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

Health Insurance for Contractors in Accounting & Tax in Chesterfield, Virginia

Accounting and tax contractors in Chesterfield, VA, can access 2026 ACA plans through Marketplace Virginia, with potential subsidies for incomes up to 400% FPL.
Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) covers adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, and pregnant women up to 200% FPL.
In 2026, 6 confirmed carriers offer HMO, PPO, and EPO plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Chesterfield.
Self-employed individuals may deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums from their gross income if not eligible for an employer-sponsored plan.
The average uninsured rate in Chesterfield is 6.5%, slightly below the national average.

For accounting and tax contractors in Chesterfield, Virginia, navigating health insurance can be a critical part of managing your independent business. Without employer-sponsored benefits, you'll need to secure coverage through individual plans, which offer a range of options from comprehensive Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans with subsidies to more budget-friendly alternatives. Understanding your eligibility for financial assistance, the types of plans available, and local carrier options in Chesterfield County is key to finding suitable coverage for yourself and your family.

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 Health Insurance Options Are Available for Self-Employed Contractors in Chesterfield?

As an accounting or tax contractor in Chesterfield, Virginia, your primary health insurance options typically fall into a few categories. The most comprehensive and subsidy-eligible plans are found on Marketplace Virginia, which operates through HealthCare.gov. Here, you can compare plans from multiple carriers and apply for financial assistance based on your household income. Beyond the marketplace, you might consider:

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus): If your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage.
Short-Term Health Insurance: These plans offer temporary coverage and are generally less expensive, but they do not cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, or mental health services as robustly as ACA plans. They are not regulated by the ACA.
Health Sharing Ministries: These are not insurance and involve members sharing healthcare costs. They come with significant disclaimers and limitations.
Direct-to-Carrier Plans: Some carriers offer plans outside the marketplace, but these are typically not eligible for premium tax credits.

Chesterfield County, with a population of 377,869 and a median income of $101,931 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Virginia Rating Area 3. This rating area also covers Charles City, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, and Richmond counties, ensuring a consistent market for individual health plans across these localities.

Understanding ACA Plans and Subsidies for Contractors

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, Marketplace Virginia, is designed to make health insurance accessible and affordable for individuals and families, including self-employed contractors. When you apply through HealthCare.gov, you can determine your eligibility for two main types of financial assistance:

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

As a contractor, your net self-employment income is generally used to calculate your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for subsidy eligibility. It is crucial to accurately estimate your annual income to receive the correct amount of financial assistance. Overestimating or underestimating can lead to owing money back or missing out on aid. Virginia's marketplace offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types. Unlike some states, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Virginia, providing more flexibility in provider choice for many residents. This means you can choose a plan structure that best fits your preference for network access and referrals.

Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS for Low-Income Contractors

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, making it available to more adults, including self-employed individuals and contractors, who meet income requirements.

Adults (FAMIS Plus): If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for Virginia Medicaid, which provides comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Pregnant Women (FAMIS Moms): Virginia Medicaid covers pregnant women with income up to 200% FPL, including prenatal care, labor, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care.
Children (FAMIS): Uninsured children in households up to 200% FPL are covered by FAMIS. For children between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select offers low-cost coverage.

Applying for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS can be done through commonhelp.virginia.gov. For accounting and tax contractors facing unpredictable income, Medicaid provides a vital safety net.

Health Insurance Carriers in Chesterfield

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Chesterfield. This provides a good selection for accounting and tax contractors seeking coverage. The confirmed carriers for this area are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When reviewing plans, consider the network type (HMO, PPO, EPO), the doctors and hospitals included, and the overall cost structure (premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums). Bon Secours St Francis Medical Center in Midlothian is the acute care hospital located in Chesterfield County, and its network participation will be a key consideration for many local residents.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Chesterfield

Choosing the right health insurance as an accounting or tax contractor in Chesterfield involves evaluating your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a decision-making framework:

Your Situation	Recommended Action	Key Considerations
Income below 138% FPL	Apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) via commonhelp.virginia.gov.	Offers comprehensive coverage with minimal to no cost. Check eligibility based on household size.
Income 100-400% FPL	Explore ACA plans on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) with premium tax credits.	Focus on Silver plans for potential Cost-Sharing Reductions. Compare deductibles and networks.
Income above 400% FPL	Compare full-price ACA plans on Marketplace Virginia or private plans directly from carriers.	While not subsidy-eligible, ACA plans offer comprehensive benefits. Short-term plans are an alternative if you understand their limitations.
Need specific doctors/hospitals	Verify network participation for all preferred providers and Bon Secours St Francis Medical Center before enrolling.	PPO plans in Virginia generally offer more flexibility than HMOs.
Looking for tax benefits	Ensure you are not eligible for an employer-sponsored plan to maximize self-employed health insurance deduction.	Keep detailed records of premiums paid for tax purposes.

Remember that a licensed health insurance agent can provide personalized guidance, help you compare plans from CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare, and assist with the enrollment process, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health insurance options are available for accounting and tax contractors in Chesterfield, VA?

Accounting and tax contractors in Chesterfield, Virginia, primarily have access to individual plans through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov), short-term health insurance, or Virginia Medicaid/FAMIS Plus if income-eligible. Many also explore private plans directly from carriers or health sharing ministries.

Can I get subsidies for health insurance if I'm a self-employed contractor?

Yes, self-employed contractors can qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) through Marketplace Virginia if their household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. These subsidies significantly reduce monthly premiums, making coverage more affordable.

What is the income limit for Virginia Medicaid in 2026?

In Virginia, adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). For a single individual, this typically means an annual income below approximately $20,783 in 2026. Pregnant women may qualify up to 200% FPL.

Are PPO plans available on-exchange in Chesterfield, Virginia?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Marketplace Virginia in Chesterfield, Virginia. Shoppers in Rating Area 3 can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plan structures offered by carriers like Cigna, HealthKeepers, and United Healthcare.

How does self-employment affect health insurance tax deductions?

Self-employed individuals can often deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums from their gross income, provided they are not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan (either their own or a spouse's). This deduction can be taken even if you don't itemize, reducing your adjusted gross income.