Health Insurance for Contractors in Richmond County, Virginia

Contractors in Richmond County can purchase health insurance through Marketplace Virginia, the state's ACA exchange.
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $20,120 for an individual in 2024).
In 2026, 6 carriers offer a variety of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Richmond County.
Over 9,000 residents call Richmond County home, with a median age of 43.8 years and an uninsured rate of 5.2% (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates).

As a contractor or self-employed individual in Richmond County, Virginia, securing reliable health insurance is crucial for your financial well-being and access to medical care. Unlike traditional employees, you're responsible for finding your own coverage, but you have several robust options. The primary pathway for most self-employed individuals is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, Marketplace Virginia, where you can compare plans and potentially qualify for significant financial assistance. For those with lower incomes, Virginia's expanded Medicaid program, known as Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus, offers comprehensive coverage.

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.

How Do Contractors Get Health Insurance in Richmond County?

Contractors in Richmond County primarily access health insurance through Marketplace Virginia. This is the official health insurance exchange where individuals and families can compare plans, enroll, and apply for subsidies that can drastically reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Enrollment generally occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, typically from November 1 to January 15. However, if you experience a qualifying life event, such as moving to Richmond County, losing prior coverage, or having a baby, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll outside of this window.

Understanding ACA Subsidies and Cost Savings

The ACA marketplace offers two main types of financial assistance:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): These reduce your monthly health insurance premium. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In Virginia, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL are typically eligible. Under current law, even those above 400% FPL may qualify if the cost of a benchmark plan exceeds 8.5% of their household income.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These reduce the amount you pay when you use healthcare services, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are designed for individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 250% FPL.

These subsidies make quality health coverage much more attainable for contractors, often reducing the cost to a fraction of the sticker price.

Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS Plus for Low-Income Contractors

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, which means more adults, including self-employed individuals, can qualify for comprehensive health coverage. Virginia Medicaid Expansion, also known as FAMIS Plus, covers adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single individual in 2024, this threshold is approximately $20,120 per year. Medicaid provides extensive benefits with little to no out-of-pocket costs, covering doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more. If your income falls within this range, applying for Virginia Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov should be your first step. Virginia also offers programs for pregnant women and children:

FAMIS Moms: Covers pregnant women with income up to 200% FPL, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care.
FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security): Covers uninsured children in households up to 200% FPL. For children between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select offers low-cost coverage.

What ACA Plans Are Available in Richmond County?

In Richmond County, Virginia, individuals can choose from a range of plan types on Marketplace Virginia, 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 more flexibility in provider choice compared to HMOs, which typically require you to stay within a specific network and get referrals for specialists. Plans are categorized into metal tiers based on how costs are shared between you and the insurer:

Bronze Plans: Have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They cover 60% of costs on average, with you paying 40%. Best for those who expect minimal medical care and want protection against catastrophic events.
Silver Plans: Offer moderate premiums and deductibles. They cover 70% of costs on average, with you paying 30%. If you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, these benefits are only available with Silver plans, making them a strong value for those with lower incomes.
Gold Plans: Feature higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. They cover 80% of costs on average, with you paying 20%. Good for those who expect to use medical services frequently.
Platinum Plans: Have the highest premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They cover 90% of costs on average, with you paying 10%. Ideal for those who anticipate extensive medical care.

Richmond County, with a population of 9,095, is part of Virginia Rating Area 3, which covers Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, and Richmond counties. The county has a median income of $66,304 and an uninsured rate of 5.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Residents needing acute care can access facilities like Medical College of Virginia Hospitals and Bon Secours St Marys Hospital, both located in nearby Richmond.

Health Insurance Carriers in Richmond County

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Richmond County. These carriers provide a variety of health plans across the metal tiers, allowing contractors to choose options that best fit their budget and healthcare needs. The confirmed carriers offering marketplace plans in Richmond County are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When comparing plans, always verify the specific network of doctors and facilities to ensure your preferred providers are included.

Choosing the Best Plan for Your Contracting Business

As a contractor, your income may fluctuate, which can impact your eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid. It's important to accurately estimate your annual income when applying for marketplace plans. If your income changes significantly during the year, report it to Marketplace Virginia to adjust your subsidies and avoid discrepancies at tax time. Consider these factors when making your decision:

Your Situation	Recommended Action	Key Benefit
Household income up to 138% FPL (e.g., ~$20,120 for an individual)	Apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)	Comprehensive coverage with little to no cost.
Household income 138% - 250% FPL (e.g., ~$20,121 - $36,450 for an individual)	Explore Silver plans with Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) on Marketplace Virginia	Lower deductibles, copays, and coinsurance in addition to premium subsidies.
Household income 250% - 400% FPL (e.g., ~$36,451 - $58,320 for an individual)	Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans on Marketplace Virginia with Premium Tax Credits	Significant premium subsidies available across tiers; choose based on expected healthcare use.
Household income above 400% FPL	Review all metal tiers on Marketplace Virginia; consider off-marketplace plans	May still qualify for premium subsidies if benchmark plan costs exceed 8.5% of income; broader plan selection off-marketplace (without subsidies).
Expect frequent medical care or have chronic conditions	Consider Gold or Platinum plans	Higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
Prefer provider flexibility	Look for PPO plans available on Marketplace Virginia	More choice in doctors and hospitals, including out-of-network options (often at a higher cost).

Navigating the complexities of health insurance as a contractor can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. A licensed health insurance producer can help you understand your options, compare plans, and apply for financial assistance, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get health insurance as a contractor in Richmond County, Virginia?

Yes, contractors in Richmond County can access comprehensive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, Marketplace Virginia. You may qualify for significant subsidies based on your household income, making plans more affordable. Virginia also expanded Medicaid, which covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What are the income limits for health insurance subsidies in Richmond County?

Subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) are available for individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though under current law, even those above 400% FPL may qualify if benchmark plan costs exceed 8.5% of their income. For 2024, 100% FPL for an individual is $14,580, and 400% FPL is $58,320. These thresholds increase with household size.

What types of health plans are available to contractors in Richmond County?

In Richmond County, Virginia, contractors can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plans on the Marketplace Virginia exchange. PPO plans, which offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers (often at a higher cost), are available on-exchange in Virginia, alongside HMO and EPO options.

Do I qualify for Virginia Medicaid as a contractor?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify. For 2024, this is approximately $20,120 for an individual. Programs like Virginia Medicaid Expansion (FAMIS Plus) provide comprehensive, low-cost coverage. You can apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov.