Virginia plans to notify Children's Health Insurance Program enrollees their coverage is in danger of ending after the first month of 2018, according to The Hill.
Funding for CHIP expired Sept. 30. Congress has reauthorized CHIP funding until Dec. 31. However, thus far, CHIP funding has not been renewed beyond that date. The Hill reports lawmakers are expected to renew the funding this month or in January. But if funding is not renewed, a number of states will be forced to end their programs early next year.
This includes Virginia, where officials say the program could end Jan. 31 without action from Congress, according to the report. Officials plan to send out letters containing that information to CHIP enrollees Tuesday.
"We are hopeful that Congress will once again provide the funding to continue this program. However, because Congress has not acted yet, we need to let you know that there is a chance the FAMIS [children's health insurance] programs may have to shut down," the letter to be mailed to enrollees states, according to the report.
"If any FAMIS members need medical or dental care, make an appointment to visit your doctor or dentist before Jan. 31," the letter added.
According to the report, Virginia's children's health insurance program covers approximately 70,000 residents, and the state will send follow-up letters to these enrollees if Congress takes action or if their coverage will indeed end due to inaction from Congress.
Leo Vartorella contributed to this report.