Get the best health insurance rates for individuals in Virginia from top-rated companies, and easily and quickly enroll online for private plan or Exchange benefits. Single, family, small business, and Marketplace medical plan rates are also available so you can view and compare side-by-side options and prices, and sign up for coverage with or without a federal subsidy. Compare 2024 policies that reduce your medical costs and provide immediate benefits. Under-65, Senior Medicare, student, short-term, and HSA options are available.
We understand that each person has different priorities and and you may need coverage for many years, or perhaps just a few months. Instantly, review customized quotes from Anthem (HealthKeepers), Cigna, Kaiser, CareFirst, Aetna, Group Hospitalization And Medical Services, Innovation Health, Optima, Optimum Choice, Piedmont, and Oscar, including Senior Medicare Supplement, Part D prescription drug, and Advantage (MA) plans. A Plan G (HD) Supplement plan is offered for newly-eligible Medicare applicants (last year). The 2024 deductible is $2,800 and paying the Part B deductible can be applied to the total plan deductible.
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment begins every November (under age 65) and October (age 65 and over). During this time, subsidized policies (under-65) are offered with pre-existing conditions immediately covered on your effective date. The application process now takes only 10-20 minutes. 2024 "Off-Exchange" plans are also offered for persons that don't qualify for a federal subsidy or choose different types of policies (short-term). Many policies are designed to fit your budget and also provide coverage for chronic diseases.
Temporary plans can be issued for up to three months (with an additional renewal). Many affordable options are available if you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, and are offered throughout most of the year (not during Open Enrollment). Although temporary policies do not contain 10 "essential health benefits," they do provide affordable major medical benefits. Generally, up to $1-5 million of benefits are available, and applications for short-term coverage are often approved within 48 hours. Plans are ideal for persons between jobs, or applicants that missed an Open Enrollment deadline.
Large provider networks are available, including UnitedHealthcare's PPO network. Other carriers offering temporary plans include Everest. Plans are not available during the Marketplace enrollment period and qualified preventative benefits are covered with no out-of-pocket expense. These types of policies are also popular for applicants that are in transition from one job to another, but do not want COBRA or Marketplace coverage. Applicants with chronic illness should not consider these types of plans.
Applicants that have reached age 65 also have access to guaranteed Medigap coverage from a wide selection of carriers. High-deductible plans provide 100% coverage after the deductible has been met. Also, Medicaid expansion provides more consumers with low-cost options including CHIP benefits for children. "Cover Virginia" (Medicaid) is offered to eligible applicants with 2024 income less than $20,121 (one person), $27,214 (two persons), $34,307 (three persons), $41,400 (four persons), and $48,494 (five persons). Pregnant women and adults can also qualify for coverage. Generally, only five questions are asked to determine eligibility.
FAMIS
FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan) also provides medical benefits for children. There are no fees or costs for qualifying families. To receive benefits, applicants must reside in Virginia, be a US citizen or lawfully-residing immigrant, under age 19, and not eligible for FAMIS Plus. Eligible families can receive the following benefits: office visits, preventative checkups, vaccinations and immunizations, prescription drugs, dental and vision, x-rays and lab tests, ER visits, and mental health coverage.
The available FAMIS plans are Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Molina Complete Care of Virginia, Optima Health Family Care, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Virginia Premier.
Under Age 65
You can apply for medical plan benefits after the Open Enrollment period ends (under age 65) by using a "Special Enrollment Period" exemption. This applies to many situations, including pregnancy or adoption, losing credible coverage from an employer, reaching age 26 while covered on a parent's policy, divorcing, or moving to a different service area. These "life events" provide 60 days to review and choose plans without underwriting. The initial Open Enrollment period is from November 1 through January 15th.
If Administration healthcare options eventually gain Congress-approval, we will review and rate them for you. It's possible that by 2025, additional low-cost plans may be offered that do not include all essential health benefits. Premiums on newer plans could reduce by as much as 25%-45%, and tax credits would continue to be offered. Short-term plan options are unlikely to be expanded. A "public option" plan (operated by the federal government) could possibly be offered within the next several years. The popularity or cost of this type of plan is difficult to predict.
