Virginia’s next governor will oversee the state’s Department of Medical Assistance Services, the agency responsible for managing the state’s Medicaid population. New federal mandates passed by Congress will increase the workload for the agency, but, when asked, neither candidate provided a comprehensive plan on how their administration would tackle those changes.
Emily Schabacker
Emily Schabacker is health care reporter for Cardinal News. She can be reached at emily@cardinalnews.org or 406-690-0456.
Posted inHealthcare
State leaders wrap up listening tour in Roanoke to address rural health challenges
Officials heard from community members and local health leaders as they shape Virginia’s proposal for a share of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program created under the federal spending bill.
Posted inHealthcare
New state guidance aims to clarify COVID-19 vaccine access after weeks of confusion
Under the new Virginia guidance, a prescription isn’t needed for a COVID vaccination as long as the patient is 65 or over or has a qualifying health condition. But the rules could change again next week after a federal advisory panel meets.
Posted inHealthcare
Clinics that help low-income HIV patients meet basic needs wrestle with federal funding cuts
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was established by Congress 35 years ago. About 1,400 clients in Southwest Virginia received services funded by the initiative in 2024.
Posted inHealthcare
Virginia might have to pay $234 million a year to preserve enhanced insurance premium tax credits; without them, consumers will see costs rise
A federal program that provides tax credits for health insurance policies is slated to sunset at the end of the year unless Congress votes to extend it.
Posted inHealthcare
Virginia faces significant infrastructure upgrades to deal with federal Medicaid eligibility requirements
According to a state study, Virginia’s decentralized Medicaid processing system is already outdated and lacks a way to handle paperwork tied to new work requirements.
Posted inHealthcare
Free health care on the way to Grundy and Pearisburg this fall; volunteers needed
Remote Area Medical is seeking volunteer doctors and vision specialists to help serve Southwest Virginia patients at its pop-up clinics.
Posted inHealthcare
New owner of the hospital in Patrick County continues renovations, with no opening date yet
Braden Health bought the property in November 2024 and has been working to bring the long-vacant property up to code. So far, about $3 million has been spent on the project.
Posted inHealthcare
Free back-to-school clinics help ensure kids get required vaccines
As the school year approaches, health departments across Southwest and Southside Virginia are offering vaccination clinics and immunization appointments to help families meet school requirements.
Posted inHealthcare
Tens of thousands of Virginians could lose health insurance if tax credits expire, officials warn
Language to renew health care insurance premium tax credits was not included in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill that was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in early July. Without Congressional action, those tax credits will expire in December.