Health Insurance in Virginia (2026–2027): Plans, Subsidies & Enrollment

Everything specific to getting covered in Virginia — where to shop, how subsidies work here, who qualifies for Medicaid, and the deadlines that matter for 2027 coverage.

Quick Answer: Getting Covered in Virginia

Virginia residents shop through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace — the state's own exchange. Premium tax credits are available from roughly 100%–400% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid (Cardinal Care) covers adults up to about 138% FPL, year-round. Open Enrollment for 2027 starts November 1, 2026 — enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage.

What Makes Virginia Different

Virginia moved off HealthCare.gov to its own exchange starting with the 2024 plan year. Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads each see different carrier lineups — compare by county.

Where to Shop for Coverage

Virginia runs its own marketplace, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace — residents don't use HealthCare.gov. State exchanges often set their own (sometimes longer) enrollment deadlines and may offer state-specific savings programs. Either way, working with a licensed advisor costs nothing and gets you the same prices — plus someone who knows which carriers and networks are strong in your county.

Official exchange: Virginia's Insurance Marketplace
Blue Cross affiliate: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia / CareFirst (Northern Virginia)
Medicaid: expanded — known as Cardinal Care, open year-round

Subsidies in Virginia for 2026–2027

Federal premium tax credits work identically in all 50 states: eligibility generally runs from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level (scaled by household size), and qualifying enrollees pay roughly 2.1%–9.96% of income for the benchmark Silver plan. The enhanced pandemic-era credits expired at the end of 2025, so re-checking your eligibility every year matters more than ever — and insurers have proposed double-digit increases again for 2027, which makes comparison shopping at Open Enrollment essential.

Key 2027 Enrollment Dates

November 1, 2026 — Open Enrollment begins for 2027 coverage.
December 15, 2026 — deadline for January 1 coverage. Treat this as your real deadline: a 2026 court ruling left the final federal end-date uncertain, though Virginia's Insurance Marketplace sets its own dates and has historically allowed later enrollment.
After the deadline — you'll need a qualifying life event (job loss, move, marriage, birth) for a Special Enrollment Period.

Don't auto-renew for 2027

Insurers have requested a median premium increase of roughly 14% for 2027 — the second straight year of double-digit hikes. The plan that was your best deal this year often won't be next year. Compare every carrier in your county before renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I buy health insurance in Virginia?

Virginia runs its own exchange, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace (https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov) — not HealthCare.gov. You can also enroll through a licensed advisor at no cost, which gets you the same prices plus help comparing plans.

Can I get a subsidy for health insurance in Virginia?

Yes — premium tax credits work the same in every state. For 2026, eligibility generally runs from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level, scaled by household size, with enrollees paying roughly 2.1%–9.96% of income for the benchmark Silver plan. Many people who assume they earn too much actually qualify — always check before paying sticker price.

Did Virginia expand Medicaid?

Yes. Virginia expanded Medicaid (Cardinal Care), so adults with household income up to roughly 138% of the federal poverty level generally qualify — and Medicaid enrollment is open year-round.

When is Open Enrollment in Virginia?

Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2026 for 2027 coverage. As a state with its own exchange, Virginia sets its own deadline — often extending past the federal one. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage regardless; a 2026 court ruling has left the federal end-date in flux.

Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Virginia?

There's no federal penalty, and Virginia does not impose its own individual mandate. The real cost of going uninsured is exposure to full medical bills — a single hospitalization can exceed years of premiums.

What insurance companies offer plans in Virginia?

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia / CareFirst (Northern Virginia) is the state's Blue Cross affiliate, and national carriers commonly participate in marketplace counties alongside regional plans. Lineups change every year and vary by county — a licensed advisor can tell you exactly which carriers and networks are available at your ZIP code.

Compare Virginia Plans and Prices

See real plans available at your ZIP code, with subsidies applied. Licensed advisors can walk you through which carriers and networks are strongest in your area — free.

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About This Guide: Created by the Health Insurance Network team. Exchange status, Medicaid expansion, and mandate details reflect the 2026 plan year; carrier availability varies by county and changes annually. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.