Pregnant women Virginia · Cardinal Care

Medicaid for pregnant women in Virginia

Q: How does Virginia Medicaid work for Black pregnant patients?

Cardinal Care covers pregnant people up to 205% of the poverty level (about $56,010 a year for a family of three in 2026). These limits include the 5% income disregard federal rules apply (42 CFR 435.603). The state makes the final decision based on your household and income. Virginia Medicaid covers people for 12 months after pregnancy ends (since July 2022). Virginia Medicaid covers doula care, including support during labor and birth, since January 2022. Being enrolled in Medicaid counts as meeting WIC's income test, so you do not need to prove your income again; WIC still checks for a nutrition need (7 CFR 246.7). How to apply for WIC. During pregnancy and for a year after, CDC asks you to get medical care right away for urgent warning signs such as a headache that won't go away, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain, extreme swelling of the hands or face, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. See the full CDC list.

The number

Cardinal Care covers pregnant people with income up to 205% of the poverty level, about $56,010 a year for a family of three in 2026.

Primary source: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/national-medicaid-chip-program-information/me…

Apply for Cardinal Care

What Medicaid covers during pregnancy in Virginia

Cardinal Care covers pregnant people up to 205% of the poverty level (about $56,010 a year for a family of three in 2026).

These limits include the 5% income disregard federal rules apply (42 CFR 435.603). The state makes the final decision based on your household and income.

Virginia Medicaid covers people for 12 months after pregnancy ends (since July 2022). Virginia Medicaid covers doula care, including support during labor and birth, since January 2022.

Being enrolled in Medicaid counts as meeting WIC's income test, so you do not need to prove your income again; WIC still checks for a nutrition need (7 CFR 246.7). How to apply for WIC.

During pregnancy and for a year after, CDC asks you to get medical care right away for urgent warning signs such as a headache that won't go away, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain, extreme swelling of the hands or face, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. See the full CDC list.

For Black families

Virginia Medicaid, also called Cardinal Care, pays state-certified community doulas for prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, a benefit CMS approved effective January 1, 2022. A plan amendment effective July 1, 2026 allows up to 10 doula visits, up to four during pregnancy and up to six in the 12 months after birth, with more if medically necessary. Members on Medicaid for Pregnant Women or FAMIS MOMS keep full coverage for 12 months after the pregnancy ends.

Where to get help in Virginia

The application line Cardinal Care lists on its own pages: 1-855-242-8282.
Community health centers in Virginia: /clinics/va/. Federally funded community health centers discount their fees by income, with a full discount at or below the poverty line (42 CFR 51c.303(f)).
Health profile for Black residents of Virginia: /health/virginia/.

References & primary sources

Data refreshed: October 26, 2026

Free cancer screening in Virginia

Free pap smears (NBCCEDP) Free mammograms (NBCCEDP)

WIC for pregnant women in Virginia

Anyone enrolled in Virginia Medicaid is automatically income-eligible for WIC under federal adjunctive eligibility (7 CFR 246.7). WIC adds a monthly food package, breastfeeding peer counseling, and a Cash-Value Benefit for fruits and vegetables on top of Medicaid coverage.

WIC in Virginia SNAP in Virginia

Prenatal HIV testing in Virginia

The CDC recommends HIV testing at the first prenatal visit and a second test in the third trimester for anyone at elevated risk. Testing is free and confidential through Medicaid and every Ryan White-funded clinic. If you test positive during pregnancy, same-day antiretroviral treatment reduces the chance of passing HIV to your baby to less than 1%.

HIV testing sites in Virginia Virginia ADAP (medication coverage)

More Virginia Medicaid facets

Eligibility How to apply Doula coverage Postpartum extension Renewal

Back to Virginia Medicaid overview

If you have Medicaid, the coverage on this page is the route to use first: it costs you nothing and it is what these programs exist for. If you are not covered yet, there is still a free option. Our directory of free and charitable clinics lists centers by state. The option below is self-pay and is not billed to Medicaid. It is here for readers who are between coverage or who prefer to pay out of pocket: