June 13, 2018

Emily McClellan, Regulatory Manager

Division of Policy and Research

600 E. Broad St., Suite 1300

Richmond, 23219

RE: State Plan Amendment for Medicaid Expansion

Dear Ms. McClellan,

disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV), the Commonwealth’s designated protection and advocacy system for Virginians with disabilities, commends the brave and responsible choice for Medicaid expansion. Adding the Alternative Benefit Plan (ABP) allows thousands of Virginians to receive critical health care services otherwise unattainable.

dLCV also appreciates that the proposed ABP including the full range of Early Periodic Screening, Diagnoses, and Treatment (EPSDT) program benefits already available under the Virginia State Plan for individuals under the age of 21.

We encourage expediting implementation of the expansion as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued commitment to meeting the health care coverage needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Colleen Miller

Director

June 19, 2018

Emily McClellan, Regulatory Manager
Division of Policy and Research
600 E. Broad St., Suite 1300
Richmond, 23219

Dear Ms. McClellan,

The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) was founded in to represent the needs of Virginians and their families affected by breast cancer. VBCF is not a traditional grantmaking organization. We are a statewide, state-based organization committed to the eradication of breast cancer through education of and advocacy for Virginians. Our funds are targeted to provide local communities with free educational resources and to empower individuals to be their own health advocates.

VBCF agrees with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) intention to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of a state plan amendment (SPA) as proposed to establish an Alternative Benefit Plan (ABP). VBCF particularly supports the plan to offer essential health benefits coverage for Virginians, including preventive and wellness services and disease management services, all important to Virginians affected by breast cancer. 

VBCF supports implementation of the APB as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued commitment to meeting the health care coverage needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Sincerely, 

Katy Sawyer
VBCF Executive Director