A sudden halt in Medicaid services at a local pharmacy leaves thousands searching for care, as Newport News officials deploy a mobile health unit to help residents.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A major healthcare disruption is looming in Newport News, where thousands of Medicaid patients are about to lose access to services at Fishing Point Healthcare.
Beginning April 15, the provider will pause all services for Virginia Medicaid recipients, a move expected to impact more than 4,000 people across the region.
Fishing Point leadership says the decision follows a halt in reimbursements from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, creating financial challenges that made it difficult to continue serving Medicaid patients. As the deadline approaches, city leaders and first responders are stepping in to help residents navigate the sudden change.
The Newport News Fire Department is deploying its Community Health Bus to provide on-site assistance and connect patients with new pharmacies and healthcare providers. Fire Chief Wesley Rogers says the department’s mission goes far beyond emergency response.
“We’re going to be able to provide services to the community when the community feels as though they don’t have those other services available,” Rogers said. “This, this connects with them, and the fishing point is a great example.”
The mobile unit, originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved into what Rogers describes as a critical community resource, bringing healthcare directly to residents when access is limited.
“This is where our community bus comes in,” said Rogers.
With Fishing Point’s pharmacy services coming to a halt, many patients are now left wondering how they will access medications and continue their care. Rogers said that uncertainty is exactly what the Community Health Bus is designed to address.
“Now all of a sudden, that clinic is closed, or that pharmacy is closed, a lot of times they feel like they don’t have an option.”
To help ease the transition, the bus will be stationed at Fishing Point Pharmacy on Jefferson Avenue on Monday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Healthcare providers and representatives from Fishing Point will be on-site to assist patients with transferring prescriptions and medical records to new facilities.
“Representatives from Fishing Point will be here to make sure that we’re transferring over patient information, those vital things that are important for you to be able to receive your prescriptions,” Rogers said. “We’re going to work with the new facility that you choose. It’s your choice, and we’ll get you registered, help you get through the paperwork, and that way we can assure that you get those prescriptions in a timely manner to continue your healthcare needs.”
Beyond prescription transfers, the Community Health Bus offers a wide range of free services through partnerships with major regional health agencies. These include health screenings, sports physicals, and mental health support. They’re resources that officials say are especially critical during times of disruption.
Rogers emphasized that the city is committed to ensuring residents continue to receive care, even as services shift.
“Let’s connect you with another facility. Let’s connect you with another pharmacy. We’ll work with you to get your prescriptions moved over and to be able to offer that assistance to them, to let them know that we’re there for them, that we’re here to support them.”
He added that the effort reflects a broader mission within the fire department to serve the community in new and evolving ways.
“There are great men and women that are out here ready to provide and help you here in the community, and that’s what we’re here to do,” Rogers said. “So we just want to show you that the fire department is more than just putting out fires. We’re out here in the community trying to do everything we can to provide every service possible to you.”
City officials say the goal is simple: meet residents where they are and ensure no one falls through the cracks during the transition.
For thousands of Medicaid patients in Newport News, the coming days may bring uncertainty, but local leaders hope this mobile response will provide stability, support, and a path forward for continued care.