Catastrophic plans are inexpensive, and cover office visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs and other required essential benefits. Because of the higher deductibles and copays, out-of-pocket expenses are generally higher than most other options. Often, Silver-tier plans provide the best combination of major medical benefits, copays for specialists and non-generic prescriptions, and a federal subsidy that includes "cost-sharing." The highest available 2024 Marketplace deductible is $9,450.
Depending on the household Federal Poverty Level, significant savings may be available. HSA, high-deductible, and comprehensive plans are offered. Copays are often available on pcp office visits, specialist visits, and ER and Urgent Care visits. Tier 1 and Tier 2 prescription drugs frequently feature lower copays. 90-day mail-order options are generally available on most drugs. Specialty drugs are also covered, although a deductible may apply.
Small group benefits are offered at all times. However, the employer must meet the carrier minimum participation requirements (specific percentage of eligible employees must enroll). Part-time employees are eligible to enroll, and are counted in the participation tally. If group requirements are not met, an Open Enrollment is available from November 15th to December 15th. If the OE deadline is missed, alternative plans may be available (see below).
Non-Obamacare plans are available at any time without a qualifying life event (QLE). Although instant tax credits (federal subsidy) are not available, premiums are often low since all essential health benefits are not required. Also, pre-existing conditions are not required to be covered, and annual coverage maximums are typically between $100,000 and $2 million. Urgent Care and Teledoc copays are offered by most companies. PPO networks are offered along with indemnity plan options. Dental and vision benefits can be added to most plans with discount and comprehensive benefits offered.
Common "qualifying live events (QLE) are listed below:
Gaining a dependent or becoming a dependent -- Placement in foster care, birth, or adoption. Backdating of coverage is available.
Involuntary loss of qualified coverage -- Lost coverage must be minimum essential, and self-termination of the plan will not qualify as a QLE. Group or individual plans are eligible. Losing benefits to CHIP, Medicaid, or Medicare also qualifies. Short-term plans do not qualify.
Permanent move -- The move must be to an area where different qualified plans are offered. Prior qualified coverage is also required.
Divorce -- If qualified coverage is lost. Dependent children should also be eligible. Other household changes may also qualify, including adopting a child, having a baby, or if a family member dies.
Income Change -- If an increase in income results in no longer being eligible for Medicaid.
Marriage -- The 60-day OE period begins on the day of the wedding.
Renewal of plan outside of Open Enrollment period -- Although the renewal can be accepted, a new plan can also be chosen.
Becoming a US citizen -- This applies to Marketplace plans only.
Senior Virginia Medigap Plans
For Seniors, the month you reach age 65 and have enrolled in Medicare Part B, a six-month window begins. During this time, you can choose any available plan with no medical underwriting. If you apply for benefits after the six-month period, you may pay a higher premium because of existing health conditions. A Part B "late enrollment penalty" may be imposed in some situations, so typically, it's best to enroll in Medicare when it first becomes available. Supplement plans are standardized, which helps simplify the comparison process. The Virginia Department of Insurance approves all carriers licensed to conduct business in the state.
With our assistance, you can quickly apply for quality, but inexpensive plans from the most recognized companies. Policies are available to be kept one month or continuously renewed each year. If you qualify for the federal Obamacare subsidy, your premium could drastically reduce, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. We will calculate the amount you are eligible for, and explain which policies will maximize your personal benefits. If you are eligible for Medicare (Seniors) or Medicaid (lower household income), we will review all available options.
Virginia Senior Medicare
Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans are also offered if you have reached age 65. Prescription drug plans (Part D) are offered to eligible Seniors. The most popular Virginia Part D plans (based on state enrollment) are: Wellcare Classic ($505 deductible), Wellcare Value Script ($55 deductible and $0 premium), SilverScript Choice ($545 deductible and $39.40 premium), SilverScript SmartSaver ($545 deductible and $5.30 premium), AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC ($0 deductible and $96.50 premium), Humana Walmart Value Rx ($545 deductible and $34.80 premium), Wellcare Classic ($545 deductible and $36.70 premium), and Anthem MediBlue Rx Plus ($0 deductible and $70.60 premium).
Virginia Medicare Supplement insurers are AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Ace Property And Casualty, Allstate, American Financial Security Life, American Home Life, American Benefit Life, Anthem BCBS, Bankers Fidelity Life, Capitol Life, Cigna, Continental Life, Elips Life, Erie, Everence, Federal Life, GPM Health And Life, Globe Life, Guarantee Trust Life, Humana, LifeShield National Life, Manhattan Life, MedMutual, Medico, Mutual Of Omaha, Pekin Life, Physicians Life, SBLI USA Life, State Farm, Transamerica, USAA, United American, United States Fire, and Washington National.
The Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia with the highest enrollment are: HumanaChoice, Humana Gold Plus, Humana USAA Honor, Anthem Grocery, Anthem Full Dual Advantage 2, Anthem Medicare Advantage, UHC Dual Complete, AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC VA-0011, AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC VA-0012, Aetna Better Health Of Virginia, Aetna Medicare Assure Complete, Aetna Medicare Assure Value,Sentara Community Complete, and Sentara Medicare Complete.
Virginia Health Insurance Companies
When reviewing different individual, group, or ancillary policies, it's important to consider only qualified "real" insurance plans. These will typically be carriers you recognize, such as Humana, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Coventry, Innovation, Health Keepers, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Mid-Atlantic, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Piedmont, and Optima. These companies will stand behind their policy coverage and process claims very quickly and efficiently. We help you choose the most affordable health insurance plans in Va that offer the best benefits for the lowest cost. Note: Several of these carriers offer Group and Senior coverage, but not individual private coverage.
Qualified Virginia Health Insurance Marketplace plans are offered by the following carriers: Aetna, Bright Health, Optima Health, Optima Choice, CareFirst, Cigna, Group Hospitalization And Medical Services, Health Keepers (Anthem), Innovation Health, Kaiser, Oscar, and Piedmont. Non-Obamacare plans are offered by several additional companies that feature low premiums, major medical benefits, and choice of out-of-pocket cost options. Indemnity plans offer low premiums with major medical, ER, and Urgent Care benefits. These types of plans allow you to choose any provider. CareFirst, Health Keepers, Kaiser, Optima, and Piedmont previously reduced their rates. Oscar began to offer plans last year (Richmond area only).
2024 Rate Changes
Aetna Health -- 3.68% increase
Aetna Life -- 6.57% increase
CareFirst BlueChoice -- 8.27% increase
Cigna -- 5.65% increase
GHMSI -- 5.04% increase
Health Keepers (Anthem) -- 4.58% decrease
Innovation Health -- 6.66% increase
Kaiser -- 4.73% increase
Optima Health -- 3.08% decrease
Optima Choice -- 7.75% increase
Oscar -- 0.04% decrease
Piedmont -- 8.46% increase
Non-Obamacare Short-Term Plans
Short-term plans offer flexibility of benefits, easy online enrollment anytime throughout the year, and low rates. However, temporary plans are not recommended for applicants with major mental or physical pre-existing conditions. UnitedHealthcare, Allstate, Everest, and Companion Life Group offer competitive rates with several copay, coinsurance and deductible options. Maximum benefits are available from $100,000 to $2 million. Policies are offered during and outside of the Open Enrollment period.
Popular temporary plans in Virginia include: Companion Life Economy, Companion Life Choice, Companion Life Deluxe, UnitedHealthcare Short Term Medical Value, UnitedHealthcare Short Term Medical Plus, Everest Flex, Allstate Enhanced, and Allstate Copay Enhanced.
For persons that miss the Open Enrollment deadline, need coverage between jobs, are currently uninsured, or can't afford qualified Marketplace options, temporary policies should be considered. Coverage can be approved within 24 hours without a waiting period for most benefits. However, pre-existing conditions are not covered, and many additional benefits must meet a deductible, coinsurance, or both. Recent legislation has reduced benefits and maximum duration limits.
Selecting lower maximum benefits ($1 million) and higher deductibles ($10,000) will substantially reduce the premium. Although urgent care and online physician visits are often covered with only a copay, specialist visits and ER visits are typically subject to a deductible. 0%, 20%, and 50% coinsurance options are usually offered.
Dental coverage is also offered through many popular carriers including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Dominion Dental, IHC, Delta, Nationwide and UnitedHealthcare. Other ancillary coverage, such as vision, critical illness, disability, life, and long-term care, are available through additional companies. Small group and large group benefits can be offered with streamlined underwriting. COBRA benefits are extended to qualified applicants. Often, employer-provided coverage is subsidized, and therefore, less expensive.
Only basic information is needed to provide your current rates. Typically, your zip code, date of birth and possibly your county of residence are the main items of information needed. Although there are not necessarily large premium differences from one zip code to another, prices can vary. For example, rates in Richmond and Norfolk will be different than Hampton and Blacksburg. It's possible that a specific company will offer policies in Newport News, but not Roanoke. Your age will also impact the premium an insurer charges. Premiums, without a subsidy, are most expensive for persons between the ages of 61 and 64. However, households that qualify for financial help, can save thousands of dollars per year.
Temporary Coverage
For short-term plans outside of the Marketplace, a high BMI will probably increase the price you pay. A normal BMI, coupled with no existing conditions, may qualify you for a "preferred" rating. During Open Enrollment, Exchange coverage requires no medical questions to be asked. If you miss the OE period, or simply forget to enroll, there are several affordable policies that can be used until the next OE period. Plans are available up to 360 days, and can be renewed with medical underwriting. Allstate (formerly National General) and UnitedHealthcare offer 12 months of guaranteed coverage in many states.
Purchasing Coverage Through The Exchange
With the creation of the Virginia Health Exchange eight years ago, underwriting guidelines changed. Since medical questions are no longer asked, all applicants (including children) qualify for a policy (assuming you meet citizenship requirements). The variable is the size of your tax subsidy, which is based on your projected earnings for next year, and how it relates to the Federal Poverty Level. Changes in projected household income can impact your subsidy, and also the cost of medical coverage.
We can quickly and accurately calculate that amount for you. Bronze and Silver Marketplace options are the cheapest available medical plans. Platinum and Gold policies are the most costly since out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles are the lowest. "Catastrophic" tier policies are inexpensive options that are offered to applicants that have not reached age 30. "Financial hardship" exceptions are available to older applicants, although often, Bronze and Silver-tier plans are more cost-effective.
Cheapest health insurance plans in Virginia (Bronze and Silver Tiers) are listed below:
Aetna CVS Health Bronze S
Aetna CVS Health Bronze 4
Aetna CVS Health Silver 5
Anthem Healthkeepers Bronze DED 8200
Anthem Healthkeepers Bronze DED 5500
Anthem Healthkeepers Bronze DED 7500 Standard
Anthem Healthkeepers Bronze DED 5800
Anthem Healthkeepers Bronze DED 5900 for HSA
Anthem Healthkeepers Silver DED 4450 Tiered PCP
Cigna Connect Bronze 8500 Indiv Med Deductible
Cigna Connect Bronze CMS Standard
Cigna Connect Bronze 6500 Indiv Med Deductible
Cigna Connect Bronze 3400 Indiv Med Deductible
Cigna Connect Bronze 0/4900 Indiv Medical/Rx Deductible
Cigna Connect Silver 3250/3100 Indiv Medical/Rx Deductible
Innovation Health Aetn Bronze S
Innovation Health Aetna Bronze 4
KP VA Bronze 7000 Ded/HSA/Vision
KP VA Bronze 7500 Ded
KP VA Bronze 6500/Ded/Vision
KP VA Bronze 7500/Ded/Vision
OptimaHealth Sentara Direct M Bronze 7200 Ded
OptimaHealth Sentara Standard M Bronze 7500 Ded
OptimaHealth Sentara Direct M Bronze 6000 Ded HSA
Oscar Bronze Classic Standard
Oscar Bronze Simple HSA
Oscar Bronze Elite + PCP Saver Plus
Piedmont HMO Bronze 9400 Deductible
Piedmont HMO Bronze 5100 Deductible HSA
UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value HSA
UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value
UnitedHealthcare Bronze Standard
UnitedHealthcare Bronze Virtual First
UnitedHealthcare Bronze Copay Focus
Virginia HSA Plans Will Save You Money
Va family rates are typically higher than single or individual rates. An older age and/or nicotine use will also result in higher premiums. Reaching age 65 generally creates an immediate Medicare-eligibility. When that occurs, there is always an Open Enrollment window that allows you to qualify for Medicare Supplement coverage regardless of your existing medical conditions.
Part D prescription drug and Advantage plans are also offered. Each company publishes a Formulary drug list (generic and brand name) that helps identify the drugs with the greatest value. Often, pharmacists, doctors, and nurse practitioners review and update the list. Many $0 premium plans are offered with numerous ancillary benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing.
Researching rates and coverage from different carriers is sometimes not easy. If you have ever tried to compare televisions in a retail store (or online), you know what we mean. We'll help you understand why certain policies will provide maximum coverage at the most affordable cost. By customizing a policy for you, you are less likely to pay for items you will rarely (or never) use. Additional helpful resources include the Office of Family Health Services and FAMIS (low-cost coverage for children).
Maternity And Delivery Coverage
Maternity benefits are included on all qualified plans. If you're fairly certain you will be utilizing this portion of your policy in the next few years, then a "Silver" or "Gold" plan may be your best choice because of lower available deductibles. However, your maximum "out-of-pocket expenses" must also be taken into consideration, since you are likely to meet the maximum amount if your delivery occurs. Deductibles as low as $1,000-$3,000 are available ($9,450 is the highest), although maximum out-of-pocket expenses must also be considered.
But what if you don't need maternity coverage? There may be other specific policy options you also don't need. We can focus and research the plans that don't charge you for unneeded policy provisions. That's one of the ways you'll save money by using the free quotes our website provides. And as companies change their benefits and exclusions, we'll keep you updated so your policy is always current. By personally customizing a policy to match your specific needs, you pay less. Also, as dependents eventually need their own coverage, children can easily qualify for guaranteed plans, regardless of any health issues that may be present.
HSAs (Health Savings Accounts)
A Health Savings Account (HSA) can also be utilized to help pay for expenses with tax-deductible dollars. Dental and vision expenses may also be paid from the account. Unused deposits can be carried over to the following year without a penalty or tax event. If the primary covered person becomes eligible for Medicare, withdraws may be made to pay for copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and policy premiums. Long-term care expenses can also be paid from the HSA.
HSA plans in Virginia include Anthem HealthKeepers Bronze X 5900 for HSA, Oscar Bronze Simple -- HSA, Optima OptimaFit Bronze 6250 20% HSA Direct M, Kaiser KP VA Bronze 6900/0%/HSA/Vision, CareFirst BlueChoice HMO HSA Silver 3000, Cigna Connect HSA 7050, VA Aetna CVS Bronze 2 QHDHP, UnitedHealthcare Bronze Value HSA, Innovation Health Bronze 2 QHDHP, and Piedmont Bronze 5500 HSA. Several of the HSAs are considered the best rated health insurance in Virginia.
Viewing and comparing your Virginia healthcare options is just one of the many free services we provide. We're confident you'll be matched with the carrier that gives you the most benefits for the least cost. And as plans, rates or laws change, we keep you up to date on the impact it has on you and how you can make the right adjustments to your policies. 12-month short-term plans have become more popular and offer a low-cost Obamacare alternative. Prices are cheap, and policies are often approved within 24 hours. Coverage is offered at all times.
Additional Information -- A private Marketplace for small business owners is being established by the Va Chamber of Commerce, who is partnering with ChamberSolutions. A "defined contribution" concept will be utilized, which will allow employees to select benefits from multiple options. Small group coverage provides many flexible plan options.
The "Virginia Benefits Market" provides types of policies, including high-deductible, comprehensive, and PPO/HMO contracts. Our website, along with licensed brokers, provides details, prices, and information regarding setting up and implementing coverage.
