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Applying for Medicaid

You may select Optima Health as your Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS plan provider when you apply. We have the following tips to help you get started.

When to Apply

  1. New to Medicaid
    Apply at any time of the year. Learn about information to prepare and how to apply.
  2. Enroll a Newborn
    Report the birth as quickly as possible to enroll.
  3. Switch to Optima Health
    You have the option to change to Optima Health during the first 90 days of Medicaid assignment. Current Medicaid members of a different health plan provider may change to Optima Health during the time of year called open enrollment. Learn how to switch. 

How to Apply

There are several ways to apply for Medicaid or FAMIS benefits in Virginia:

  • Phone: Contact Cover Virginia at 1-833-5CALLVA (1-833-522-5582) (TDD: 1-888-221-1590). Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
  • Mail or drop-off paper application: Download from coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/apply and print, or request from your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Once complete, the application should be sent or delivered to your local DSS for processing.

Switching to Optima Health is easy.

Call within 90 days of receiving your health plan assignment letter.

Virginia Medicaid Managed Care Helpline
Toll-free 1-800-643-2273 (TTY: 1-800-817-6608)
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
virginiamanagedcare.com

How to Switch


Enroll a Newborn

Coverage for newborns is not automatic. Report the baby’s birth within 10 work days. The following options are available:

  • Call the Cover Virginia Call Center at 1-855-242-8282 (TDD: 1-888-221-1590).
  • Contact your local Department of Social Services.

Information needed:

  • Child's name
  • Date of birth
  • Sex
  • Medicaid ID number of newborn’s mother, if applicable
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© Optima Health 2023, PO Box 66189, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23466

Sentara Health Plans and Optima Health are trade names of Sentara Health Plans, Sentara Health Insurance Company, Sentara Health Administration, Inc., and Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Optima Health Insurance Company is an additional trade name for Sentara Health Insurance Company. Virginia Premier Health Plan is an additional trade name for Sentara Health Plans. Optima Behavioral Health is an additional trade name for Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Optima Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) products, and Point-of-Service (POS) products, are issued and underwritten by Sentara Health Plans. Optima Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) products are issued and underwritten by Sentara Health Insurance Company. Sentara Health Administration, Inc. provides administrative services to group and individual health plans but does not underwrite benefits. All Optima Health plans have benefit exclusions and limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Medicare products are administered under an agreement with Sentara Health Plans and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.) Medicaid and FAMIS products are administered under an agreement with Sentara Health Plans and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS.)