It’s been just over a year since Virginia expanded eligibility for the state-run health insurance program Medicaid. New numbers released Tuesday show people have not just gotten health insurance, but also are accessing care.
More than 80-percent of new Medicaid members have used their new health insurance. That’s more than 320,000 Virginians who have accessed healthcare.
And the numbers are on the rise.
For instance, since the end of July the number of new Medicaid members who have gotten a prescription filled has more than doubled. Almost 50,000 new members have accessed treatment for high blood pressure, and more than 20,000 for addiction treatment.
“They’re seeing doctors, filling prescriptions, getting preventative care,” said Christina Nuckols with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. “Those who have a chronic disease like diabetes or cancer are getting treatment for those and trying to get their conditions under control.”
The numbers are based on insurance claims processed by DMAS. The agency is now updating the information on a regular basis and posting it online.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
