Health Insurance in West Virginia for the Self-Employed & Families
I am an independent, licensed health insurance broker and I am licensed in West Virginia. I compare West Virginia plans across the carriers available to you, explain the trade-offs in plain English, and help you enroll. There is no fee for my help. The insurance company pays the broker, not you.
West Virginia has the highest average Marketplace premiums in the country. If you do not qualify for a subsidy, compare private options before you pay full price.
How coverage works in West Virginia
West Virginia uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. For 2026, two carriers sold Marketplace plans: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia and CareSource. CareSource is leaving the individual market at the end of 2026, so for 2027 Highmark is expected to be the only Marketplace carrier, and it proposed an average increase of about 18% for 2027.
West Virginia expanded Medicaid, which covers adults under 65 with household income up to 138% of the poverty level. A Medicaid work requirement takes effect in 2027.
If you earn too much for a subsidy
Subsidies hide how expensive coverage is here: in 2026 the average Marketplace subsidy in West Virginia was about $1,244 a month, the largest in the country. Above 400% of the poverty level ($63,840 for one person, $132,000 for a family of four in 2027) that help drops to zero. That is where a private, medically underwritten plan can make a big difference for healthy people. See the 2027 income limits.
Your realistic options in West Virginia
- Marketplace (ACA) plans. Guaranteed acceptance, pre-existing conditions covered, and a premium tax credit if your household income is at or under 400% of the poverty level.
- Private, medically underwritten plans. These ask health questions. For healthy applicants they are often cheaper than full-price Marketplace coverage, and you can apply any time of year rather than only during Open Enrollment.
- Small business / group coverage. If you have employees in West Virginia, group coverage or an ICHRA is worth pricing. Options for business owners.
- Short-term and supplemental. Useful for bridging a gap, or adding dental, vision, accident and critical-illness coverage alongside a main plan. How supplemental coverage works.
Who I usually help in West Virginia
Self-employed people and 1099 contractors, families buying their own coverage, people who have just lost coverage through a job, small business owners, and people retiring before Medicare starts. With one Marketplace carrier expected for 2027, a second opinion on your options is worth more than usual. Self-employed? See private health plans for the self-employed in West Virginia.
West Virginia health insurance questions
Where do I buy health insurance in West Virginia?
Most West Virginia residents buy individual coverage on HealthCare.gov, the federal Marketplace. 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 West Virginia?
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
Which insurance companies sell Marketplace plans in West Virginia?
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia is expected to be the only Marketplace carrier for 2027. CareSource leaves at the end of 2026. Availability varies by county.
Did West Virginia expand Medicaid?
Yes, for adults up to 138% of the poverty level. A work requirement starts in 2027.
Can I get health insurance in West 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. West Virginia allows short-term plans up to 36 months including renewals.
Does it cost more to use a broker in West Virginia?
No. The premium is the same whether you enroll yourself or through a broker. The insurance company pays the broker, not you.
Get West Virginia options in plain English
Tell me your ZIP code and I will do the comparing. No fee, no obligation.
Posey Health Solutions · National Producer Number 20609967 · licensed in West Virginia and 30 other states. Market figures are from healthinsurance.org's West Virginia guide; 2027 rate changes were proposed filings at the time of writing. This page is general information, not advice about a specific plan, and it is not tax advice. Plan availability and carrier participation vary by county and plan year.