Health Insurance for Low Income Families in Virginia

Virginia provides health insurance options for low income families. The Family Access to Medical Insurance Society is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is designed to help low income families with children get affordable health care. There are no enrollment or monthly fees to participate in the FAMIS program, and some services only require a minimal co-pay or are free.

Health Insurance for Children

• Virginia's FAMIS program provides health insurance for uninsured children in families that do not qualify for Medicaid and can't afford private insurance. Families have to be income-eligible for the program, which covers medical, vision and dental care for children under age 19. FAMIS covers services such as doctor and hospital visits, vaccinations and prescriptions, tests, x-rays and emergency care. There are free services, such as checkups, and other services may require a co-pay typically between $2 and $5. Families in Virginia can apply for the FAMIS program online, over the phone, by mail or by fax.

Health Insurance for Pregnant Women

• FAMIS MOMS is a program designed for uninsured pregnant women to get prenatal care. The eligibility requirements for this coverage include having your pregnancy medically confirmed or enrolling within 60 days after the end of your pregnancy. Additionally, you will have to meet income requirements and not have access to the state's health plan. You will get comprehensive care during your pregnancy as well as care during the two months after it. There is also a program for women with high-risk pregnancies and all program services are free. However, your baby is not automatically covered under the FAMIS program. You will have to apply for coverage during the month your baby is born or during the three months after in order to get birth expenses covered.

Health Insurance for Families

• There is also a plan available for low income families in Virginia through the FAMIS program. FAMIS Select allows families the option of receiving health insurance through employer-sponsored or private health plans or through FAMIS. In order to qualify for FAMIS Select, at least one child in the family must be already enrolled in the FAMIS program. This plan can provide up to $100 per month of coverage per enrolled child to help pay the family health insurance premium. Depending on the cost, the FAMIS Select payment may cover most or all of the monthly health insurance premium for entire families in Virginia.