Frequently Asked Questions: FAMIS & FAMIS PLUS
What is FAMIS?
FAMIS stands for Family Access to Medical Insurance Security and is for uninsured low-income children from birth to age 19. The program is designed to provide comprehensive health care coverage for children whose families make too much to qualify for FAMIS Plus (Medicaid). To apply, call 1-866-87-FAMIS or 437-3460. If you have access to a computer you can go to: www.famis.org for more information or to file an online application.
What is FAMIS Plus?
FAMIS Plus is Virginia’s name for children’s Medicaid. FAMIS Plus also provides great benefits. It covers children in families with lower or no income. When you apply for coverage you will be considered for both FAMIS and FAMIS Plus. If they are eligible, you will be notified about which program they have qualified for.
Who is eligible for FAMIS?
Children are eligible for FAMIS if they:
- Live in Virginia
- Are under age 19
- Don’t have health insurance now and haven’t had it in the past 4 months (some exceptions apply)
- Are not eligible for the Virginia state employee health insurance plan
- Are not eligible for FAMIS Plus (also knows as Medicaid)
- Live in families meeting FAMIS income guidelines
- Are United States citizens or qualified aliens (Other children may be eligible, please call to find out more. A parent’s citizenship is not considered).
How is eligibility determined?
Eligibility is determined by gross monthly income. To prove eligibility, applicants must show proof of income for the previous month by showing paycheck stubs or a letter from their employer.
What is the income guideline for FAMIS?
Income guidelines are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) which is adjusted annually. The FAMIS income limit is 200% of the FPL. For example, a family of four can make up to 44,100 a year and still be eligible for FAMIS.
How long will FAMIS coverage last?
FAMIS provides twelve months of continuous coverage (beginning with the month the child was enrolled). You will be required every year to renew your child’s coverage.
What does FAMIS cover? - Doctor visits
- Well-baby and well-child checkups
- Hospital visits
- Vaccinations
- Prescription medicines
- Tests and x-rays
- Dental care
- Emergency care
- Vision care
- Mental heath care
- And much more………
Will I have to pay a monthly or annual premium payment for FAMIS?
There is no premium payment for FAMIS.
Where do I call if I have questions concerning my FAMIS eligibility?
Families may call the FAMIS Central Processing Unit (1-866-873-2647) or the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services for questions pertaining to FAMIS eligibility. To check on the status of a FAMIS application, families should contact the location where they applied.
Does Social Services maintain a list of doctors and dentists that accept FAMIS and FAMIS Plus?
It’s up to the customer to locate a physician who accepts FAMIS and FAMIS Plus.
What if I don’t speak English?
The FAMIS call center is staffed with both English and Spanish speaking representatives. In addition, if your primary language is other than English or Spanish, they will provide a Tele-interpreter on the line to translate the call.