Healthcare Assistance for Single Mothers in Virginia

Where to start

The best first step depends on your current situation. Do not guess that you make too much money. Virginia health coverage rules vary by age, pregnancy, household size, income, disability, immigration status, and whether you have other insurance.

Quick reference table

Main Virginia healthcare assistance options

Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS are part of Cardinal Care. The state uses local DSS offices, Cover Virginia, CommonHelp, and the Marketplace to screen applications. You can read more general background in ASMOM’s Medicaid guide, but use Virginia’s official pages for current state rules.

2026 income snapshot

Virginia’s 2026 Medicaid and FAMIS income guidelines were updated after the federal poverty guidelines took effect in January 2026. Use the table below only as a quick screen. The official application decides eligibility.

These are not all income rules. Some people have resource rules, disability rules, pregnancy rules, or special categories. If you are close to the limit, still apply. You can also ask a navigator or application assister to check your household size and income.

Pregnancy, postpartum, and children’s coverage

Pregnancy and children’s coverage are two of the strongest places to start. Virginia’s pregnancy programs can cover medical, behavioral health, and dental care during and after pregnancy. Medicaid for Pregnant Women and FAMIS MOMS provide protected postpartum coverage for 12 months after the pregnancy ends. FAMIS Prenatal can help some pregnant people who do not meet immigration rules for other programs, and it gives a shorter postpartum period.

For children under 19, Medicaid and FAMIS can cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, behavioral health, dental care, and other covered services. Children in Medicaid and FAMIS generally receive 12 months of continuous coverage unless a listed exception applies, such as moving out of Virginia or turning 19.

For food and nutrition during pregnancy or early childhood, pair health coverage with WIC. Our WIC guide explains how WIC works, and our baby items guide lists practical Virginia help for diapers and child basics.

Using your coverage after approval

After approval, watch your mail and online account. You may need to choose a managed care plan, pick a primary care provider, or respond to letters. The Cardinal Care choices site can help members compare plans and understand open enrollment dates by region.

Dental care

Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS dental care is through Cardinal Care Smiles. The state’s dental coverage page says DentaQuest manages the program and can help members find dentists that accept Medicaid. Call the dental plan before you go to confirm the provider still accepts your coverage.

Rides to appointments

Medicaid transportation may help when you do not have another way to reach covered care. DMAS explains this on its transportation services page. If you are in managed care, call your plan. If you are fee-for-service, the state will direct you to the correct transportation broker. For broader help getting around, see ASMOM’s Virginia transportation help for other options.

Other basic needs

Health problems often come with food, rent, child care, and utility stress. Use our SNAP guide, child care help, and housing help to find next steps outside medical coverage.

If you are uninsured, waiting, or over income

Do not wait for a perfect answer before getting care. If you are sick, pregnant, need medicine, or need a checkup for a child, ask about these options while your coverage question is pending.

• Community health centers: Use the HRSA health center locator. Health centers can serve people with or without insurance and may use sliding fees.
• Free and charitable clinics: Search the Virginia free clinic finder. Each clinic sets its own eligibility rules, services, and appointment process.
• Marketplace help: Enroll Virginia provides free, unbiased navigator help with Medicaid, FAMIS, and Marketplace options.
• Breast and cervical screening: Virginia’s Every Woman’s Life program helps uninsured, low-income eligible residents access screening and diagnostic services.
• Local support: Our community support guide can help you look for food, clinics, diapers, shelters, and local nonprofits.

How to apply for Medicaid, FAMIS, or pregnancy coverage

Virginia lists several ways to apply. Online is often fastest, but phone, paper, and local DSS options matter if you have internet problems, language needs, disability access needs, or documents to explain.

1. Apply online through CommonHelp or Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.
2. Call Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA. The state also lists TDD help at 1-888-221-1590.
3. Use the paper forms on the CoverVA applications page if you need to mail, fax, or hand in an application.
4. Ask your local DSS office for help if you need to apply for health care plus SNAP, TANF, child care, or energy help. VDSS says CommonHelp can also be used for health care and other benefits through its Find Help page.

What to do if you are denied, delayed, or stuck

If the state asks for proof, send it as soon as you can and keep copies. If you upload or email documents, save screenshots or confirmation messages. If you call, write down the date, time, person you spoke with, and what they told you.

If Medicaid or FAMIS is denied, reduced, or closed, review the notice. DMAS says applicants and members have appeal rights, and the Medicaid appeals page explains the process. This is not legal advice. If your case is urgent or confusing, ask for help from a legal aid office, health navigator, clinic social worker, or trusted benefits assister.

If your medical bill is already in collections, ask the provider or hospital for financial assistance, an itemized bill, and a hold on collections while your application is reviewed. For broader benefits problems, see ASMOM’s real grant guide and Virginia help page so you can separate real programs from misleading “free money” claims.