CareFirst BlueChoice Health Insurance in Highland County, Virginia

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

Highland County residents can choose from 6 health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov for 2026, including CareFirst BlueChoice.
Virginia's marketplace offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans, allowing for diverse coverage choices in Rating Area 5.
Adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus).
Highland County has a population of 2,296 and a low uninsured rate of 3.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options in Highland County, Virginia, involves understanding both state-specific rules and local plan availability. For 2026, residents have access to plans from CareFirst BlueChoice and five other carriers through HealthCare.gov, Virginia's state-based marketplace using the federal platform. These plans offer various structures, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, catering to different needs and preferences. Financial assistance, known as subsidies, is available to make coverage more affordable for many households, depending on income. It's crucial to compare plans carefully to find one that fits your budget and healthcare needs.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Highland County?

Highland County, located in Virginia's Rating Area 5, offers a robust selection of health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov for the 2026 plan year. Virginia's marketplace is designed to provide comprehensive coverage options, including HMO, PPO, and EPO plans. This variety ensures that individuals and families can find a plan type that aligns with their preferred provider networks and cost-sharing structures. Whether you prioritize lower monthly premiums, broader network access, or specific cost-sharing arrangements, you'll find options to consider. Individuals and families in Highland County with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Premium Tax Credits, which can significantly reduce monthly premiums. Additionally, those with incomes up to 250% FPL may be eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) on Silver-tier plans, lowering deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Understanding Health Insurance Plan Types

When selecting a health insurance plan in Highland County, it's important to understand the different types available:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: Typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network and get referrals from your PCP to see specialists. HMOs often have lower monthly premiums.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: Offer more flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, both in and out of network. Out-of-network care usually costs more. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Virginia, providing broader choices for marketplace shoppers.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: Similar to HMOs in that they generally don't cover care outside of their network, but they often don't require referrals for specialists within the network.

Virginia's marketplace offers a good balance of these plan types, ensuring that residents of Highland County can select the structure that best suits their healthcare utilization habits and financial situation.

Health Insurance Carriers in Highland County

For the 2026 plan year, residents of Highland County, which is part of Virginia Rating Area 5, have access to plans from 6 confirmed carriers on HealthCare.gov. This provides a competitive market with multiple options for coverage. The carriers offering plans in Rating Area 5 are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

You can compare plans, benefits, and costs from each of these carriers to find the best fit for your needs during Open Enrollment.

How Virginia Medicaid Supports Highland County Residents

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, making coverage available to many low-income adults. For Highland County residents, this means that adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (also known as FAMIS Plus). This program provides comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs. Beyond general adult coverage, Virginia also offers specific Medicaid programs for vulnerable populations:

Pregnant Women (FAMIS Moms): Virginia Medicaid covers pregnant women with incomes up to 200% of the FPL. This includes extensive prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and 12 months of postpartum care, extended under the American Rescue Plan and adopted by Virginia.
Children (FAMIS): The Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program covers uninsured children in households with incomes up to 200% of the FPL. For children in families between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select offers low-cost coverage options.

Applications for Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS programs can be made through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Making an Informed Decision About Your Health Plan

Choosing the right health insurance plan requires careful consideration of your healthcare needs, budget, and local options. Highland County, part of Virginia Rating Area 5, is one of the state's most rural counties, with a population of 2,296 and an uninsured rate of 3.9% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. While Highland County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, residents needing acute care travel to neighboring counties in Rating Area 5, which also covers Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Covington, Craig, Floyd, Galax, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, Roanoke, Roanoke, Salem, Smyth, Wythe counties. This makes network considerations, especially for PPO plans, particularly important for residents. Here are some steps to guide your decision:

Assess Your Needs: Consider your typical medical usage, prescription drug needs, and any preferred doctors or specialists.
Check Eligibility for Subsidies: Use HealthCare.gov to determine if you qualify for Premium Tax Credits or Cost-Sharing Reductions based on your household income.
Compare Plans: Review plans from CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare. Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket maximums, and network coverage.
Consider Plan Type: Decide if an HMO, PPO, or EPO plan best fits your need for flexibility and access to providers.
Seek Expert Advice: A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you compare plans, and assist with the enrollment process at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CareFirst BlueChoice available on HealthCare.gov in Highland County, VA?

Yes, CareFirst BlueChoice is one of 6 carriers offering plans on HealthCare.gov in Rating Area 5, which includes Highland County, for the 2026 plan year. You can compare their plans with others during Open Enrollment.

Can I get a PPO plan through HealthCare.gov in Highland County?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through HealthCare.gov in Virginia. In Highland County's Rating Area 5, you can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plan structures, including options from carriers like CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

What income level qualifies for Virginia Medicaid in Highland County?

Adults in Virginia, including Highland County residents, may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Pregnant women can qualify up to 200% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL for FAMIS.

How does Highland County's uninsured rate compare to the state average?

Highland County has an uninsured rate of 3.9%, which is significantly lower than the statewide average for Virginia. This indicates strong access to health coverage options, including marketplace plans and Medicaid, for its population of 2,296.