The Virginia (VA) Medication Assistance Program (MAP) provides access to life-saving medications for the treatment of HIV and related illnesses for low-income clients through the provision of medications or through assistance with insurance premiums and medication co-payments. The program is primarily supported with federal Ryan White (RW) Treatment Extension Act Part B grant funding, which is distributed by a formula based on living HIV and AIDS cases to all states and territories in the United States. VA MAP provides insurance cost support or directly purchased medications through four service options: Direct Medication Assistance Program; the Medicare Prescription Assistance Program; the Insurance Continuation Assistance Program; and the Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance Program.
- Unified Eligibility
- Recent Announcements
- Policies, Forms, and Resources
- Insurance Enrollment
- Emergency Preparedness
We have exciting news! The Virginia Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B (RWHAP B) implemented Unified Eligibility (UE) that will have clients conduct eligibility every 24 months for all RWHAP B services, including ADAP services coordinated through VA MAP. This is a major policy and procedure shift for Virginia RWHAP B client eligibility. Clients and providers no longer have to do four eligibility assessments per year! And no more 6-month recertification required.
As of May 9, 2022 and going forward, VA MAP will no longer process eligibility assessment for medication access. Agencies that subcontract with VDH for RWHAP B services are currently the only agencies who can perform these assessments for clients. To access the policy and procedure, a list of agencies that can conduct these client assessments, and other documentation related to VA RWHAP B Unified Eligibility, please visit the Virginia HIV Care Services webpage.
For further information regarding Provide, the online system through which all eligibility documentation must be submitted, please see the DDP - Provide webpage.
VA MAP Service Options
1. Direct Medication Assistance Program (Direct MAP): If a client does not have any other coverage for their HIV/AIDS medications, medications can be picked up at any Local Health Department (LHD) or at VCUHS, INOVA, or Carilion Health if they receive services at those sites.
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- Medication will be shipped from the VDH Central Pharmacy to LHD or alternate medication access site.
- Enrolled clients receive a 30-day supply of medication at a time.
- Clients may change their pick up site from one site to another by calling the VA MAP Central Office. A letter noting the change will be sent to the client, medical provider, the old access site, the new access site, and pharmacy.
- Only VA MAP Formulary medications will be sent to the Local Health Department (LHD) or a predetermined, alternate medication access site.
- The VA MAP Central Office staff communicates to LHD or alternate medication access site staff as needed about client eligibility and medication pick-up to ensure ongoing VA MAP services.
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2. Medicare Prescription Assistance Program (MPAP): VA MAP clients who are enrolled in Medicare can receive help with monthly premiums and cost shares. Cost shares are medication deductibles and medication co-payments. VA MAP will assist with co-payments for medications on the Medicare formulary. Clients can pick up medications at any pharmacy that accepts their Medicare plan and is within the Ramsell network. Medication copayment assistance will cover medications on the VA MAP Formulary and the Ryan White Part B Formulary.
3. Insurance Continuation Assistance Program (ICAP): Individuals with certain private insurance with medication benefits are eligible for VA MAP assistance with their medication co-payments and deductibles if all other qualifications are met. At any point in time a client loses insurance, the client can access medications through the Direct Medication Assistance Program if the client continues to meet VA MAP eligibility criteria. Medication copayment assistance will cover medications on the VA MAP Formulary and the Ryan White Part B Formulary.
4. Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance Program (HIMAP): VA MAP supports costs for insurance premiums and medication cost shares for clients who enroll in VDH approved plans under the federal Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.
Important Update: Medication Access Transition
VA MAP is changing how uninsured clients (Direct Medication Assistance Program clients) access medications. This change will be effective February 1, 2025. Please click here or on the red Medication Access Transition box at the top of the page.
Cerberus Folders:
Information placed in Cerberus is automatically deleted after 7 days; therefore, be sure to retrieve letters within the 7-day window. An email notification can be sent every time a document is loaded into Cerberus. To establish this feature (if its not in place already) for the medication access site, contact the following people:
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- Tina Gorman, cristina.gorman@vdh.virginia.gov
Access to Cerberus is automatically terminated after 90 days of inactivity. Contact Tina or Nathan to re-establish access.
Thank you for your continued assistance and support of VA MAP.
Clinical Support and Policy Development
In 1996, a VA MAP (ADAP from 1996 to 2019) Advisory Committee was created. The committee is comprised of HIV/AIDS medical providers, a pharmacist, and consumers. The committee advises VDH on changes to the formulary, changes in eligibility criteria, adherence issues, and educational concerns. The committee reviews data on VA MAP utilization and assess budgetary implications of trends and program changes.
For more information about the committee, please see the VA MAP Advisory Committee Scope.
Additional VA MAP Resources
Questions or comments? Medication Eligibility Hotline 1-855-362-0658
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment begins October 15. Benalytics is assisting clients with enrollment into Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part C or D). Enrollment appointments can be made through the appointment tool on the co-branded website, myvamp.com, or by calling the dedicated toll-free line, 855-483-4647.
In preparation for the hurricane season, June 1 through November 30, 2023 the Virginia Ryan White HIV/AIDS Part B (RWHAP B) program asks all of its partners and consumers to be prepared ahead of time. To assure adequate medication supplies, we ask all providers and consumers to assess medication refill needs before any storm affects Virginia. If consumers access medications at local health departments, mail order, or retail pharmacies, encourage and help them have peace of mind and get refills now. People Living with HIV (PLWH) may be displaced within Virginia if a region is impacted (particularly those in eastern and central regions), and others may be from out-of-state if they evacuate to Virginia. To help everyone be prepared, VDH has created new tabs on the Ryan White program sites for "Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness." You will find information, policies, procedures, and forms to help PLWH who need emergency services during such events. If you need to provide emergency services to clients during or after a hurricane, the information you need is in a convenient location on this page, as well as the HIV Care Services web page. Stay safe and please reach out to the RWHAP B team if you have any question or need additional information.
It is important for each of us to be prepared to protect ourselves as well as our loved ones during this hurricane season. VDH has created Social Media Took Kits for Hurricane Preparedness.
Click on the following link for pre- and post-event information on severe weather preparedness and safety information.
Virginia's Department of Emergency Management has a prepared a list of needed terminology and information in the event of a hurricane in Virginia - VDEM - Hurricanes.
VA MAP and VA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs Part B Clients
Health Departments and Sub-recipients
Emergency Enrollment