Medicaid at a Glance

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. Answer your questions with the Medicaid Manual.


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


Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) logo






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


Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) logo

Local offices of the Department of 

Social Services (DSS) determine eligibility. 

Will There Anything Left?

Medicaid Manual


  • Administers Medicaid 
  • Mission health care services to qualifying Virginians

DMAS also administers program help families provide health insurance to their children:
  • State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • In Virginia, CHIP is called the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security or FAMIS
  • Also administers, FAMIS MOMS - for pregnant women; and FAMISSelect - Premium Assistance Program

Learn more about it at  www.famis.org