The Virginia (VA) Medication Assistance Program (MAP) provides access to life-saving medications for the treatment of HIV and related illnesses for low-income clients through the provision of medications or through assistance with insurance premiums and medication co-payments. The program is primarily supported with federal Ryan White (RW) Treatment Extension Act Part B grant funding, which is distributed by a formula based on living HIV and AIDS cases to all states and territories in the United States. VA MAP provides insurance cost support or directly purchased medications through four service options: Direct Medication Assistance Program; the Medicare Prescription Assistance Program; the Insurance Continuation Assistance Program; and the Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance Program.
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Important: Open Enrollment is Now!
Open enrollment for Virginia Medicare and the Affordable Care Act is happening now!
Read more about the process for VA MAP clients on our fact sheet.
- Recent Announcements
- Unified Eligibility
- Insurance Enrollment
- Policies, Forms, and Resources
- Emergency Preparedness
Medicaid Transition: Effective September 1, 2025, VA MAP is now requiring that eligible uninsured patients in Direct MAP, and eligible insured patients in Affordable Care Act plans (HIMAP), apply for Medicaid. Financial eligibility for Medicaid is 138% of the federal poverty level.
The VA MAP program held several informational sessions on the Medicaid Transition last month, September. Please find an FAQ document summarizing questions from the sessions. The FAQ document also includes a link to the presentation given during the sessions.
Payer of Last Resort Requirement Reminder
By statue, RW grantees are expected to vigorously pursue Medicaid enrollment for individuals who are likely eligible for coverage. Recently mailed client letters indicate the need for clients to take immediate action to ensure the program is aligned with the payer of last resort requirement.
Second Letters Sent
Payer of Last Resort: Provider Resource
RW grantees can find a letter outlining information and actions to help clients with the transitions during this time. For additional information or questions, please contact the VA MAP Hotline.
The Virginia Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B (RWHAP B) implemented Unified Eligibility (UE) that will have clients conduct eligibility every 24 months for all RWHAP B services, including ADAP services coordinated through VA MAP. This is a major policy and procedure shift for Virginia RWHAP B client eligibility. Clients and providers no longer have to do four eligibility assessments per year! And no more 6-month recertification required.
As of May 2022, VA MAP will no longer process eligibility assessment for medication access. Agencies that subcontract with VDH for RWHAP B services are currently the only agencies who can perform these assessments for clients. To access the policy and procedure, a list of agencies that can conduct these client assessments, and other documentation related to VA RWHAP B Unified Eligibility, please visit the Virginia HIV Care Services webpage.
For further information regarding Provide, the online system through which all eligibility documentation must be submitted, please see the DDP - Provide webpage.
VA MAP Service Options
1. Direct Medication Assistance Program (Direct MAP): If a client does not have any other coverage for their HIV/AIDS medications, medications can be accessed via Walgreens pharmacies across the state.
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- Enrolled clients must setup a profile with Walgreens. Contact the program for assistance, 855-362-0658.
- Enrolled clients receive a 30-day supply of medication at a time.
- Enrolled clients can choose to pick up medications from a Walgreens location or participate in mail delivery.
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2. Medicare Prescription Assistance Program (MPAP): VA MAP clients who are enrolled in Medicare can receive help with monthly premiums and cost shares. Cost shares are medication deductibles and medication co-payments. VA MAP will assist with co-payments for medications on the Medicare formulary. Clients can pick up medications at any pharmacy that accepts their Medicare plan and is within the Ramsell network. Medication copayment assistance will cover medications on the VA MAP Formulary.
3. Insurance Continuation Assistance Program (ICAP): Individuals with certain private insurance with medication benefits are eligible for VA MAP assistance with their medication co-payments and deductibles if all other qualifications are met. At any point in time a client loses insurance, the client can access medications through the Direct Medication Assistance Program if the client continues to meet VA MAP eligibility criteria. Medication copayment assistance will cover medications on the VA MAP Formulary.
4. Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance Program (HIMAP): VA MAP supports costs for insurance premiums and medication cost shares for clients who enroll in VDH approved plans within the Virginia Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.
2026 ACA Open Enrollment
Client enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans began November 10, 2025, instead of November 1, 2025.
Only ACA enrollments completed through Benalytics will be accepted by the program.
Read more on the Open Enrollment Fact Sheet. Fact sheet also available in Spanish.
2026 Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment began October 15 and continues until December 7. Enrollment assister, Benalytics, assists clients with enrollment into Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part C or D). Some carriers have made changes to their plan offerings for 2026. Benalytics can assist clients with finding prescription drug plans that meet their medication needs and provider needs (if enrolling into a Part C/Medicare Advantage).
Enrollment appointments can be made through the appointment tool on the co-branded website, myvamap.com or by calling the dedicated toll-free line, 855-483-4647.
Clients must provide their 2026 Medicare information to Benalytics by January 15, 2026.
Read more on the Open Enrollment Fact Sheet. Fact sheet also available in Spanish.
Clinical Support and Policy Development
In 1996, a VA MAP (ADAP from 1996 to 2019) Advisory Committee was created. The committee is comprised of HIV/AIDS medical providers, a pharmacist, and consumers. The committee advises VDH on changes to the formulary, changes in eligibility criteria, adherence issues, and educational concerns. The committee reviews data on VA MAP utilization and assess budgetary implications of trends and program changes.
Additional VA MAP Resources
Questions or comments? Medication Eligibility Hotline 1-855-362-0658
In preparation for the hurricane season, June through November, the Virginia Ryan White HIV/AIDS Part B (RWHAP B) program asks all of its partners and consumers to be prepared ahead of time. To assure adequate medication supplies, we ask all providers and consumers to assess medication refill needs before any storm affects Virginia. If consumers access medications at local health departments, mail order, or retail pharmacies, encourage and help them have peace of mind and get refills now. People Living with HIV (PLWH) may be displaced within Virginia if a region is impacted (particularly those in eastern and central regions), and others may be from out-of-state if they evacuate to Virginia. To help everyone be prepared, VDH has created new tabs on the Ryan White program sites for "Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness." You will find information, policies, procedures, and forms to help PLWH who need emergency services during such events. If you need to provide emergency services to clients during or after a hurricane, the information you need is in a convenient location on this page, as well as the HIV Care Services web page. Stay safe and please reach out to the RWHAP B team if you have any question or need additional information.
It is important for each of us to be prepared to protect ourselves as well as our loved ones during this hurricane season. VDH has created Social Media Took Kits for Hurricane Preparedness.
Click on the following link for pre- and post-event information on severe weather preparedness and safety information.
Virginia's Department of Emergency Management has a prepared a list of needed terminology and information in the event of a hurricane in Virginia - VDEM - Hurricanes.
Health Departments and Sub-recipients