How to Apply

Prepare to Appy

Gather the following information for yourself and everyone in your household.

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security Number (those not applying for coverage do not have to include their SSN on the application)
Immigration document numbers
Employer and income information (paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage and tax statements)
- Note: If self-employed, read Self-employment Expense Information
Information about other health insurance that you have or is offered to you, such as Medicare or coverage available through a job.

Submit an Application

Submit an application in any of the following ways, select the one that works best for you and your family.

Online at commonhelp.virginia.gov
Over the phone with the Cover Virginia Call Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7p.m and Saturday 9 a.m to 12 p.m at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590)
Mail to:

Cardinal Care Correspondence Center
P.O. Box 1820
Richmond, VA 23218

Drop off a paper application to your local Department of Social Services. Find your LDSS at dss.virginia.gov/localagency.

All application forms are available at Applications | CoverVA.

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, marketplace.virginia.gov, also makes Medicaid eligibility decisions. If you apply at the Marketplace and are found eligible for Medicaid or FAMIS, you will be automatically enrolled in coverage and sent a notice.

You can apply for Medicaid and other benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or by calling the Virginia Department of Social Services Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.

Send Requested Information

We will try to determine your eligibility using the information on the application, but sometimes more information is needed. When this happens, we will send you a letter telling you what information we need to finish our review. Your application may be denied if you do not reply. You can send your information:

Cardinal Care Correspondence Center
P.O. Box 1820
Richmond, VA 23218

Fax: 1-888-221-9402
In-person: Your LDSS, dss.virginia.gov/localagency

Get Help Applying

You can get help with your application at your LDSS, by calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590), or by contacting a local Application Assister.