Congress has not renewed federal funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as FAMIS and FAMIS MOMS in Virginia. If Congress does not renew CHIP funding prior to January 31, 2018, the state will end the program and thousands of children and pregnant women in Virginia will lose affordable medical, dental, and mental health coverage.
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is sending letters to the nearly 70,000 families enrolled in FAMIS to notify them the program may end January 31, 2018. The letter instructs families to continue operating as if there are no changes to their benefits through January 31 and to follow any and all benefit renewal instructions, should they receive them. However, the letters are likely to spark confusion. Those of you who work with families enrolled in FAMIS can refer to these FAQs for help.
Let your federal representatives know it is time to act on CHIP funding. Click here to find your representative. For more information about CHIP in Virginia, read this interview with Linda Nablo, chief deputy director of DMAS.
