A state and federally funded health coverage program designed for low-income individuals of all ages, Medicaid in Virginia is administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Eligibility is determined by Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services and is dependent on income, assets and residency.
Interested seniors must be Virginia residents and U.S. citizens age 65 or older, with monthly income not exceeding $2,313 for individuals and $4,626 for couples. The maximum assets allowed for individuals is $2,000, and it’s $4,000 for couples applying jointly.
Income from all sources, including pensions, alimony payments, SSI and IRA withdrawals are considered. Countable assets include bank accounts, investments, cash, stocks and real estate other than a primary residence valued at $585,000 or less. Other exempt assets include burial trusts, personal belongings and an automobile.
Seniors who are over the income limit for Medicaid but have significant medical bills may still qualify through a spend down, which allows for the deduction of certain medical costs to reduce countable income. To qualify, seniors must have out-of-pocket medical expenses that bring their countable monthly income down to $489 for individuals and $662 for couples.
To apply for Medicaid, call (855) 242-8282 or visit Cover Virginia.
CCC Plus Waiver and Long-Term Services and Supports
The Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver is mandatory for seniors over 65 who meet the state’s Medicaid qualification requirements and have medical or nursing needs. This waiver provides a number of long-term services and supports so seniors can remain in their homes and communities and delay a transition into nursing care.
The available services and supports include, but are not limited to, companion and in-home support, personal care, electronic home-based supports, skilled nursing and transition services. Eligibility is determined through a screening conducted by Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services, which can take place even if a senior has not yet applied for Medicaid.
To learn more about the CCC Plus waiver, visit Virginia’s Department of Community and Human Services or call (703) 746-3400.