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

CareFirst BlueChoice Health Insurance in Southampton County, Virginia

CareFirst BlueChoice is one of 6 health insurance carriers offering plans in Southampton County, Virginia, for the 2026 plan year.
Southampton County is part of Virginia Rating Area 4, which covers 17 counties in the southeastern part of the state.
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, allowing adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify for coverage.
Marketplace plans in Virginia, including those from CareFirst BlueChoice, are available as HMO, PPO, and EPO options, with PPOs offered on-exchange.

Navigating health insurance options in Southampton County, Virginia, can feel complex, but residents have several choices, including plans from CareFirst BlueChoice. As one of the 6 confirmed carriers for Rating Area 4 in 2026, CareFirst BlueChoice offers a range of health plans through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). Understanding how these plans work, what subsidies are available, and how local factors like the county's relatively low 4.9% uninsured rate (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates) impact your choices is key to finding the right coverage. Whether you're seeking individual, family, or small business coverage, options are available to help you secure essential health benefits.

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What CareFirst BlueChoice Health Plans Are Available in Southampton County?

CareFirst BlueChoice offers various health insurance plans in Southampton County through the Marketplace Virginia exchange. As a state-based marketplace using the federal platform, Virginia provides residents with access to a variety of plan types, 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 greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers both in-network and sometimes out-of-network, depending on the specific plan's structure. When selecting a CareFirst BlueChoice plan, you'll typically encounter different metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers categorize plans based on how you and your plan share costs:

Bronze Plans: These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are designed for those who want protection against catastrophic medical costs, primarily for preventive care and emergencies.
Silver Plans: Offering moderate premiums and deductibles, Silver plans are a popular choice. They are the only plans eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which lower your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance if your income falls within certain levels.
Gold Plans: These plans have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, meaning the plan covers a larger share of your medical expenses. Gold plans are suitable for individuals who expect to use medical services frequently.
Platinum Plans: With the highest premiums, Platinum plans offer the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, providing extensive coverage from the start. These are ideal for those who anticipate significant medical needs.

Southampton County, with a population of 17,964 and a median age of 47.3 years, is part of Virginia Rating Area 4. This rating area also covers Chesapeake, Franklin, Franklin, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and York counties. Residents of Southampton County needing acute care will travel to neighboring counties, as there are no acute care hospitals within the county's boundaries.

Understanding Financial Assistance and Virginia Medicaid in Southampton County

Many residents of Southampton County may qualify for financial assistance to help make health insurance more affordable. These subsidies are available through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) and depend on your household income and family size. The two main types of financial assistance are:

Premium Tax Credits (APTCs): These credits reduce your monthly premium. Eligibility is based on income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You can use these credits to lower the cost of any metal-tier plan.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These subsidies reduce your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are automatically applied if your income qualifies.

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019 (known as Virginia Medicaid Expansion or FAMIS Plus). This means that adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost or free health coverage. For example, a single individual earning up to approximately $20,120 per year (for 2024 FPL standards) could be eligible. This is a crucial difference from non-expansion states, as it eliminates the "coverage gap" for many low-income individuals. For pregnant women, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) provides coverage up to 200% FPL, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care. Children in households up to 200% FPL can receive coverage through FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security), with FAMIS Select offering low-cost options for children between 200% and 400% FPL. Applications for these programs can be submitted through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Southampton County

For the 2026 plan year, residents of Southampton County, within Virginia Rating Area 4, have a choice of plans from 6 confirmed health insurance carriers on the marketplace. This competitive environment ensures a variety of options across different plan types and metal tiers. The carriers offering marketplace plans in Rating Area 4 include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When evaluating plans from these carriers, consider factors beyond just the premium. Look at the plan's network of doctors and specialists, the prescription drug coverage, and the overall out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CareFirst BlueChoice, along with these other providers, offers diverse plans to meet various healthcare needs and budgets in Southampton County.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Southampton County

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your needs in Southampton County involves evaluating your household income, anticipated healthcare usage, and preferred provider network. Consider these steps:

Assess Your Income: Your household income is the primary factor determining your eligibility for subsidies or Virginia Medicaid. Use the Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) application to get an accurate estimate of your financial assistance.
Estimate Healthcare Needs: If you expect frequent doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, or have chronic conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower out-of-pocket costs might be more cost-effective despite higher premiums. If you primarily need catastrophic coverage and preventive care, a Bronze plan may suffice.
Review Provider Networks: Ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and any necessary facilities are in-network for the plans you are considering, especially with HMO and EPO plans. While Southampton County has no acute care hospitals, residents can confirm networks in neighboring areas.
Compare Plan Types: Virginia offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans on-exchange. If having the flexibility to see out-of-network providers is important, a PPO might be preferable. If you're comfortable with a more restricted network for potentially lower costs, an HMO or EPO could be a good fit.
Utilize Free Expert Assistance: A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these options, compare plans from CareFirst BlueChoice and other carriers, and ensure you receive all eligible subsidies. This service is typically free to you.

By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently select a health insurance plan that provides the coverage you need in Southampton County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CareFirst BlueChoice health insurance in Southampton County, Virginia?

Yes, CareFirst BlueChoice is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace health insurance plans in Rating Area 4, which includes Southampton County, for the 2026 plan year. You can enroll in a CareFirst BlueChoice plan through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) if you qualify.

What types of plans does CareFirst BlueChoice offer in Southampton County?

In Virginia, marketplace plans, including those from CareFirst BlueChoice, are available in HMO, PPO, and EPO structures. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, offering more flexibility in provider choice compared to HMOs or EPOs.

What is the uninsured rate in Southampton County, Virginia?

Southampton County has an uninsured rate of 4.9%, which is lower than the national average. This indicates a high rate of health insurance coverage among its 17,964 residents, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

How do I apply for health insurance in Southampton County?

Residents of Southampton County can apply for health insurance through Marketplace Virginia, which uses the federal HealthCare.gov platform. You can also apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) if your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.