Health Insurance Options for Part-Time Workers in Arlington County, Virginia

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

Part-time workers in Arlington County can enroll in health insurance through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) or Virginia Medicaid.
Virginia Medicaid covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is approximately $21,000 annually for a single person in 2026.
Premium tax credits are available for those above 138% FPL, significantly reducing monthly costs for ACA plans.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer HMO, PPO, and EPO plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Arlington County.

Navigating health insurance as a part-time worker in Arlington County, Virginia, presents several pathways to securing coverage. If your employer does not offer health benefits, or if the offered plan is not affordable, you are not without options. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, known in Virginia as Marketplace Virginia (which uses HealthCare.gov), is a primary resource for individuals seeking comprehensive health plans. Additionally, Virginia's expanded Medicaid program provides a critical safety net for lower-income residents. Understanding your income, household size, and the types of plans available in Rating Area 1 will help you make an informed decision about your health coverage.

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Understanding Your Health Insurance Choices in Arlington County

For part-time workers in Arlington County, your health insurance options generally fall into two main categories: marketplace plans (ACA plans) and Virginia Medicaid. The choice between these largely depends on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Virginia, having expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, offers coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, a significant advantage for many part-time employees. If your income is above this threshold, you will likely be eligible for subsidies on Marketplace Virginia that can substantially lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Arlington County, with a population of 236,254 and an uninsured rate of 5.3% (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates), is part of Virginia Rating Area 1. This rating area also covers Alexandria, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Loudoun, Madison, Manassas, Manassas Park, Orange, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Warren counties. This regional context means that plan availability and pricing are consistent across these 18 counties, offering a wide array of choices for residents. Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington serves as a key acute care facility for the county's residents.

ACA Marketplace Plans and Subsidies

If your income exceeds the Medicaid eligibility threshold, you can shop for plans on Marketplace Virginia. The marketplace offers four main metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers reflect the actuarial value of the plan, meaning the percentage of healthcare costs the plan is expected to cover:

Bronze plans: Cover approximately 60% of costs, with you paying 40%. They have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs when you need care.
Silver plans: Cover approximately 70% of costs. These are particularly valuable for those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which can increase the plan's actuarial value to 73%, 87%, or even 94%, significantly lowering deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Gold plans: Cover approximately 80% of costs. They have higher premiums than Bronze or Silver but lower out-of-pocket costs, making them suitable for individuals who anticipate needing more medical care.
Platinum plans: Cover approximately 90% of costs. These have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs, offering the most comprehensive coverage.

In Virginia, marketplace shoppers can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) structures. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Virginia, offering greater flexibility in choosing providers without a referral, which is a key advantage for many consumers. Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available to reduce your monthly premium, making coverage more affordable. Eligibility for these subsidies extends to individuals and families with incomes up to 400% FPL. For part-time workers, these subsidies are crucial in accessing affordable health insurance.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, now known as Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. This means that adults, including part-time workers, with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $21,000 annually in 2026. Eligibility for Medicaid is not tied to employment status, only to income and household size.

For pregnant women, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) provides coverage for those with incomes up to 200% FPL, covering prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care. Children in households with incomes up to 200% FPL can qualify for FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security), with FAMIS Select offering low-cost options for children between 200% and 400% FPL. If you believe you might qualify for Virginia Medicaid, you can apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Arlington County

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Arlington County. These carriers provide a range of plan types, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, giving part-time workers a variety of choices to fit their healthcare needs and budget. The confirmed local carriers for this area are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, it is important to review the specific network of providers for each carrier to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as Virginia Hospital Center, are included.

Making the Best Decision for Your Coverage

Choosing the right health insurance plan as a part-time worker in Arlington County involves assessing your income, healthcare needs, and budget.

If your household income is at or below 138% FPL: You will likely qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This provides comprehensive coverage with very low or no out-of-pocket costs.
If your household income is between 138% FPL and 400% FPL: You are eligible for significant premium tax credits on Marketplace Virginia, making ACA plans much more affordable. Consider Silver plans for potential cost-sharing reductions if your income is closer to the lower end of this range.
If your household income is above 400% FPL: While you won't qualify for premium tax credits, you can still purchase a plan through Marketplace Virginia at full price. You may also explore off-marketplace plans, though these do not offer subsidies.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these options, compare plans from different carriers, and ensure you receive all eligible subsidies. This service is typically free to you, providing expert guidance without added cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get health insurance if I only work part-time in Arlington County?

Yes, part-time employment does not prevent you from enrolling in health insurance. If your employer does not offer coverage, or if it's unaffordable, you can explore plans on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov), Virginia Medicaid, or FAMIS programs. Eligibility for subsidies and Medicaid depends on your household income and size.

What are the income limits for Medicaid in Virginia for part-time workers?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, allowing adults, including part-time workers, to qualify with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual in 2026, this threshold is approximately $21,000 annually. Pregnant women may qualify up to 200% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL for FAMIS.

Are there subsidies available for part-time health insurance in Arlington County?

Yes, if your income is above the Medicaid threshold (138% FPL) and below 400% FPL, you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through Marketplace Virginia. These subsidies significantly lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making ACA plans more affordable for part-time workers.

What types of health plans are available for part-time workers in Arlington County?

In Arlington County, part-time workers can choose from various plan types on Marketplace Virginia, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. These plans are offered by multiple carriers, such as CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, and United Healthcare, providing a range of network and cost options.