As of Jan. 1, many residents who were previously denied or never applied for Medicaid are now eligible for free health coverage through expanded funding for the state. An estimated 42 percent of eligible Virginia residents have not yet taken advantage of the newly expanded coverage. That is why, on March 12, Virginia residents throughout the region are invited to an event where they can apply for coverage on the spot. The free event, sponsored by Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), will take place at the Innovation Hall Building at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus (4699 Mattaponi River Ln., Fairfax). Interpreters will be on hand to assist residents who speak Spanish and other languages.
The Medicaid Application event is free and open to all Virginia residents, who are encouraged to sign up for two-hour appointments at 10 a.m., noon or 2 p.m. To register, call 571-748-2616 (and leave your name, date of birth, session time preference and phone number) or email apphelp@nvfs.org. Eligible enrollees include: legal Virginia residents who are not already in or eligible for Medicare; individuals not born in the U.S. who meet LPR (lawful permanent resident) status of a minimum of five years with a 10-year work history; and those who meet income requirements, which vary depending on household size.
Residents are asked to bring the following information to the March 12 event: Social Security numbers or document numbers for any legal immigrants who need insurance, employer or income information for everyone in your family (for example, from paystubs, W2 forms or wage and tax statements), policy numbers for any current health insurance, and information about any job-related health insurance available to your family.
