Medicaid expansion enrollment begins Thursday. Here’s what you need to know.

Nov. 01--Nov. 1 is typically associated with the start of open enrollment -- a time when people can start to shop for health insurance on the individual exchanges set up by the Affordable Care Act.

This year, it also marks the start of the state accepting applications for its expanded Medicaid program, for which nearly 400,000 more Virginians are now eligible.

Who qualifies now?

Medicaid coverage will now be available for adults ages 19-64 who are not also eligible for Medicare and earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

That means a single adult making up to $16,754 or a family of three making up to $28,677 can apply.

If you're unsure whether you qualify or have been denied in the past, you can use Cover Virginia's Eligibility Screening Tool to find out.

How do I apply?

* Call the Cover Virginia call center at 1-855-242-8282;

* Call the Virginia Department of Social Services Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370;

* Visit your local social services department (here is a statewide list);

* Visit healthcare.gov;

* Print and mail the application to your local services department;

* Visit commonhelp.virginia.gov.

How long do I have to apply?

Unlike open enrollment, which closes Dec. 15, you can apply for Medicaid at any time, even if you've been denied before. Nov. 1 marks the first day Virginia will begin enrolling people under the new eligibility requirements.

What types of care are covered under Medicaid?

Doctor, hospital and emergency services, including primary and specialty care; prescription drugs; laboratory and X-ray services; maternity and newborn care; home health services; behavioral health services, including addiction and recovery treatment; rehabilitative services; family planning; transportation to appointments when not otherwise available; medical equipment and supplies; and preventive care, including annual wellness exams, immunizations, smoking cessation and nutritional counseling.

What if I'm part of the Governor's Access Plan or Plan First program?

People enrolled in the GAP program for qualifying patients with significant behavioral health needs and the those who make at or below 138 percent of the poverty level and are enrolled in the Plan First program, Virginia's limited benefit family planning insurance program, are automatically enrolled in Medicaid under the expansion. Letters informing program participants of these changes should be mailed soon.

Will I be required to show proof of work?

Not yet. When Medicaid expansion was passed earlier this year, it came with a caveat that enrollees had to prove they were working or searching for work, but the state has to obtain a waiver from the federal government before enforcing that provision. The state is still in the process of obtaining that waiver.

If I become enrolled, when does my health coverage kick in?

Jan. 1.

Which company will I get my Medicaid coverage through?

It depends. There are six Managed Care Organizations that operate in Virginia. People are automatically assigned to an MCO when they first enroll and have 90 days to change to a plan of their choice. One way to decide on an MCO is to check with your existing healthcare provider to see which plan they accept.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

As long as you meet the age, financial, and other eligibility requirements, you can be covered, even if you have a pre-existing condition.

Where can I learn more?

Hampton Roads residents can attend the Celebrate Healthcare Enrollfest in Norfolk and Hampton on Thursday and Saturday, respectively, to learn more and apply in person for Medicaid and the individual marketplace.

* Norfolk Enrollfest, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the Norview Community Center, 6380 Sewells Point Road, Norfolk;

* Peninsula Enrollfest, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the West Hampton Community Center, 1638 Briarfield Road, Hampton. Free HIV testing will be available.

Marie Albiges can be reached by phone at 757-247-4962 or on Twitter @Mariealbiges

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