How to Apply for Virginia Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Virginia's primary application portal is CommonHelp at commonhelp.virginia.gov. A single CommonHelp application evaluates every household member for Medicaid, FAMIS (children's coverage), SNAP, and other programs simultaneously. You do not need to file separate applications for each program.
Free help applying is available statewide
Application Assisters — trained volunteers and community organization staff — can help you apply for Virginia Medicaid at no cost. Find a local assister at coverva.dmas.virginia.gov. You can also call Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA for guided assistance over the phone.
How to apply for Virginia Medicaid
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) accepts applications through four channels. Online through CommonHelp is the fastest method. Per DMAS guidance at dmas.virginia.gov, all methods are equally valid — the right choice depends on your situation.
- Online — CommonHelp: Apply at commonhelp.virginia.gov any time. Upload supporting documents directly. You can also apply through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at marketplace.virginia.gov if comparing Medicaid with subsidized private plans.
- By phone — Cover Virginia: Call 833-5CALLVA (833-522-5582) Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–noon. TDD/TTY: 1-888-221-1590. For other benefits combined with Medicaid, call DSS at 1-855-635-4370.
- In person — local DSS office: Visit any Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Find your local office at dss.virginia.gov/localagency. Best for complex situations requiring document review in person.
- By mail or fax — paper form: Download forms from coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/apply/applications/. Mail to your local DSS office (takes longer). Fax supporting documents to 1-888-221-9402. Email to verify_docs@coverva.org.
What you need to apply
DMAS verifies identity, residency, income, and immigration status for applicable household members. Have these items available before starting your CommonHelp application.
- Full legal name and date of birth for everyone applying
- Social Security numbers — or document numbers for non-citizen legal immigrants
- Proof of Virginia residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail with current address
- Income documentation for the past 30 days — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return if self-employed
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance coverage
- Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, I-94, or Employment Authorization Document
- Information about job-related health insurance available to any household member
Not all documents are required for every applicant. CommonHelp specifies what the local DSS office needs based on household composition. In some cases, DMAS verifies income electronically through state wage records.
How long does a Virginia Medicaid application take?
Under 42 CFR 435.912, Virginia must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days. Applications based on disability may take up to 90 days. If you apply online through CommonHelp, you may receive a preliminary eligibility determination faster — sometimes within minutes for straightforward cases.
Coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied, assuming you are approved. Pregnant women may qualify for retroactive coverage going back up to three months before the application date.
If DMAS sends a request for additional information, respond as quickly as possible. The clock for the 45-day decision period does not stop during this time. Respond online at CommonHelp or by email to verify_docs@coverva.org; do not mail documents unless instructed.
Virginia Medicaid
Visit the official Virginia Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →