Health Insurance for Contractors in Craig County, Virginia

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

As a contractor or self-employed individual in Craig County, Virginia, securing reliable and affordable health insurance is a critical business and personal decision. Unlike traditional employees, you are responsible for finding your own coverage, which can seem daunting. However, Virginia's expanded Medicaid program and a robust health insurance marketplace offer multiple pathways to comprehensive health plans, often with significant financial assistance. This guide will walk you through your best options, from subsidized plans on the Marketplace Virginia to Virginia Medicaid, and clarify how these choices fit your unique situation as a contractor.

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What Are My Health Insurance Options as a Contractor in Craig County?

Contractors in Craig County have several primary avenues for obtaining health insurance, each with different eligibility requirements and benefits:
  1. Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) Plans: This is the primary source for individual and family health insurance. Plans are offered by private carriers but regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on your income, making coverage significantly more affordable. Virginia's marketplace offers a choice of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans.
  2. Virginia Medicaid / FAMIS Plus: Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, providing coverage for adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This program offers comprehensive health benefits with little to no out-of-pocket costs and is a vital safety net for many low-income contractors.
  3. Direct-to-Carrier Plans: You can purchase plans directly from insurance carriers outside of the marketplace. While these plans are ACA-compliant, they do not qualify for premium subsidies, making them a less cost-effective option for most contractors who are eligible for financial assistance.
  4. Short-Term Health Insurance: These plans offer temporary, limited coverage and are not ACA-compliant. They do not cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, or offer the same consumer protections as marketplace plans. They are generally not recommended as a primary long-term solution.

How Do ACA Subsidies and Virginia Medicaid Help Contractors?

The cost of health insurance can be a major concern for self-employed individuals. Fortunately, significant financial assistance is available to make coverage accessible:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)

If your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) to lower your monthly insurance premiums on the Marketplace Virginia. For 2026, 400% FPL is approximately $60,240 for an individual or $123,000 for a family of four. These subsidies are paid directly to your insurer, reducing your out-of-pocket premium costs. The amount of your subsidy depends on your income, household size, and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, you may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) in addition to premium tax credits. CSRs reduce the amount you have to pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when you use your health services. To receive CSRs, you must enroll in a Silver-tier plan on the marketplace. These "Enhanced Silver" plans offer significantly better value than their unsubsidized counterparts.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, allowing adults with incomes up to 138% FPL to qualify. For a single individual in 2026, this is roughly $20,783 per year. For a family of three, it's approximately $35,244. Virginia Medicaid (also known as FAMIS Plus) provides comprehensive benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health care, and more, typically with no monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. Contractors who meet these income guidelines should apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov. For pregnant women, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) covers those with incomes up to 200% FPL, including 12 months of postpartum care. Children in households up to 200% FPL are covered by FAMIS.

Health Insurance Carriers in Craig County

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, which covers Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Covington, Craig, Floyd, Galax, Grayson, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, Roanoke, Roanoke, Salem, Smyth, Wythe counties. This provides contractors in Craig County with a competitive selection of options. The confirmed carriers for this rating area are: When comparing plans, look at the monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and the network of doctors and hospitals. Remember that Virginia allows for HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types on the marketplace, so you have choices beyond just HMOs, including PPO options from carriers like HealthKeepers Plus PPO, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Contracting Business

Making the best health insurance decision as a contractor in Craig County depends largely on your income, health needs, and preferences for provider access.
Income Level (as % FPL) Key Recommendation Details
Below 138% FPL Virginia Medicaid / FAMIS Plus Apply for Virginia Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov. Offers comprehensive coverage with minimal to no costs. For a single person, this is approximately $20,783 annually.
138% - 250% FPL Enhanced Silver Plan on Marketplace Virginia You qualify for significant premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs). An Enhanced Silver plan will offer lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making it the best value.
250% - 400% FPL Bronze, Silver, or Gold Plan with Premium Tax Credit You still qualify for premium tax credits. Consider a Bronze plan for lower premiums and higher deductibles, or a Silver/Gold plan for more comprehensive coverage if you anticipate higher medical needs.
Above 400% FPL Marketplace Virginia (Unsubsidized) or Direct Plan You will pay the full premium for any plan. Compare options on HealthCare.gov and directly from carriers. Focus on finding a balance between premium and deductible that fits your budget and health needs.
Craig County, part of Virginia Rating Area 5, is one of the state's more rural counties, with a population of 4,856 and an uninsured rate of 3.1% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. While the median income is $69,057, the poverty rate is 13.7%, highlighting the need for accessible and affordable health coverage options. Residents needing acute care travel to neighboring counties, as Craig County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries. Your choice of plan should consider your need for broader networks if you frequently seek care outside the immediate area. Remember that as a self-employed individual, you can generally deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your gross income, reducing your taxable income. This deduction is available if you are not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums as a contractor in Craig County?
Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible for other group health coverage, you can typically deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your gross income. This is an above-the-line deduction, meaning it reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI).
What are the income limits for Virginia Medicaid in Craig County?
In Virginia, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. For 2026, this threshold is approximately $20,783 for an individual or $35,244 for a family of three. Pregnant women and children have higher income thresholds, up to 200% FPL.
Are PPO plans available on the Marketplace Virginia in Craig County?
Yes, PPO plans are available on the Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) in Craig County. Unlike some states, Virginia offers a choice of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans through the marketplace, including options from carriers like HealthKeepers Plus PPO, Cigna, and United Healthcare. You can compare these plan types when you shop for coverage.
What if I need emergency care in Craig County?
Craig County does not have an acute care hospital within its boundaries. Residents needing emergency or acute medical care typically travel to neighboring counties. Your health insurance plan will cover emergency services regardless of whether the hospital is in-network, though non-emergency care should be sought from in-network providers.

Get Your Free Quote

Navigating health insurance options as a contractor in Craig County doesn't have to be complicated. A licensed health insurance producer can help you understand your options, compare plans from multiple carriers, and determine your eligibility for subsidies or Virginia Medicaid—all at no cost to you. Get started today by requesting a free quote tailored to your needs.