Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter. We’re glad you’re here! Each month, we’ll share important updates on benefits, policies, and case management resources designed to support those we serve. This month, you’ll hear from our Executive Director. Each month, meet members of our team through employee spotlights and stay connected to the people, programs, and updates that help shape and support our community.
Benefit Basics
Expanded Vehicle Insurance Benefit
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Program now covers the full cost of insurance for a disability-equipped vehicle (typically a wheelchair-accessible van). Previously, this benefit was limited to $500 per year.
Because insurance policies renew at different times throughout the year, the Program will also reimburse eligible insurance costs retroactive to January 1, 2026.
Example: If your family paid an insurance premium in May 2026 covering the period from June through November 2026, the entire premium is eligible for reimbursement because the policy period includes July 1, 2026.
If you previously received the $500 reimbursement under the former policy, you may still request reimbursement for the remaining eligible costs.
Please contact your Case Specialist if you have further questions.
New Monthly Incidental Stipend
To help families access Program benefits, the Program now offers a $100 monthly incidental stipend that may be used for expenses such as phone service, internet access, and postage.
To request this benefit or learn more, contact your Case Specialist or complete the request form on our website: Incidentals-Stipend-Form.pdf.
Changes to Nursing Care Hour Limits
Effective July 1, the Program has removed the previous daily and weekly limits on reimbursable nursing care hours. Multiple caregivers may also provide care at the same time when supported by appropriate documentation and medical necessity. This does not apply to agency nursing care, as agencies may have their own care limits.
For the week of June 28, families should record all caregiving hours provided. All reported hours will be considered for payment, and hours should not be reduced or prorated based on the previous caps. These changes apply retroactively to the nursing care week beginning June 28, 2026. As always, approved hours must be supported by nursing orders and medical necessity.
Case Management Corner
Meet Your Case Specialist
Your Case Specialist is your first point of contact for questions about Program benefits and services, including the expanded benefits that became available on July 1.
Through phone calls, virtual meetings, and home visits, Case Specialists work with families to better understand each participant’s unique needs, answer questions, connect families with available resources, and provide guidance as needs change over time.
Every participant has been assigned a Case Specialist, and our team is actively reaching out to connect with families. If you have not yet heard from your Case Specialist, please make sure the Program has your current phone number, email address, and mailing address.
We encourage you to reach out to your Case Specialist to learn more about the new benefits and discuss how they may best support your child and family.
Home Visit Pilot Off to a Strong Start
The Program’s six-month Home Visit Pilot is already exceeding expectations. The Program originally anticipated completing 4 to 6 home visits during the pilot; by the end of July, just halfway through the pilot, the Program will have completed 27 home visits.
Early feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing that home visits create more meaningful conversations and strengthen their connection to the Program. The Program is also seeing encouraging early results, including stronger family engagement, increased trust, and greater awareness and use of available benefits and services.
These early results reinforce our commitment to building a more family-centered Program and strengthening relationships with the families we serve.
Policy Pulse
Legislative Implementation Update
On July 1, the Program implemented new Interim Policies to reflect legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly through HB1007 and SB398. These changes expand available benefits, remove many previous benefit caps, and simplify several Program processes.
These Interim Policies were developed with input from our Family Advisory Committee and are intended to make the Program more responsive, flexible, and family-centered.
All participants should have received a copy of the Interim Policies along with a letter from Executive Director Mark Swain. We also streamlined several reimbursement forms to make requesting benefits easier.
If you missed our recent Bridge Calls explaining these changes, recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
Questions? Contact your Case Specialist or call the Program at (804) 330-2471.
Coming Soon: Caregiver Rate Benefit Review
The Program is beginning its first formal policy review process under our new policy development framework. Our initial focus will be caregiver reimbursement rates, an issue many families have identified as a priority.
Working alongside the Family Advisory Committee, we will evaluate:
- Fair and consistent reimbursement rates for family and independent caregivers
- Opportunities to simplify timekeeping and administrative requirements
- Ways to improve consistency, transparency, and ease of participation
We expect this review to take approximately two to three months, allowing time for family feedback before any changes are finalized.
We will continue providing updates through this newsletter and other Program communications. If you have questions or feedback, please contact your Case Specialist.
Meet Lindsay Larkin
Each month, we will take a moment to highlight the people who make our work possible. This month, we’d like you to introduce you to Lindsay Larkin, our new Project Manager at the Program.
Lindsay recently joined the Program as Project Manager. She brings more than 15 years of experience in health policy, nonprofit operations, and cross-functional project coordination, including recent work supporting complex policy initiatives in the transplant community with the United Network for Organ Sharing. In her role, Lindsay will help advance the Program’s strategic priorities by coordinating initiatives, strengthening processes, and supporting clear communication and follow-through across teams. Her work will help ensure that ongoing improvements support a responsive, family-centered experience.
Thanks for all you do for the Program, Lindsay!
