VHCF Notes on Congressional Budget  

On July 3, 2025, Congress passed a federal budget reconciliation bill that includes a broad range of policy changes, including changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4, 2025.

Most new Medicaid provisions will not take effect until 2026 or later, giving states time to develop their implementation plans. Current Medicaid eligibility rules remain unchanged at this time. The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) is committed to working with partners and sharing timely, Virginia-specific guidance as the Commonwealth’s approach is developed and finalized.

To begin to understand the upcoming Medicaid and other health care changes, here are a couple available resources to help you prepare:

• Review the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) summary chart: KFF has developed a summary resource that provides an overview of each of the health care provisions in the budget, along with implementation dates. Review the chart here.
• Attend a VHCF SignUpNow workshop: These workshops cover the ins and outs of the Medicaid and FAMIS programs, with a focus on eligibility and enrollment processes. They will also be regularly updated to reflect the future policy changes included in the budget. Register for a live, virtual workshop here.

We appreciate your partnership in ensuring that Virginians have the information they need and will continue to share updates as available. 

Advancing Health of Pregnant and Postpartum Virginians

Across the US and in Virginia, individuals, communities, elected officials and policymakers are prioritizing maternal health and healthcare – championing supportive policies and implementing strategies resulting in better maternal and infant health outcomes.

A robust package of maternal health reforms—collectively dubbed the “Momnibus”—went into effect on July 1, 2025, making transformational changes to maternal healthcare in the Commonwealth. Highlights include:

• Expanding scope and autonomy of practice for Certified Nurse Midwives and other types of midwives
• Expanding Medicaid coverage for doula care, expanding the number of visits and extending the doula benefit through 12-months postpartum.
• Establishing a Special Enrollment Period for Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, making pregnancy a qualifying life event for a Virginian to apply for health coverage.
• Enacting “Safety Bundle” protocols law requiring all hospitals, licensed birthing centers, and free-standing emergency departments to adopt protocols to identify and address inpatient and outpatient obstetric emergencies. 

Interested in learning more about community-based and state actions to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum Virginians? VHCF’s next Mental Health Roundtable will focus on maternal mental health! Join us to learn more on October 9, 2025 11-12:30pm. Register here.

VHCF Awards Grants to Support Expanded Behavioral Health and Dental Services

In June, five outstanding organizations across the Commonwealth were awarded new Health Access Grants —strategic investments designed to increase access to health care for Virginia’s underserved populations. These organizations are expanding critical dental and behavioral health services across the Commonwealth. Learn more about these grants, and recently-awarded Health Access Continuation Grants here.

• The Women’s Center – $77,000 to expand behavioral health capacity and create a new pathway for pre-licensed clinicians to gain licensure, strengthening the future mental health workforce.
• Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center – $55,500 to equip a new dental operatory, increasing access to care for patients in Southwest Virginia.
• Community Health Center of the New River Valley – $120,000 to fully outfit two dental operatories at its new Montgomery County facility, expanding local access to oral health services.
• Connect Health + Wellness – $63,000 to hire a part-time dental hygienist, helping meet high demand for preventive care in an underserved region.
• Daily Planet Health Services – $120,000 in capital funding to support the expansion of its dental clinic, boosting capacity to serve vulnerable populations.

In Case You Missed It! VHCF Welcomes Kathryn Zapach as Director of Operations

Kathryn comes to VHCF with over five years of experience managing federally-funded quality improvement projects, collaborating with hospitals and community health centers across Virginia. Additionally, she brings a strong understanding of Virginia’s health safety net via her time as Vice President of Membership Support for the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (2015-2019). As Director of Operations, Kathryn will be responsible for overseeing VHCF’s operations and ensuring alignment of its strategic, fund development, and communication plans.

