How to Apply

Apply in one of these ways:

Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
Call the Cover Virginia Call Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1-855-242-8282 (TDD: 1-888-221-1590).
Apply online at the Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at marketplace.virginia.gov.
Mail or drop off a paper application to your local Department of Social Services (DSS) ([PDF] English application [PDF] Spanish application). Mailing may take longer than other ways of applying. To find your local DSS, go to dss.virginia.gov/localagency.
- Note: If you are over 65, blind, disabled, or have a special medical need, scroll down on this page to find additional documents we may need you to complete. You can also get a one page supplement to the application if there are more than two people in your household.
If you also want to apply for other benefits, you can apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or call the Virginia Department of Social Services Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.

When you apply, you will need this information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security numbers (or document numbers for any legal immigrants who need insurance)
- Note: You may be asked to prove citizenship or immigration status after you apply. Read a list of acceptable [PDF] verification documents.
Employer and income information for everyone in your family (for example, from paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
- Note: If self-employed, read [PDF] Self-employment Expenses Information.
Policy numbers for any current health insurance
Information about any job-related health insurance available to your family

Application Assisters

If you need help with your application, find an Application Assister.

These forms authorize (allow) individuals or groups, including application assisters, Navigators and Certified Application Counselors (CACs), to help Medicaid applicants after getting verbal consent. The verbal consent authorization will expire at the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

How to send information we ask for

We will send you a letter if we need more information. You can send your information to Virginia Medicaid in one of these ways:

Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
Email: verify_docs@coverva.org

You can scan and upload, attach electronic copies, or take a photo of your information and attach it to the email. To keep your information secure, this email address only receives information. You will not get a reply.

Mail: Use the address on the letter we send asking for information.
Fax: 1-888-221-9402

For questions, call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282.

Applying for more than two people

You may need to print more pages if you are applying for Medicaid, FAMIS or Plan First for more than two people in your household. Use the Additional Person Single Page Supplement. You cannot use this application by itself. You must also complete the Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs. Then submit the Additional Person Single Page Supplement with your application.

[PDF] Additional Person Single Page Supplement (English)
[PDF] Additional Person Single Page Supplement (Spanish)

Applying for Medicaid for adults over age 19 with disabilities, or who are 65 or older, or for anyone who needs long-term care

You must complete the ABD-LTC Application – Appendix D and the Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs.

[PDF] ABD-LTC Application – Appendix D (English)
[PDF] ABD-LTC Application – Appendix D (Spanish)

Applying for the medically needy

Complete Medically Needy Spenddown – Appendix E if you applied for health care coverage for someone who is medically needy, but has income greater than the Medicaid limit and wants to be evaluated for a spenddown based on income, resources, and medical expenses. Spenddown works like an insurance policy deductible. The amount of the “deductible” is called the “spenddown liability.” Once medical bills are equal to or greater than the spenddown liability, the application will be re-evaluated for Medicaid eligibility.

[PDF] Medically Needy Spenddown – Appendix E (English)
[PDF] Medically Needy Spenddown – Appendix E (Spanish)

Applying for persons with special needs

Complete Nursing or Community Based Care – Appendix F if you applied for health care coverage for someone who needs help with everyday things like bathing, dressing, walking or using the bathroom to live safely in the home. Also complete Appendix F if a doctor or nurse has told the person applying that they have a physical disability, chronic (long-term) disease, mental or emotional illness, or addiction disorder.

[PDF] Nursing or Community Based Care – Appendix F (English)
[PDF] Nursing or Community Based Care – Appendix F (Spanish)

To learn more about how to appeal a decision, go to Appeals.