August 26, 2026
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
Phone: 757-236-0529
Norfolk Health Department Encourages Families to Enroll in Medicaid and FAMIS as Kids Return Back to School
NORFOLK, Va. – As Norfolk Public Schools get ready to welcome students back on August 24, the Norfolk Health Department is reminding families that now is the time to enroll in Virginia Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) and plan ahead for back-to-school vaccinations.
Through Cardinal Care, eligible children and teens can receive free or low-cost healthcare, including immunizations needed for school. Many families who qualify may not realize that this coverage is available or that they can apply at any time during the year.
Get Covered with Cardinal Care Medicaid and FAMIS
Cardinal Care provides comprehensive, affordable healthcare coverage to eligible children, pregnant individuals, and adults throughout Virginia. Coverage includes routine and preventative care, emergency care, prescription medications, mental health services, and school-required vaccinations so children can start the school year healthy and ready to learn.
“With school starting, this is the perfect time for families to make sure their children are enrolled in Medicaid or FAMIS and have access to the vaccinations and care they need,” said Dr. Susan Girois, District Health Director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “Having health coverage helps remove barriers so students can stay healthy, attend school, and focus on learning.”
Families are encouraged to:
- Check to see if their children qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS coverage.
- Apply as soon as possible to ensure coverage is in place as school starts.
- Use their coverage to schedule physicals and back-to-school vaccinations with their healthcare provider or at the Norfolk Health Department.
To find out if you or your family may qualify for Cardinal Care Medicaid or FAMIS and to complete a free application, call or text Project Connect Application Assister, Lavenia Woodhouse at 757- 285-7841. Lavenia can help you determine if you qualify, explain what documents you need, complete and submit your application, answer questions about the process, and assist with renewing your coverage or updating your information when changes occur. For more information, visit NorfolkPublicHealth.com.
Note: There will be new federal requirements for adults enrolled in Medicaid starting soon. Some adults ages 19-64 enrolled in Virginia’s Medicaid Expansion program and certain non-pregnant immigrant adults may be affected. These changes do NOT impact children or pregnant individuals. Changes include more frequent Medicaid renewals, new work requirements for some Medicaid Expansion members, and updated eligibility rules for certain immigrant adults. The non-citizen changes will be effective October 1, 2026, and the other changes will be phased in starting January 1, 2027. For more information on these changes, please visit:
https://dmas.virginia.gov/news-updates/new-federal-requirements/
Project Connect is supported by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services in partnership with the Virginia Health Care Foundation.