Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 20 directing the state to protect healthcare coverage and food assistance for eligible Virginians amid changes to federal policy.
The order directs the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to mitigate impacts by preventing coverage gaps, improving state coordination, and promoting economic mobility for affected beneficiaries. More than 1.8 million Virginians are enrolled in Medicaid and nearly 800,000 are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau praised the governor's order, noting particular concern for family caregivers affected by potential Medicaid work requirements. "Caregiving is work, and more than that, it is the foundation upon which our long-term care system is built," Dau said. "Exempting caregivers from onerous Medicaid work requirements is critical, not only for their individual health and well-being, but for the continued existence of our long-term care system."