Health Insurance in Accomack County, Virginia: 2026 Plans & Enrollment
- Virginia's marketplace, Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov, offers subsidies to residents of Accomack County with incomes up to 400% FPL.
- In 2026, six carriers—CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare—offer plans in Accomack County's Rating Area 8.
- Adults in Accomack County with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus), which expanded in 2019.
- The uninsured rate in Accomack County is 11.0%, according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
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What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Accomack County?
Residents of Accomack County have several pathways to securing health insurance coverage, primarily through Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov or Virginia's robust Medicaid programs. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace provides a range of private health plans, categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These plans cover essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Virginia's marketplace is unique in that it offers a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. This means that marketplace shoppers in Accomack County have the flexibility to choose a plan structure that aligns with their preferred provider access and cost-sharing preferences, with PPO options being available on-exchange. Financial assistance, known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), is available to make marketplace plans more affordable. APTCs reduce your monthly premium, while CSRs lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Eligibility for these subsidies is based on your household income and family size, with APTCs available up to 400% FPL and CSRs typically associated with Silver plans for incomes up to 250% FPL.Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS Programs in Accomack County
Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, significantly broadening access to health coverage for low-income adults. In Accomack County, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This program provides comprehensive health benefits with no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs. Beyond adult expansion, Virginia also offers specialized Medicaid and FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security) programs for specific populations:- FAMIS Moms: Pregnant women in Accomack County with household incomes up to 200% FPL can receive coverage for prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care. This extended postpartum coverage was adopted by Virginia under the American Rescue Plan.
- FAMIS (CHIP): Uninsured children in households up to 200% FPL are eligible for FAMIS, which offers low-cost health and dental coverage.
- FAMIS Select: For children with household incomes between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select provides an affordable, low-cost coverage option.
Health Insurance Carriers in Accomack County
For the 2026 plan year, residents of Accomack County have a strong selection of health insurance carriers offering plans through Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov. In 2026, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 8, which covers Accomack, Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bland, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Cumberland, Danville, Emporia, Essex, Fluvanna, Giles, Gloucester, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Louisa, Lunenburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nelson, Northumberland, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George, Sussex, Westmoreland, Winchester counties. These carriers include:- CareFirst BlueChoice
- Cigna
- HealthKeepers
- Oscar Health
- Sentara Health Plans
- United Healthcare
Understanding Costs and Subsidies in Accomack County
The actual cost of health insurance in Accomack County varies significantly based on your household income, family size, age, and the specific plan you choose. However, federal subsidies can substantially reduce these costs.| Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Range | Potential Financial Assistance | Impact on Monthly Premiums |
|---|---|---|
| Below 138% FPL | Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) | Typically no monthly premium, minimal out-of-pocket costs. |
| 138% - 250% FPL | Enhanced Premium Tax Credits & Cost-Sharing Reductions | Very low monthly premiums, reduced deductibles and copayments (especially with Silver plans). |
| 251% - 400% FPL | Enhanced Premium Tax Credits | Significantly reduced monthly premiums, ensuring affordability. |
| Above 400% FPL | No income-based subsidies | Full premium cost, but still access to marketplace plans at competitive rates. |
Local Healthcare Landscape in Accomack County
Accomack County, with a population of 33,335, plays a vital role in Virginia's Eastern Shore region. The county's healthcare infrastructure includes Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, located in Onancock, which provides acute care services to residents. Accomack County is part of Virginia Rating Area 8, which covers 43 counties and helps standardize health plan pricing across the region. According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, the county has a median income of $58,993 and an uninsured rate of 11.0%, which is slightly above the state average. This local context underscores the importance of accessible and affordable health insurance options for the community.Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Accomack County
Choosing the right health insurance plan requires evaluating your income, health needs, and budget. Here’s a guide to help you decide:- If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This is generally the most comprehensive and lowest-cost option. Apply directly through commonhelp.virginia.gov.
- If your income is between 138% and 250% FPL: You are eligible for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions. A Silver plan is often the best value, as CSRs make deductibles and copayments much lower.
- If your income is between 251% and 400% FPL: You still qualify for Premium Tax Credits to lower your monthly premiums. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans based on your expected healthcare usage and preferred out-of-pocket costs.
- If your income is above 400% FPL: You will pay the full premium for any marketplace plan. Consider high-deductible plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if you are generally healthy, or Gold/Platinum plans for more comprehensive coverage with lower out-of-pocket costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a PPO health plan through the marketplace in Accomack County?
Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov in Accomack County. Virginia offers a choice of HMO, PPO, and EPO plan structures, allowing residents to select the network type that best fits their needs.
What are the income limits for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) in Accomack County?
Adults in Accomack County with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). For pregnant women, the income limit for FAMIS Moms is 200% FPL, and children can qualify for FAMIS (CHIP) up to 200% FPL.
How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Accomack County's rating area?
For the 2026 plan year, six health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 8, which includes Accomack County. These carriers are CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare.
Where can I apply for health insurance in Accomack County?
You can apply for marketplace health insurance plans through Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov during the annual Open Enrollment Period or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. For Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS programs, applications can be submitted via commonhelp.virginia.gov.