Covid-era benefits and assistance programs will end soon. Here's what you need to know.

RICHMOND, VA- Several medical, food and financial assistance flexibilities and programs given by the government are set to expire due to recent changes in federal legislation. The programs, administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), were offered on a temporary basis to help households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with the recent passing of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 announcing the end of the continuous coverage requirement on March 31, 2023, and the approaching end of the federal public health emergency on May 11, 2023, states will soon return to normal processes.

“We are proud to have offered Virginians enhanced monthly benefits and expanded access to benefit programs for as long as federal law allowed,” said VDSS Commissioner Dr. Danny Avula. “Together, with assistance from our partners at DMAS, we are prepared to continue to help create opportunities for Virginia’s families to work towards self-sufficiency and overall well-being.”

What's changing?

1. Virginia Medicaid

   • Continuous health coverage will end March 31, 2023, with disenrollment beginning no earlier than April 30, 2023. Virginia will return to normal enrollment processes, including redeterminations and processing reductions/closures of health coverage.

   • Those who no longer qualify for Medicaid will get a notice of when their coverage will end, how to appeal, and where to find an alternative coverage

   • Members should make sure their contact information is up to date to ensure receipt of important information during the transition back to normal operations.

   • States will have 12 months to make sure Medicaid members are still eligible for coverage. DMAS does not currently yet know when this process will start. They will not cancel or reduce coverage for members without asking them for updated information.

   • Those who do not qualify for Virginia Medicaid can buy health insurance through Enroll Virginia. Enroll Virginia has offices in communities across the state to helping Virginians get high quality, affordable health coverage. You can sign up for insurance on the Federal Marketplace on HealthCare.gov within 60 days after losing health coverage or anytime during the annual open enrollment period from November 1 through January 15. You may also see if you qualify for financial help to lower the cost of private insurance through HealthCare.gov.

2. Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)

   • This program provided free meals school-aged children, and supplemented meals that kids would have received at school had they not been closed during the pandemic.

   • Final P-EBT benefits will be issued in August 2023, in accordance with the end of the federal public health emergency.

3. Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for College Students

   • This program provided money for eligible college students to buy groceries, and was temporarily expanded to allow part-time students to participate

   • Expanded eligibility requirements will end June 10, 2023, in accordance with the end of the federal public health emergency. Issuances occur on the 1^st, 4^th, and 7^th of the month.

Additionally, temporary benefits for the following programs have recently ended:

1. Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

   • Monthly cash payments were temporarily provided beyond the usual 24 and 60-month limits, and requirements for individuals to go through the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work program were waived

   • The period of continuous coverage ended, and Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) requirements resumed January 1, 2023. VIEW is a program that consists of employment, education, and training opportunities to help individuals attain work. Recipients of TANF must now participate to become eligible

2. Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments

   • Emergency Allotments that raised eligible SNAP households’ maximum benefit ended February 16, 2023. Households will receive benefits without the additional supplement beginning March 2023. Issuances occur on the 1^st, 4^th, and 7^th of the month.

Who can I contact for help or more information?

VDSS and DMAS are working together to provide information and resources to prepare Virginia families for the upcoming program changes. Households currently receiving assistance through any of the affected programs should verify their contact information is up to date to ensure prompt delivery of important notices and communications related to the upcoming changes.

Household information, including mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses can be verified or updated in the following ways:

For assistance with SNAP, SNAP for College Students, Medicaid, TANF, and P-EBT: Commonhelp (Commonhelp.virginia.gov)

For assistance with Medicaid or FAMIS:  Cover Virginia (CoverVA.org) or call 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590)

For assistance finding a suitable medical coverage if you no longer qualify for Medicaid, and to see if you can qualify for other financial help: enrollva.org or 888-392-5132.

Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) are prepared to assist members with updating their contact information and provide information and resources regarding other Virginia programs.

Joyce Chu, an award-winning investigative journalist, is the Social Justice Watchdog Reporter for The Progress Index. Contact her with comments, concerns, or story-tips at  Jchu1@gannett.com or on Twitter @joyce_speaks.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Temporary benefits for some Virginia assistance programs ending soon