Updated July 2026 · VirginiaPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

CareFirst BlueChoice Health Insurance in Bedford County, Virginia

CareFirst BlueChoice is one of 6 carriers offering health insurance plans on Marketplace Virginia for Bedford County in 2026.
Bedford County is part of Virginia Rating Area 5, which includes 19 counties and independent cities, ensuring consistent pricing across the region.
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, making adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligible for coverage.
Marketplace Virginia offers a choice of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans, allowing residents to select the network structure that best suits their needs.

Navigating health insurance options in Bedford County, Virginia, can feel complex, but residents have several choices, including plans from CareFirst BlueChoice. As part of Virginia Rating Area 5, Bedford County benefits from competitive options available through Marketplace Virginia, the state-based marketplace that uses the federal platform. In 2026, CareFirst BlueChoice is one of six confirmed carriers offering plans in this region, providing a range of choices from Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs). Understanding your options and potential financial assistance is key to securing appropriate coverage.

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What Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Bedford County?

Bedford County residents can access a variety of health insurance plans through Marketplace Virginia. Unlike some states, Virginia's marketplace offers a comprehensive selection that includes HMO, PPO, and EPO plan structures. This means you are not limited to just HMO or EPO plans, and can find PPO options from carriers like CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, and United Healthcare. These plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each designed to offer different levels of coverage and cost-sharing.

Understanding Metal Tiers

Each metal tier indicates the average percentage of healthcare costs the plan will cover:

Bronze Plans: Cover approximately 60% of costs, with you paying 40%. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making them suitable for those who anticipate minimal medical care or want catastrophic coverage.
Silver Plans: Cover approximately 70% of costs, with you paying 30%. Silver plans are popular because they offer a balance between premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Crucially, if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), these plans provide enhanced benefits like lower deductibles and copayments, making them a strong value.
Gold Plans: Cover approximately 80% of costs, with you paying 20%. Gold plans have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are ideal for individuals or families who expect to use medical services frequently.
Platinum Plans: Cover approximately 90% of costs, with you paying 10%. Platinum plans have the highest premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, offering comprehensive coverage from the start of the plan year.

Financial Assistance and Virginia Medicaid in Bedford County

Many Bedford County residents qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. This assistance comes primarily in two forms: Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs).

Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)

APTCs are subsidies that lower your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In Virginia, if your income is between 100% and 400% FPL, you are likely eligible for these credits. Due to provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, individuals and families with incomes above 400% FPL may also qualify for subsidies through 2025, ensuring that no one pays more than 8.5% of their household income for a benchmark Silver plan.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

CSRs reduce the amount you pay out-of-pocket for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These are available only if you enroll in a Silver-tier plan and your income is between 100% and 250% FPL. CSRs effectively boost a Silver plan's value, making it comparable to a Gold or even Platinum plan in terms of out-of-pocket costs, but with lower premiums.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, known as Virginia Medicaid Expansion or FAMIS Plus. This means adults with household incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost or free health coverage. For pregnant women, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) covers those with incomes up to 200% FPL, including 12 months of postpartum care. Children in households up to 200% FPL are covered by FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security). Applications for these programs can be submitted through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Bedford County

Bedford County is part of Virginia Rating Area 5, which covers Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Covington, Craig, Floyd, Galax, Grayson, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, Roanoke, Roanoke, Salem, Smyth, Wythe counties. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, providing residents with a robust selection of health insurance options. The confirmed carriers for 2026 in Bedford County and Rating Area 5 include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

Residents have the flexibility to compare plans from these carriers based on factors such as network type (HMO, PPO, EPO), premium costs, deductibles, and preferred providers. CareFirst BlueChoice, as a prominent carrier, offers various plan designs to meet different healthcare needs and budgets.

Bedford County's 80,894 residents, with a median age of 47.2 years and a median income of $78,937, have access to Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital for acute care. The county's uninsured rate stands at 5.7%, significantly lower than the national average, reflecting broad access to coverage options across Rating Area 5. These figures are per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Choosing the Right CareFirst BlueChoice Plan in Bedford County

Selecting the best health insurance plan involves considering your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred doctors. Here's a guide to help you decide:

Assess Your Healthcare Needs: If you visit the doctor frequently or manage a chronic condition, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower deductibles might save you money in the long run, despite higher premiums. If you are generally healthy and only need coverage for emergencies, a Bronze plan could be more cost-effective.
Consider Your Budget: Balance monthly premiums with potential out-of-pocket costs. Remember that lower premiums usually mean higher deductibles and vice versa.
Check Provider Networks: Ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and facilities, such as Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital, are in-network for the plan you choose. This is especially important for HMO and EPO plans, which have more restrictive networks than PPOs.
Utilize Financial Assistance: If your income qualifies, applying for APTCs and CSRs can significantly reduce your healthcare costs. A licensed agent can help you understand your eligibility.

Working with a licensed health insurance agent can simplify this process. They can provide personalized guidance, compare plans from CareFirst BlueChoice and other carriers, and help you enroll in a plan that meets your specific requirements, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CareFirst BlueChoice offer PPO plans in Bedford County?

Yes, CareFirst BlueChoice, along with other carriers, offers PPO plans on the Marketplace Virginia exchange in Bedford County. Virginia's marketplace includes options for HMO, PPO, and EPO plans, allowing consumers to choose the network structure that best fits their needs.

Can I get a subsidy for a CareFirst BlueChoice plan in Bedford County?

Yes, if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) to lower your monthly premiums. Individuals and families with incomes above 400% FPL may also qualify for subsidies through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act. These subsidies can be applied to any Marketplace plan, including those from CareFirst BlueChoice.

Where can I find CareFirst BlueChoice doctors and hospitals in Bedford County?

CareFirst BlueChoice maintains a network of healthcare providers, including doctors and hospitals, in Bedford County and Rating Area 5. For specific network details, it is best to consult CareFirst BlueChoice's official provider directory or contact a licensed insurance agent who can help you verify if your preferred doctors and local facilities, such as Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital, are in-network for a particular plan.