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Health Coverage and Access

Healthcare access should be easy and clear, and we’re helping Virginians get and keep the coverage they need while pushing to improve the systems behind it.

Health insurance provides critical access to everything from routine checkups to lifesaving treatment. VPLC helps people understand their options, navigate enrollment, and we’re fighting for systemic changes that make coverage fair and accessible to all. We push for policies that eliminate barriers like language gaps, confusing paperwork, and discriminatory practices. Because healthcare access shouldn’t depend on your income, zip code, or background, we’re working to ensure every Virginian can get the care they need to live with dignity.

Our work in this area includes:

Expanding Access Under the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded health coverage for thousands of Virginians. Continued access depends on strong advocacy. We work to uphold and improve the protections the ACA provides. Our efforts include:

  • Helping consumers understand their rights and coverage options under the ACA.
  • Advocating against policies that limit or reduce ACA benefits.
  • Providing enrollment assistance and outreach to underinsured communities.

Protecting Health Access Through Civil Rights

No one should be denied care for any reason. We defend civil rights in healthcare and fight for equitable access to coverage across all insurance programs. We work to:

  • Challenge discriminatory practices that restrict access to care or coverage.
  • Advance policy reforms that remove systemic barriers to health services.
  • Promote language access and equitable treatment from providers and insurers.

Making Eligibility Rules Work for People

Complicated rules and red tape prevent too many Virginians from getting the care they qualify for. We push for enrollment and renewal systems that are simpler, fairer, and easier to navigate. Our advocacy includes:

  • Challenging unnecessary procedural denials and bureaucratic delays.
  • Promoting streamlined renewal and recertification processes.
  • Offering hands-on support through Enroll VA, a project of VPLC’s.

Expanding and Defending Medicaid Access

Medicaid is a lifeline for low-income individuals and families. We protect access through legal advocacy, public education, and policy reform. We work to:

  • Ensure timely, fair enrollment and redetermination decisions.
  • Oppose harmful terminations, benefit rollbacks, and administrative barriers.
  • Collaborate with state agencies to improve usability and efficiency.

Supporting Consumers Through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace

As Virginia transitions to a state-based health insurance exchange, we’re working to ensure it meets the needs of real people. Our role includes:

  • Monitoring marketplace rules to ensure fairness, affordability, and access.
  • Advising on policy decisions that affect consumer choice and eligibility.
  • Supporting public education efforts so Virginians can choose and keep the right plan.

Our Impact

47,094 Virginians assisted with health coverage

Through Enroll Virginia, navigators helped secure $20 million in federal tax credits, preventing medical debt and ensuring critical healthcare access.

70,000 Virginians reached through outreach events

Enroll Virginia held community events and activities to connect people with healthcare coverage resources.

30,000 Listeners reached by Spanish-language radio show

Our monthly broadcast, Vida y Salud, shared essential healthcare information with tens of thousands of Spanish-speaking Virginians.

Headshot of Melissa and Loretta

Missy & Loretta’s Story

Loretta graduated from nursing school with honors and worked in the field of nursing until an opioid addiction ended her medical career. Now in long- term recovery, Loretta is the “nurse” of the family and works two part-time jobs to equal a full-time income. The couple depends on the Rapid Access to Medical Clinic (RAM) events to keep healthy and travels yearly to the fairgrounds in Wise County for their healthcare needs.

Our Enroll Virginia! team

Blanca Bonilla

Health Insurance Navigator, Winchester

Enroll Virginia

Jessica Conley

Health Insurance Navigator, Southwest Virginia

Enroll Virginia

Mara Guyer

Headshot of Mara Guver

Strategic Communications Manager

Enroll Virginia

Delaney Larkin

Headshot of Delaney Larkin

Program Coordinator

Enroll Virginia

Deepak Madala, Esq.

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Director of the Center for Healthy Communities and Enroll Virginia

Rhonda Seltz

Health Insurance Navigator, New River Valley

Enroll Virginia

Eleanor Sullivan

Medicaid Policy Analyst, Health Insurance Navigator

Enroll Virginia

Connecting Virginians to Heath Care

Featured:

How Enroll Virginia Helps Immigrant Families Access Health Coverage

Enroll Virginia connects Virginians with affordable health coverage by providing free and unbiased help with the enrollment process. Immigrants often face unique challenges accessing health care due to complex program eligibility requirements, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with the United States’ health care system.

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We help make Virginia better for low-income residents with work in:

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