Medicaid is an anti-poverty program established under  the Social Security Act of 1965 as a federal-state partnership to assist needy individuals to obtain medical care.  

Citation 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq. and 42 C.F.R. § 430 et seq.  Medicaid programs vary considerably from state to state.  

Federal Administrators: The State Medicaid Manual issued by Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides agency interpretation of rules and regulations to the states. 

Virginia State Administrators

Virgina Department of Medical Assistance Programs (DMAS) administers the program. 

Local offices of the Department of  Social Services (DSS) determine eligibility. 

Both agencies rely on the Medicaid Manual for implementation of Medicaid in Virginia.