Medicaid is a Medical Assistance program that makes direct payments to health care service providers for eligible individuals and families who are unable to pay for needed medical services. 

To be eligible for Medicaid, a person must have income and resources (assets) within specified limits and must be in one of the groups covered by Medicaid. Medicaid covered groups include children under 10 years, pregnant women, parents with dependent children under 18 years living in the home, adults age 65 years and older, blind individuals, and individuals who are disabled according to the standards adopted by the Social Security Administration.

Medicaid has different income limits and nonfinancial requirements. When someone applies for Medical Assistance, the eligibility worker will determine if the person is eligible for either program. Medicaid pays for a variety of medical services, including prescription drugs, doctor visits, nursing facility care and hospital care.

Information about Medicaid is available online from the Virginia Department of Social Services at www.dss.virginia.gov and from the Department of Medical Assistance Services at www.dmas.virginia.gov.

For more information, please contact the Richmond County Department of Social Services at (804) 333-4088.