New data from the state shows enrollment in the expanded Medicaid program is on target. And now there’s a new campaign to target Spanish speakers.
Since lawmakers made Medicaid more accessible enrollment has surged. Now Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistant Services, or DMAS, wants to make sure they’re reaching all newly eligible adults. Including those who don’t speak English.
Chief Deputy Karen Kimsey says the department just began its first fully digital outreach campaign in Spanish.
“And so the system will accommodate that and then when periodic messages are sent out to them then it will actually send out - if they choose Spanish - the messages in Spanish,” explains Kimsey.
Officials with DMAS are keeping an eye on enrollment numbers around the state. They know Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley have higher populations of Spanish speakers.
Statewide almost 300,000 Virginians have signed up for Medicaid since January. About 60% are women, and about one third are parents.
See more info on enrollment numbers here.
Find information about signing up here.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