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Virginia's Medicaid Dental Program

The Department of Medical Assistance Services is hosting a special event July 24^th 1:30-3pm to commemorate two decades of progress, partnership, and accomplishments in increasing dental benefits and improving the health and well-being of Virginians through enhanced access to care. RSVP to Just Gist (justin.gist@dmas.virginia.gov) by July 22^nd. The event location is 600 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219..

Join VHCF for the next Tooth Talk Roundtable

On Monday August 18^th from 12-1:30pm via Zoom we will engage Virginia’s dental safety net community to explore several timely topics, including:

• Innovative strategies to recruit and retain younger dentists—especially in rural areas
• Updates on maternal oral health initiatives
• A policy update from DMAS
• A special presentation on combatting physical pain and musculoskeletal strain in the dental profession

Whether you're a dental provider, clinic leader, or oral health advocate, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect, share, and learn with peers across the Commonwealth. Register here.

Save the Date for the 2025 Virginia Health Catalyst Annual Summit

The Summit will take place on October 17 at the Westin Richmond. It will bring together stakeholders from across the commonwealth, and this year’s theme is Healthy Systems, Thriving Communities: Advancing Solutions for All. Presentations will highlight bold, cross-sector approaches driving equitable health outcomes across the Commonwealth. Virginia Health Care Foundation is excited to once again offer reimbursement for one per dental safety net practice at the early bird rate. Learn more about the Summit here and sign up for VHCF’s Tooth Talk listserv to receive the reimbursement application link when it opens!

Mark Your Calendar for the Rural Health Voice Conference

The Conference will take place November 12-20 at Wintergreen Resort. Rural Americans face a unique combination of factors that create disparities in health care not found in urban areas. Economic factors, cultural and social differences, educational differences, lack of recognition by legislators and the isolation of living in remote rural areas all conspire to impede rural Americans in their struggle to lead a normal, healthy life. This event focuses on the opportunity for rural health stakeholders to hold in-depth conversations about how the issues in our communities can be addressed. Learn more about the conference here. 

From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies

This landmark report from the WHO Commission on Social Connection highlights that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized impacts on health, well-being, and society.

Southwest, Southside Virginian’s could bear the brunt of Medicaid cuts

More than one-third of Virginia’s hospitals are running at a loss, and federal threats to Medicaid funding could put many at further risk.

Navigating the AI Landscape for the Health Care Safety Net

AI solutions are changing health care, and safety net organizations must be prepared to navigate the opportunities and risks.

Virginia Health Catalyst’s Blueprint for a Healthier Virginia

The Healthy Virginia Blueprint is a comprehensive report synthesizing current data and on-the-ground insights to highlight the urgent need for policy action on oral health access and health equity across the Commonwealth.

2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards

The U.S. has made progress, with an overall grade of a C-, up from a D+ in 2024. View Virginia's Report Card.

• The Office of Health Equity (OHE) has created a new tool to help users browse their inventory of loan repayment programs. The tool is part of the OHE's efforts to improve access to primary care and support the healthcare workforce in Virginia. 

• Are you seeking to empower your team or self with professional development? Is your organization embarking on a new strategic plan? VHCF offers funds toward both these endeavors. Click here to learn more about professional development funding for your organization and here for on strategic planning funds.

• Are you hiring in a rural or underserved community and looking for an additional job board to reach a broader audience? Consider posting your job on 3rnet.org.

• Upcoming virtual trainings for both new and experienced users on how to use The Pharmacy Connection (TPC) are available. To register for a training, click here.

• The Behavioral Health Hub listserv is a venue to share new resources, tips, and opportunities related to the delivery of services. With 1,000+ members from all regions of Virginia and a wide variety of organizations, the Hub is a great way to stay connected and updated on the latest news and trends in behavioral health. Subscribe here.

• VHCF also has a variety of informational resources to help you and your staff meet your goals. Don't see what you are looking for? Let us know!

• Does your organization have any innovative programs or creative solutions to share? Are there are other resources you hope to gain from this newsletter? Please contact Andrea Lancaster or Tessa Ashoff with your advice!