Home care with Cardinal Care, Virginia Medicaid
A Medicaid card alone does not start home care. Here is what happens, step by step.
Virginia Medicaid is now called Cardinal Care. The rules can be confusing, so here is what has to happen before personal care at home can start, and what you can do today.
Four things families often hear
- "We have a Medicaid card, so care can start." Not yet. Personal care at home also needs a long-term care screening (the LTSS screening) and approval for long-term care Medicaid.
- "Medicare will pay for it." Medicare does not pay for long-term personal care at home when that is the only care you need.
- "The health plan picks the agency." You can choose your provider within your health plan's network. You can ask for Ma-Lowe by name.
- "There is a long waiting list." Not for this program. Virginia says the CCC Plus Waiver, the Medicaid program that pays for personal care at home, has no waiting list (checked September 2026).
Cardinal Care health plans we work with
Aetna Better Health, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons and UnitedHealthcare.
Is Cardinal Care the same as CCC Plus?
Cardinal Care is the name for all of Virginia Medicaid. The CCC Plus Waiver is the part of Cardinal Care that pays for personal care at home, for people who qualify for long-term care.
Can I ask for Ma-Lowe by name?
Yes. You can choose your provider within your health plan's network. Tell your care coordinator you would like Ma-Lowe, or call us at 703-370-4002 and we help.
Five steps to care at home
Medicaid
Already have Virginia Medicaid? Go to step 2. If not, apply online at CommonHelp, call Cover Virginia at 1-833-522-5582, or apply at your local Department of Social Services. Most applications are decided within 45 days, or 90 days when a disability decision is needed.
The long-term care screening
Ask your local Department of Social Services for an LTSS screening. In the hospital? Then the hospital does the screening, and it has to be finished before you go home.
Your health plan
After approval, your Cardinal Care health plan gives you a care coordinator. Tell them you would like Ma-Lowe. We work with Aetna Better Health, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons and UnitedHealthcare.
Our nurse visits your home
A free assessment. Our nurse writes a plan of care with you, and your health plan approves the hours.
Care starts
We match a caregiver. Our nurse visits again every 30 to 90 days.
Where to ask for the screening
- Alexandria: Division of Aging and Adult Services, 703-746-5999
- Arlington: Aging and Disability Resource Center, 703-228-1700
- Fairfax: Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources, 703-324-7948 (TTY 711)
Agency-directed or consumer-directed?
You can choose agency-directed care, consumer-directed care, or both.
- Agency-directed (what Ma-Lowe does). We hire, train, schedule and supervise the caregiver. If a caregiver is sick, we arrange a replacement, and our nurse checks on the care. You do not have to be an employer.
- Consumer-directed. You, or someone acting for you, hire and manage your own attendant, with help from a Services Facilitator. You take on the paperwork of an employer.
Is there a cost?
Some members pay part of the cost each month (patient pay), depending on their income. Your local Department of Social Services sets the amount.
Respite care
Respite gives a family caregiver a break. The CCC Plus Waiver covers up to 480 hours of respite per state fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
Already have care with another agency?
You can change agencies. Talk to your care coordinator, or call us at 703-370-4002. We help you with the transfer.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: DMAS, CCC Plus Waiver, DMAS, waivers, DMAS, consumer-directed services, Code of Virginia 32.1-330, 12VAC30-120-920, applying for Medicaid and medicare.gov.
Contact us
Questions about care for a loved one, or about joining our team? We are happy to help.
703-370-4002Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.