Can I get Oscar Health plans through HealthCare.gov in Bedford County?

Yes, Oscar Health plans are available through HealthCare.gov (or Marketplace Virginia) in Bedford County, Virginia. As one of 6 carriers serving Rating Area 5 in 2026, Oscar Health offers various plan types, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, which may be eligible for premium tax credits based on your income.

What types of Oscar Health plans are available in Bedford County?

In Bedford County, Oscar Health, along with other carriers, offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans on the health insurance marketplace. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, providing more flexibility in choosing providers outside a specific network.

What income qualifies for health insurance subsidies in Bedford County, VA?

In Bedford County, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for significant subsidies, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, to lower their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Those below 138% FPL may qualify for Virginia Medicaid.

Oscar Health Insurance Plans in Bedford County, VA for 2026

In 2026, 6 carriers, including Oscar Health, offer marketplace health insurance plans in Bedford County, Virginia.
Bedford County is part of Virginia Rating Area 5, which covers 19 counties.
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, allowing adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify.
The median household income in Bedford County is $78,937, and the uninsured rate is 5.7%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

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

For 2026, residents of Bedford County, Virginia, looking for health insurance can find a range of options, including plans from Oscar Health. Oscar Health is one of six confirmed carriers offering coverage through the health insurance marketplace in Rating Area 5, which includes Bedford County. Whether you're seeking individual, family, or small business coverage, understanding the local options and financial assistance available can help you choose the right plan. Virginia's expanded Medicaid program also offers a safety net for lower-income residents, while federal subsidies significantly reduce the cost of marketplace plans for many.

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What Oscar Health Plans Are Available in Bedford County, VA?

Oscar Health offers a variety of health insurance plans in Bedford County through Marketplace Virginia, the state's health insurance exchange that uses the federal platform, HealthCare.gov. These plans typically fall into different metal tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each offering a different balance of monthly premiums versus out-of-pocket costs. For 2026, Oscar Health provides options that include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. In Virginia, PPO plans are available on-exchange, giving consumers more flexibility in choosing providers compared to HMO or EPO plans, which typically require you to stay within a specific network or get referrals for specialists.

When evaluating Oscar Health plans, consider the network of doctors and hospitals. Bedford County is home to Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital, an acute care facility located in Bedford. Ensure that your chosen Oscar Health plan includes access to your preferred local providers and specialists, especially if you have ongoing medical needs or specific doctor preferences. A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare Oscar Health's network against other carriers in your area.

Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies in Bedford County

Many Bedford County residents qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. These subsidies, known as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, are available through HealthCare.gov:

Premium Tax Credits: These reduce your monthly premium payment. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2026, individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% FPL can qualify. For example, a single person with an income of $35,000 per year would likely receive a significant premium tax credit.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are typically offered to individuals and families earning between 100% and 250% FPL. Choosing an Enhanced Silver plan can provide substantial savings on healthcare expenses when you use medical services.

Virginia's Medicaid expansion in 2019 means that adults with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost health coverage through Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. For example, a single adult earning up to approximately $20,783 per year in 2026 would be eligible for Medicaid. This is a crucial safety net for lower-income residents in Bedford County, which has a poverty rate of 8.1% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Health Insurance Carriers in Bedford 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. Bedford County's 80,894 residents, with a median age of 47.2 years, have access to a competitive marketplace. The confirmed local carriers for this rating area are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

Each of these carriers offers a range of plan types, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, with varying networks and benefit designs. It is important to compare plans not only by premium but also by deductibles, copays, and the specific hospitals and doctors included in their networks to ensure your healthcare needs are met.

Choosing the Right Plan in Bedford County

When selecting a health insurance plan in Bedford County, consider your anticipated healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred providers. Here's a guide to help you:

If you rarely visit the doctor: A Bronze plan might be suitable. These plans have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles, meaning you pay more out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in. They are designed for catastrophic coverage.
If you have moderate healthcare needs or qualify for CSRs: A Silver plan is often the best choice. If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, you can receive cost-sharing reductions on a Silver plan, significantly lowering your deductibles and copays.
If you have chronic conditions or frequently visit the doctor: A Gold or Platinum plan offers higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, providing more predictable expenses throughout the year.
If your income is below 138% FPL: Apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This program offers comprehensive health coverage with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. Pregnant women in Virginia can qualify for FAMIS Moms with incomes up to 200% FPL, and children are covered by FAMIS up to 200% FPL.

Bedford County's 5.7% uninsured rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is below the national average, indicating that many residents are covered. However, it's essential to ensure you have adequate coverage that fits your budget and health requirements. A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the options available through HealthCare.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my current doctor with an Oscar Health plan in Bedford County?

Whether you can keep your current doctor depends on the specific Oscar Health plan you choose and whether your doctor is part of that plan's network. Oscar Health, like other carriers, has specific networks for its HMO, PPO, and EPO plans. It is crucial to verify that your preferred doctors and any local facilities like Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital are in-network before enrolling.

What is Virginia Rating Area 5?

Virginia Rating Area 5 is a geographic area used by health insurance carriers to set plan prices. It encompasses 19 counties, including Bedford, Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Carroll, Covington, Craig, Floyd, Galax, Grayson, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, Roanoke, Roanoke, Salem, Smyth, and Wythe. All carriers offering plans in this rating area use the same base rates, though specific plan designs and benefits will vary.

How do I apply for health insurance in Bedford County?

You can apply for health insurance in Bedford County through HealthCare.gov, which serves as Marketplace Virginia. During the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can compare plans, apply for subsidies, and enroll. If you experience a qualifying life event outside of open enrollment, such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.