Health Resources

About Cardinal Care

With the final days of the national Public Health Emergency in sight, Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services or DMAS announced important requirements to remain eligible for current medical coverage. All current Medicaid enrollees must complete a short screening survey to update their eligibility under the new Cardinal Care program. Fortunately, no one will immediately lose DMAS medical coverage nor MCO coverage. The changeover at the end of the Public Health Emergency is called Unwinding. This period gives current enrollees ample time to prevent gaps in medical coverage.

What are the new requirements of DMAS, the Department of Medical Assistance Services? Starting March 2023, all individuals and families who currently receive Medicaid or FAMIS benefits must call or go online to update personal information. It’s a simple process that takes only minutes.  Online is quicker but you may also call to update your information. Contact CoverVirginia at 855 242-8282 or your local Dept of Social Services, lookup here.  For Online updating use commonhelp.virginia.gov. Inside the link, Scroll down to Check Eligibility or Renew   

Why is it necessary to update member information?  People have moved, changed primary phone and email during the pandemic! Current enrollees (members) will be provided the new and easier to understand program Cardinal Care, which replaces Virginia Medicaid.

Soon you’ll be greeted by email or US Mail Cardinal Care of Virginia and it’s new logo with additional welcome information.  Don’t wait to open your mail! Posted Feb 25, 2023

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CDC on Risks after COVID-19

People with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for becoming sicker than people without the medical conditions on this list. In CDC’s overview, while age is a risk factor, it’s not the only factor. Link here for what you need to know . Guidance on ordering free COVID-19 tests and other FAQ’s here.

Household Resources

FCC Tips

Fraud Alerts from Federal Communications Commission

Detecting fraudsters and phone scammers does not have to be a losing battle. Even though their techniques get trickier every year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal agencies are helping to stay ahead of their nasty games. Can you check all the boxes below in Avoid Spoofing Scams? If so, pass it on, and check out other guidance and fact sheets often often on the FCC website.

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Give Comments on Fair Housing by March 31

The Metropolitan Council of Governments wants like your valuable feedback on its 2023-24 Regional Fair Housing Plan. This plan is the first step for local jurisdictions to give the Federal government guidance on achieving more fair and more affordable housing goals.

Public comment period runs until March 31, 2023. Each local jurisdiction developed up its own priorities. See yours by selecting your locality in blue link below. Then complete a brief survey in the Public Comment tab below.

Link to each Fair Housing Plan: Prince William County, City of Alexandria, Arlington County, District of Columbia, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, City of Gaithersburg, MD, Montgomery County, MD.

After the public comment period, and revision will be made before the final Fair Housing Plan is submitted to US Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD.

Now is the time for your voice and your neighbors and friend to be heard. Share this rare opportunity with others in the Washington Metro area. Source: Prince William County NAACP Feb 23, 2023

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