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Helping People Navigate Care

MEDICAID | MEDICARE | FAMIS

June 2026 | Medicaid Expansion Update

Medicaid Work Requirements Coming January, 2027

 

Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) has announced a new community engagement requirement that is scheduled to take effect in January 2027 for certain adults enrolled through Medicaid Expansion. This change may require some members to participate in work, education, training, or volunteer activities to maintain Medicaid coverage.

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What’s Changing

Beginning in January 2027, certain Medicaid Expansion members may be required to demonstrate participation in one or more of the following:

  • Employment

  • Job training programs

  • Educational activities

  • Volunteer or community service activities

 

Virginia Medicaid will provide additional guidance before the requirement takes effect.

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What’s Not Changing

  • The new requirement does not take effect until January 2027.

  • Many Medicaid members may qualify for an exemption.

  • Current Medicaid benefits and covered services remain unchanged.

  • No immediate action is required at this time.

  • Virginia Medicaid will provide additional information to affected members before implementation.

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Who May Be Exempt

Exemptions may be available for certain individuals, including:

  • Caregivers

  • Individuals with disabilities or qualifying medical conditions

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Certain veterans

  • Former foster youth

  • Other individuals identified by Virginia Medicaid

 

Eligibility for exemptions will be determined by Virginia Medicaid.

 

If you provide ongoing care and support for a family member, spouse, friend, or loved one, you may wish to learn more about caregiver education, support, and resource programs available through Key Health Care.

 

How to Learn More

For official information regarding Cardinal Care and Medicaid eligibility requirements:

Visit: Virginia Cardinal Care

Call: 1-800-643-2273 (TTY: 800-817-6608)

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A Note from Our Office

Key Health Care is committed to helping individuals understand changes that may affect their health coverage and access to care.

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As additional guidance becomes available, we will continue to share updates and educational resources related to Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) and FAMIS.

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Caregivers play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of family members and loved ones. Because caregivers may qualify for certain exemptions under the new community engagement requirements, individuals who provide care may benefit from learning more about available caregiver education, support, and resource programs.

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To learn more about caregiver resources or future community training and workforce

development opportunities, please follow the link or scan the QR Code to complete our

Community Training, Volunteer & Workforce Development Interest Form.

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June 2025 | Cardinal Care Plan Update

Important Medicaid Changes Coming July 1, 2025

 

We want our patients and visitors to be aware of upcoming changes to Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) and FAMIS health plans that take effect on July 1, 2025. These changes may affect how your vision care services are covered.

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What’s Changing

Virginia Medicaid will continue offering multiple managed care health plans. Beginning July 1, the following plans will be available:

  • Aetna Better Health of Virginia

  • Anthem HealthKeepers Plus

  • Humana Healthy Horizons of Virginia (new!)

  • Sentara Health Plans

  • UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc.

  • Each plan may have different provider networks and added benefits.

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What’s Not Changing

  • If you remain eligible, your Medicaid or FAMIS enrollment continues.

  • Your current benefits and services stay the same.

  • You can choose to keep your current health plan or switch to another.

  • No action is required if you are happy with your current plan.

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How to Review or Change Your Plan

Starting June 18, 2025, you can explore your options and change your health plan if desired:

  • Visit: www.virginiamanagedcare.com

  • Download: Virginia Cardinal Care mobile app

  • Call: 1-800-643-2273 (TTY: 800-817-6608), Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–6 PM

Use these tools to:

  • Confirm your providers are in-network

  • Compare plan benefits

  • Watch educational videos about your options

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A Note from Our Office

As a vision care provider, we are committed to helping patients understand their coverage. However, we are not permitted to recommend, encourage, or discourage the selection of any specific plan. We strongly encourage you to explore your options carefully to ensure continued access to the care you need.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect your appointments or vision services at our office, please contact us or call our team directly at 1-888-320-5397.

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