Health Insurance for Contractors & Self-Employed in Henrico County, VA

Contractors in Henrico County can access health insurance through Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov.
Premium tax credits are available for individuals earning up to 400% FPL, significantly reducing monthly costs.
Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) covers adults with income up to 138% FPL, with no monthly premiums or deductibles.
In 2026, six carriers offer a variety of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans in Henrico County’s Rating Area 3.
Self-employed individuals may be eligible to deduct health insurance premiums from their federal taxes.

Navigating health insurance as a contractor or self-employed individual in Henrico County, Virginia, requires understanding your options beyond employer-sponsored plans. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov provides robust choices, including plans with financial assistance, for those who work for themselves. Depending on your income, you may qualify for substantial premium tax credits that lower your monthly payments, or even for Virginia Medicaid if your income falls below a certain threshold. This guide breaks down the specific health insurance landscape for contractors in Henrico County, helping you find affordable and comprehensive coverage.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Contractors in Henrico County?

As a self-employed individual or contractor in Henrico County, your primary avenues for health insurance are Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov, Virginia Medicaid, or direct enrollment in off-exchange plans. The ACA Marketplace is often the most beneficial because it's the only place where you can receive premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

Henrico County, with a population of 335,744 and an uninsured rate of 6.3% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Virginia Rating Area 3. This rating area also covers Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, and Richmond counties. This means that plans offered in Henrico County are generally available across this entire multi-county region. Residents also have access to acute care services from facilities like Henrico Doctors' Hospital (Richmond).

Marketplace Plans (ACA)

Marketplace Virginia offers a range of plans categorized by metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventive care at no additional cost.

Bronze Plans: These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable for those who expect to use medical services infrequently and want protection against catastrophic costs.
Silver Plans: Silver plans offer moderate premiums and deductibles. They are particularly valuable if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which further lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. CSRs are only available with Silver plans and for individuals earning up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Gold and Platinum Plans: These tiers have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They are ideal if you anticipate frequent medical needs or prefer to pay more upfront for greater coverage when you receive care.

In Virginia, Marketplace shoppers can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO structures, providing flexibility in provider networks.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, making health coverage available to many low-income adults, including contractors. If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (also known as FAMIS Plus). This program offers comprehensive health benefits with no monthly premiums, deductibles, or copayments for most services. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more. For pregnant women, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) covers those with income up to 200% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL are covered by FAMIS. You can apply for Virginia Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Off-Marketplace Plans

You can also purchase health insurance directly from carriers outside of Marketplace Virginia. These plans offer similar benefits to Marketplace plans but do not qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. They might be an option if your income is too high for subsidies, or if you prefer a plan or carrier not offered on the exchange.

Understanding Financial Assistance and Eligibility for Contractors

One of the biggest advantages for contractors seeking health insurance through Marketplace Virginia is the availability of financial assistance. These subsidies can make coverage significantly more affordable.

Premium Tax Credits

Premium tax credits (PTCs) reduce your monthly health insurance premiums. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In Virginia, individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for these credits. For example, a single contractor in Henrico County with a median income of $88,783 (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates) would likely find their income above the 400% FPL threshold, but many contractors have fluctuating incomes or lower overall household incomes that make them eligible. The exact amount of your credit 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% of the FPL, you may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs). CSRs lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, and reduce your annual out-of-pocket maximum. CSRs are only available if you enroll in a Silver-tier plan through Marketplace Virginia.

Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction

As a self-employed contractor, you may be able to deduct the health insurance premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This "self-employed health insurance deduction" is an above-the-line deduction, meaning it reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI), even if you don't itemize. This can significantly lower your taxable income. To qualify, you must not be eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan (e.g., through a spouse's job). It's always wise to consult with a qualified tax professional to understand how this deduction applies to your specific situation.

Health Insurance Carriers in Henrico County

For 2026, six carriers offer Marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Henrico County. These carriers provide a range of plan types, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, giving contractors flexibility in choosing a plan that fits their needs and budget. The confirmed local carriers for Henrico County's Rating Area 3 are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, consider factors such as monthly premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, network of doctors and hospitals, and prescription drug coverage. Each carrier will have multiple plan offerings across the metal tiers.

Choosing the Right Plan: Decision Points for Contractors

Selecting the best health insurance plan depends on your income, health needs, and financial priorities. Here's a decision-making framework for contractors in Henrico County:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You will likely qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This is generally the most comprehensive and lowest-cost option, offering full coverage with no premiums or significant out-of-pocket costs.
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL: Focus on Silver-tier plans through Marketplace Virginia. You are eligible for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which will significantly lower your monthly premiums and your out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
If your income is between 250% and 400% FPL: You are eligible for premium tax credits through Marketplace Virginia. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. Bronze plans will have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while Gold plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs. Silver plans offer a balance.
If your income is above 400% FPL: You are not eligible for premium tax credits, but you can still enroll in plans through Marketplace Virginia or directly with a carrier. Compare all metal tiers to find the best balance of premium and out-of-pocket costs for your expected healthcare usage. Consider the self-employed health insurance deduction to offset some of your premium costs.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans, understand subsidy eligibility, and navigate the enrollment process at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can contractors get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace in Henrico County?

Yes, self-employed contractors in Henrico County can enroll in health insurance plans through Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov. Eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level.

What types of health plans are available for contractors in Henrico County?

In Henrico County, contractors can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plans available on Marketplace Virginia. In 2026, six carriers offer plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Henrico County.

Do self-employed individuals in Henrico County qualify for Virginia Medicaid?

Self-employed individuals in Henrico County may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (also known as FAMIS Plus) if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, making coverage available to many adults who previously didn't qualify.

Can I deduct health insurance premiums if I'm a contractor?

Yes, if you are self-employed, you may be able to deduct the health insurance premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income, rather than an itemized deduction, reducing your taxable income. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.