Health Insurance in Virginia — Options for Individuals, Families & the Self-Employed

Daniel Posey · Virginia · Updated September 2026 · 5 min read

Virginia runs its own exchange, has expanded Medicaid, and is adding its own state subsidies for 2027. That is more help than most states offer, but it still leaves a big group paying full price: self-employed people, business owners and families who earn more than 400% of the poverty level.

I'm Daniel Posey, an independent licensed health insurance broker (NPN 20609967), licensed in Virginia. I compare plans across multiple carriers — Marketplace and private — and my help costs you nothing, because carriers pay broker commissions, not clients.

The Virginia Health Insurance Landscape

Since fall 2023, Virginians shop on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace instead of HealthCare.gov. Eight carriers sold plans for 2026, including Anthem HealthKeepers, CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, Oscar, Sentara and Cigna. Aetna left at the end of 2025.

Premiums rose about 22% on average for 2026, and about 370,000 Virginians enrolled. Virginia's reinsurance program, in place since 2023, helps hold down full-price premiums, and a new state subsidy of about $150 million for 2027 targets people between 138% and 250% of the poverty level.

Medicaid covers adults up to 138% of the poverty level. Above 400%, there is no federal or state help at all: for 2027 that line is $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four. See what that means for you.

Who Benefits Most from Working with a Broker in Virginia

  • Self-employed professionals and 1099 contractors from Northern Virginia to Richmond and Hampton Roads
  • Small business owners weighing individual plans, group coverage or an ICHRA — options for business owners
  • Households over the subsidy line facing full-price premiums
  • Early retirees bridging the years before Medicare

Your Realistic Options in Virginia

  1. Marketplace plans — the right fit if you qualify for federal or Virginia subsidies, or need guaranteed-issue coverage for pre-existing conditions.
  2. Private medically underwritten plans — often cheaper for healthy applicants who don't qualify for subsidies, and available any time of year.
  3. Small group coverage — worth pricing if your business has at least one W-2 employee besides you and your spouse.
  4. Short-term and supplemental coverage — Virginia allows short-term plans up to 36 months including renewals; supplemental plans can fill gaps. How supplemental coverage works.

If you are self-employed, see private health plans for the self-employed in Virginia.

Getting Covered in Virginia — What to Expect

We start with a short phone call. I ask about your household, income, doctors, and prescriptions, then compare what's actually available to you — in plain English, with real numbers. If a plan makes sense, I can usually get you enrolled the same week. And if your current plan is already your best option, I'll tell you that too.

Virginia health insurance questions

Where do I buy health insurance in Virginia?

Virginia runs its own exchange, Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, since fall 2023. You can also enroll through a licensed broker like me at no extra cost, and I can show you private plans sold outside the exchange at the same time.

When is Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage in Virginia?

Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2026. State-run exchanges set their own end date, so confirm the deadline with Virginia's exchange. Enroll by December 15 to be safe for coverage starting January 1.

Which insurance companies sell Marketplace plans in Virginia?

Eight carriers sold plans for 2026, including Anthem HealthKeepers, CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, Oscar, Sentara and Cigna. Availability varies by county.

Did Virginia expand Medicaid?

Yes. Adults up to 138% of the poverty level can qualify.

Can I get health insurance in Virginia outside Open Enrollment?

Marketplace plans need a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby. Private medically underwritten plans can be applied for any month of the year. Virginia allows short-term plans up to 36 months including renewals.

Does it cost more to use a broker in Virginia?

No. The premium is the same whether you enroll yourself or through a broker. The insurance company pays the broker, not you.

Three ways to get started

No fees. No pressure. Just straight answers about Virginia coverage.

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Daniel Posey is an independent, licensed health insurance broker serving Virginia and 30 other states. NPN 20609967. Posey Health Solutions LLC is a private, independently owned insurance agency. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. federal government, any state government or agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or HealthCare.gov.