Is CareFirst BlueChoice available in Gloucester County, Virginia?

Yes, CareFirst BlueChoice is one of 6 health insurance carriers offering plans through the Marketplace Virginia in Gloucester County for the 2026 plan year. Residents can compare their plans with other local providers.

Can I get a PPO plan from CareFirst BlueChoice in Gloucester County?

Yes, Virginia's health insurance marketplace allows for PPO plans, alongside HMO and EPO options. CareFirst BlueChoice may offer PPO plans, but specific plan availability varies by carrier and year. You can confirm plan types when you compare options on Marketplace Virginia.

What income qualifies for Medicaid in Virginia?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). For a single individual, this is approximately $20,782 annually in 2026, though specific FPL thresholds are updated yearly.

How do I enroll in a CareFirst BlueChoice plan in Gloucester County?

You can enroll in a CareFirst BlueChoice plan through Marketplace Virginia, which uses HealthCare.gov. Enrollment typically occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event like marriage, birth, or losing other coverage. A licensed agent can assist you with the application process for free.

CareFirst BlueChoice Health Insurance Plans in Gloucester County, VA

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

CareFirst BlueChoice is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace plans in Gloucester County, Virginia, for the 2026 plan year.
Virginia's marketplace allows for HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types, providing diverse choices for residents.
Individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for significant subsidies to reduce monthly premiums.
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, covering adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, and pregnant women up to 200% FPL.

For residents of Gloucester County, Virginia, seeking health insurance, CareFirst BlueChoice offers a range of plan options available through Marketplace Virginia. As one of several confirmed carriers in Rating Area 8, CareFirst BlueChoice provides choices that can be compared alongside other insurers to find coverage that fits your needs and budget. Whether you're looking for individual, family, or small business coverage, understanding the available plan types, financial assistance, and enrollment process is crucial to securing the best health plan for 2026.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

What CareFirst BlueChoice Plans Are Available in Gloucester County?

In Gloucester County, CareFirst BlueChoice participates in Marketplace Virginia, which utilizes the federal HealthCare.gov platform. Shoppers in Virginia's Rating Area 8 can choose from a variety of plan structures, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Unlike some states, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Virginia, offering more flexibility in provider networks for those who qualify for subsidies. CareFirst BlueChoice plans, like all marketplace plans, cover the ten essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These include preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care. The specific benefits and cost-sharing (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) will vary depending on the plan's metal tier: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Understanding Subsidies and Financial Assistance

Many Gloucester County residents qualify for financial assistance, known as subsidies, to help make health insurance more affordable. These subsidies come in two main forms:

Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These reduce your monthly premium payment. Eligibility is based on household income, generally for those earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are typically for those with incomes up to 250% FPL.

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost coverage through Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). For pregnant women, Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) covers those with incomes up to 200% FPL, including 12 months of postpartum care. Children in families up to 200% FPL may qualify for FAMIS (CHIP), with FAMIS Select offering low-cost options for children between 200% and 400% FPL. To determine your eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid, you will need to provide accurate household income and family size information when applying through Marketplace Virginia.

Health Insurance Carriers in Gloucester County

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 8, which covers Accomack, Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bland, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Cumberland, Danville, Emporia, Essex, Fluvanna, Giles, Gloucester, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Louisa, Lunenburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nelson, Northumberland, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George, Sussex, Westmoreland, Winchester counties. This robust competition helps ensure a variety of choices for consumers. The confirmed carriers for Gloucester County and Rating Area 8 for the 2026 plan year include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When comparing plans, it's important to consider not just the monthly premium, but also the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and the network of doctors and hospitals. Gloucester County, with a population of 39,526 and a median age of 44.8 years, has one acute care hospital, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, located directly in Gloucester. This hospital is a key consideration for local residents when evaluating network access. The county's uninsured rate is 4.9%, lower than the state average, according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Choosing the Right CareFirst BlueChoice Plan

Selecting the ideal CareFirst BlueChoice plan in Gloucester County involves evaluating your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred provider network. Here's a general guide to help you decide:

Income Level (as % FPL)	Recommendation	Key Benefit
Below 138% FPL	Apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)	Comprehensive coverage with no premiums or deductibles.
100% - 250% FPL	Consider Silver plans with Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)	Lower deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, in addition to premium tax credits.
251% - 400% FPL	Evaluate Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans with Premium Tax Credits	Significant premium assistance available across metal tiers; Silver plans often balance cost and coverage.
Above 400% FPL	Compare Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans directly	No premium tax credits, but full range of plans available. Platinum plans have highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

For those who anticipate frequent medical care or have ongoing health conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan may offer lower out-of-pocket costs, despite higher monthly premiums. If you primarily need coverage for emergencies and preventive care, a Bronze plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) option might be a more budget-friendly choice, but be aware of higher deductibles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CareFirst BlueChoice a PPO or HMO in Virginia?

CareFirst BlueChoice may offer both HMO and PPO plans in Virginia, as PPOs are available on-exchange. The specific plan types available from CareFirst BlueChoice in Gloucester County will depend on their offerings for the 2026 plan year. You can view all available plan types when comparing options on Marketplace Virginia.

Can I enroll in CareFirst BlueChoice outside of Open Enrollment?

You can enroll in a CareFirst BlueChoice plan outside the annual Open Enrollment Period only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by qualifying life events such as losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new service area. These events typically grant you a 60-day window to enroll.

What is Rating Area 8 in Virginia?

Rating Area 8 is one of Virginia's health insurance rating areas, which impacts the pricing of health plans. It is a multi-county rating area that includes Gloucester County, along with 42 other counties. All carriers offering plans in Rating Area 8 must offer the same premiums for the same plan across all counties within that rating area.

How can I get free help comparing CareFirst BlueChoice plans?

A licensed health insurance agent can provide free, unbiased assistance comparing CareFirst BlueChoice plans with other carriers in Gloucester County. Agents are knowledgeable about local plan offerings, subsidy eligibility, and enrollment rules, and can help you find the best plan for your needs at no cost to you.