Post Content

One Year Later, How Medicaid Expansion Has Fared in Alexandria

 

Nearly one year after the expansion of Virginia’s Medicaid benefits took effect, nearly 70 percent of eligible Alexandrians have signed up.

“This has been really, really busy, but it’s going well,” said Patrick Okoronkwo, benefit programs manager for the City of Alexandria. “It’s something everybody should have.”

Before Medicaid expansion, Okoronkwo said there were about 6,000 people in the City of Alexandria estimated to be eligible and in need of Medicaid benefits. Out of that number, Okoronkwo said 4,153 have been enrolled as of Nov. 22. For the last year, Okoronkwo said his office’s job has been to go around and do everything they can to reach out to eligible locals.

“We have gone to different locations to talk about it,” Okoronkwo said, “and the state did a lot of outreach and postings.”

To be eligible to receive benefits under the Medicaid expansion, Okoronkwo said people need to be at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty line. That’s $17,236 for a single person and $29,435 for an adult in a household of three people.

Okoronkwo said people eligible for benefits can apply online or by calling 1-855-242-8282.

While Medicaid can be applied for year-round, Okoronkwo said the deadline for federal aid through the Affordable Care Act is Wednesday at 3 a.m. — a few hours from now. Anyone who misses that deadline will have to wait until next fall to enroll.

Okoronkwo said another part of the Medicaid expansion has been combating misleading information. Some eligible applicants have withdrawn their applications to receive benefits over fear that it could make citizenship more difficult to acquire.

“The Federal government announced that if you are collecting benefits and have a Green Card, you may not get citizenship,” Okoronkwo said. “But Medicaid is not included in that. SNAP, TANF and housing are, not Medicaid.”

Even then, Okoronkwo noted that there is still a legal challenge pending for the “public charge” rule. Getting medical care to those who need it, Okoronkwo suggested, helps society as a whole.

“For me, I am elated when I see people who have been postponing going to the hospital [use it],” he said. “Nobody will hire someone who is sick and it helps people who have had to file for bankruptcy because of medical bills.”

Recent Stories

A local nonprofit is donating a $50,000 scoreboard at the Kelley Cares Miracle Field outside the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center in Old Town. The scoreboard is a gift…

Good Friday morning, Alexandria! 🌥️ Today’s weather: Partly sunny today, then gradually becoming sunny this afternoon, with a high near 62. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 40. 🚨 You need…

A look at the smallest and largest homes sold in Alexandria last month, February 2024.

Alexandria City Council members and candidates are opening up about their positions on the city backing out of the Potomac Yard arena deal. Mayor Justin Wilson said that the city…

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

ShawnMikael[s] and Friends

For their first show at the hallowed Galatic Panther in Old Town Alexandria, ShawnMikael[s] is inviting a bevy of brilliantly funny and field-tested stand-up and improv talent, including some veteran improv performers who were part of this year’s winning team

Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction

Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who

×

Subscribe to our mailing list