. Nurse midwife services
6. Pediatric and family nurse practitioner services
7. Federally qualified health centers ("FQHC")
8. Laboratories and x-ray services
9. Rural health clinic services
10. Prenatal care
11. Family planning services
12. Skilled nursing facility services for persons over age 21
13. Early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment for persons under age 21 ("EPSDT")
14. Vaccines for children

Virginia Medicaid program also covers many optional services; listed below:

1. Podiatrists services
2. Optometrist services and eyeglasses
3. Chiropractic services
4. Mental health services.
5. Clinic services
6. Dental services
7. Physical therapy
8. Occupational therapy
9. Speech, hearing and language therapy
10. Prescribed drugs
11. Dentures
12. Prosthetic devices
13. Diagnostic services
14. Screening services
15. Preventive services
16. Rehabilitative services
17. Transportation services
18. Services for persons age 65 or older in mental institutions
19. Intermediate care facility services
20. Intermediate care facility services for persons with MR/DD and related conditions
21. Inpatient psychiatric services for persons under age 22
22. Christian Science schools
23. Nursing facility services for persons under age 21
24. Emergency hospital services
25. Personal care services
26. Hospice care
27. Case management services
28. Respiratory care services

How to apply for Medicaid in Virginia?

To apply for this program, you need to contact the Department of Social Services in your city. You need not appear for a face-to-face interview, just fill out and send in your application to the local Department of Social Services of your area. After viewing your application, the department will determine whether you are eligible for Virginia's Medicaid Program or not. This may take 45 to 90 days. If you are qualified for this program, you will receive a written notice from them. Applicants for Medicaid are asked to:

1. Provide Social Security numbers
2. Provide proof of your income.
3. Confirm they are Virginia residents
4. Proof of your immigration status.
5. Submit bills for medical services received in the past three months.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) provides a broad spectrum of Virginia Medicaid benefits to its customers. The goal of this Medicaid program is to provide you medical, surgical and rehabilitative care.