Health Care Law

Contact: Jill Hanken
Phone: 804-782-9430 ext. 13
Fax: 804-649-0974
E-mail: jill [at] vplc [dot] org

Overview

VPLC's work on Health Care Law focuses on the major health programs for low-income Virginians:

  • Medicaid provides health insurance to more than 700,000 people in Virginia. While most recipients are children, the program also covers very low-income parents, pregnant women, the elderly, blind and disabled, and certain women needing cancer treatment. In addition to comprehensive health insurance, Medicaid provides very costly long term care services in nursing homes and through a range of community-based care to eligible elderly and disabled.
  • Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) – This is Virginia's State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that offers health insurance to uninsured children who are not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid, but their families cannot afford private health insurance. The current gross income limit for FAMIS is 200% of the federal poverty line (FPL) (e.g., $3442 per month for a family of four). "FAMIS Select" allows families with FAMIS eligible children to choose a monthly subsidy to purchase private health insurance instead of receiving regular FAMIS coverage. "FAMIS Moms" offers coverage to pregnant women with income under 185% FPL.
  • Medicare is the national health insurance program for most individuals over age and certain people with disabilities. There are special benefits available for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, such as the "Low Income Subsidy" under the Part D prescription drug program and "Medicaid Savings Programs" that help with out-of-pocket Medicare expenses.
  • State-Local Hospitalization (SLH) provides coverage for some hospital inpatient and outpatient services for very low income people without health insurance.
  • Indigent Care Programs – There are other programs and services available to Virginia's uninsured. These include health department clinics, free clinics and federally qualified health centers, prescription assistance programs, and hospital indigent care programs.

What Health Care Law services does VPLC provide?

Advocacy

Much of VPLC's work on Health Care Law is public policy advocacy with Congress, the Virginia General Assembly, and administrative agencies. For example, VPLC has worked on successful legislative initiatives to protect and expand Medicaid and SCHIP coverage for children, pregnant women, and the elderly/disabled. We have opposed cuts in medical services and promoted provider reimbursement increases when needed to ensure access to care. VPLC often works with coalitions pursuing the same goals. These coalitions include the Virginia Coalition for Children's Health, Virginians for Improved Access to Dental Care, Advocates for the Disabled, and Virginians for Health Coverage.

Community Education

Eligibility for government health programs can be complex and confusing. Program rules change often. VPLC has developed basic training materials and other information about these programs.

Training

VPLC's health attorney provides ongoing technical assistance and training to legal services staff, private bar attorneys, outreach workers, case managers, and other service providers about health law issues.

Representation

Because it is a statewide support organization for local legal aid programs throughout Virginia, VPLC does not generally handle individual cases. However, co-counseling or direct representation may be available in limited cases involving significant statewide health issues. For assistance, first call your local legal aid office or call 1-866-534-5243 to reach your local legal aid office.

Resources

State

Federal