How to Apply for Children's Medical Assistance in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services helps low-income families with children receive health insurance through the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security program. Children in low-income families may also receive coverage by themselves through the FAMIS Plus program. These programs pay for common child health expenses such as vaccinations, well-child visits, school and sports physicals and vision and dental care as well as less common expenses such as hospital stays, surgery and physical therapy. The application for FAMIS and FAMIS Plus is the same, and the DSS can help decide which program is best for your family.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if your household income is low enough to qualify for FAMIS or FAMIS Plus. The maximum monthly income for a family of three to qualify for FAMIS is $3,052. The maximum monthly household income for a child in a family of three to qualify for FAMIS Plus is $2,030, as of December 2010.

• 2

  Download the Health Insurance Application for Children and Pregnant Women from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services website.

• 3

  Fill in each section of the application, including demographic information, financial status and medical history. Sign and date the application.

• 4

  Locate your nearest Virginia DSS office by going to the DSS website. Click "Contact Us." Select the "Local Departments of Social Services" link to get a list of DSS offices by county. Write down your local DSS office address, fax and phone numbers.

• 5

  Return the application to the DSS office in your county by mail, fax or in person. Include documentation to verify your income such as pay stubs, statements of payment from child support, unemployment, social service programs or Social Security.

• 6

  Wait for the Virginia DSS to process your application. It can take up to 45 days for you to receive notice of acceptance and receive the child's FAMIS or FAMIS Plus card in the mail.