Health Insurance for Construction Contractors in Glen Allen, Virginia

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

Glen Allen construction contractors can find subsidized health plans through Marketplace Virginia, with 6 carriers offering options in Rating Area 3.
Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) is available for adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, alongside HMO and EPO options, offering greater network flexibility.
The average uninsured rate in Glen Allen is 2.8%, significantly lower than Henrico County's 6.3%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options as a self-employed construction contractor in Glen Allen, Virginia, can seem complex, but robust solutions are available. For 2026, contractors can access comprehensive individual and family health plans through Marketplace Virginia, the state's official health insurance exchange. These plans offer essential health benefits and may come with significant financial assistance, depending on your income. Understanding your eligibility for subsidies and knowing the local carriers and plan types available in Rating Area 3, which includes Henrico County, is key to securing affordable coverage.

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Understanding Your Health Insurance Options in Glen Allen, VA

As a self-employed construction contractor, your primary avenue for health insurance is typically the individual marketplace. In Virginia, this is known as Marketplace Virginia, which utilizes the federal HealthCare.gov platform. Here, you can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event like marriage, birth, or loss of other coverage. The plans offered on Marketplace Virginia are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), meaning they cover essential health benefits, cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and offer financial assistance based on income.

Glen Allen, part of Henrico County, is situated within Virginia Rating Area 3. This rating area covers a total of 13 counties, including Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, and Richmond counties. The median income in Glen Allen is $92,723, with an uninsured rate of 2.8% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, indicating a relatively high rate of coverage compared to the broader Henrico County's 6.3% uninsured rate.

How Subsidies and Medicaid Can Help Glen Allen Contractors

Financial assistance is a cornerstone of affordable health coverage for many self-employed individuals. Marketplace Virginia offers two main types of subsidies: Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs).

Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These credits reduce your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the FPL may qualify for PTCs. The amount of your credit is calculated to limit your premium contribution to a certain percentage of your income.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available to individuals with incomes between 100% and 250% of the FPL, CSRs lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These reductions are only available if you enroll in a Silver-tier plan. Upgrading to an Enhanced Silver plan through CSRs can significantly reduce your financial exposure when you need medical care.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus): Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019. This means that adults, including construction contractors, with household incomes up to 138% of the FPL may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health coverage through Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. If your income falls into this range, applying for Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov is often the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) covers pregnant women up to 200% FPL, and FAMIS covers children up to 200% FPL, with FAMIS Select available for children between 200% and 400% FPL.

2026 Estimated FPL and Subsidy Eligibility for a Single Individual in Virginia
Income Level (FPL)	Approx. Annual Income (2026)	Potential Assistance
Below 138% FPL	Up to ~$20,780	Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)
100% - 250% FPL	~$15,060 - ~$37,650	Premium Tax Credits & Cost-Sharing Reductions (on Silver plans)
251% - 400% FPL	~$37,801 - ~$60,240	Premium Tax Credits
Above 400% FPL	Above ~$60,240	Full-price Marketplace plans (no subsidies)

Choosing the Right Plan Tier for Contractors in Glen Allen

Marketplace Virginia offers plans categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier balances monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.

Bronze Plans: These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable for contractors who are generally healthy and expect to use medical services infrequently, primarily for catastrophic protection.
Silver Plans: Offering moderate premiums and moderate deductibles, Silver plans are a popular choice. They are the only plans eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), making them a strong option for those who qualify for income-based assistance and want lower out-of-pocket costs.
Gold Plans: With higher monthly premiums than Bronze or Silver, Gold plans come with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. These are ideal for contractors who anticipate needing regular medical care, prescription drugs, or have chronic conditions.
Platinum Plans: The highest premium plans, Platinum plans offer the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They are best for those who expect extensive medical care and prefer to pay more upfront for minimal costs when receiving services.

In Virginia, construction contractors can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types on Marketplace Virginia. PPO plans are available on-exchange, providing greater flexibility to see out-of-network providers (often at a higher cost) without a referral, unlike HMOs which typically require referrals and limit coverage to in-network providers. EPOs offer a network of providers but generally do not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.

Health Insurance Carriers in Glen Allen

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which serves Glen Allen and the surrounding Henrico County area. These carriers provide a range of plan options across the metal tiers, including HMO, PPO, and EPO structures. The confirmed-local carriers available for Glen Allen contractors are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, it is crucial to verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and facilities, such as Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, are included in the plan's network. This ensures you can continue receiving care from trusted providers and minimize unexpected out-of-network costs.

Next Steps: Securing Your Coverage

Deciding on the right health insurance plan requires evaluating your health needs, financial situation, and preferred providers. Here’s a streamlined approach for Glen Allen construction contractors:

Assess Your Income: Determine your estimated household income for 2026. This will tell you if you qualify for Virginia Medicaid or for premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions on Marketplace Virginia.
Explore Marketplace Virginia: Visit Marketplace Virginia (via HealthCare.gov) to browse plans available in Rating Area 3. Pay close attention to plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO) and metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
Check Provider Networks: Use the carrier's online tools to confirm that your doctors and local hospitals, such as Henrico Doctors' Hospital, are in-network for any plan you consider.
Compare Costs: Look beyond just the monthly premium. Consider the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums to understand your total potential costs. If you qualify for CSRs, prioritize Silver plans.
Consider Professional Guidance: A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized advice, help you compare plans, and assist with the enrollment process at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can construction contractors in Glen Allen get health insurance through Marketplace Virginia?

Yes, self-employed construction contractors in Glen Allen can purchase individual and family health insurance plans through Marketplace Virginia, the state's official health insurance exchange. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums.

What income qualifies a Glen Allen contractor for Virginia Medicaid?

Adults in Virginia, including self-employed contractors, may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For pregnant women, the FPL threshold is 200%, and for children, it's also 200% for FAMIS. You can apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

What types of health plans are available to contractors in Glen Allen?

In Glen Allen, Virginia, construction contractors can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO health plan structures on Marketplace Virginia. PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering more flexibility in choosing providers outside a specific network compared to HMOs or EPOs.

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Glen Allen's rating area?

For 2026, there are 6 confirmed carriers offering marketplace health insurance plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Glen Allen and Henrico County. These carriers include CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare.