Can I get ACA subsidies if I work part-time in Montgomery County, VA?

Yes, if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and you do not have access to affordable, employer-sponsored health coverage, you may qualify for subsidies on Marketplace Virginia. Virginia expanded Medicaid, so individuals below 138% FPL may qualify for Virginia Medicaid instead.

What are the health insurance options for part-time employees in Montgomery County, Virginia?

Part-time employees in Montgomery County can typically choose between plans on Marketplace Virginia, Virginia Medicaid (if income-eligible), or short-term health insurance plans. The best option depends on your income, health needs, and how long you need coverage.

Is Virginia Medicaid available for part-time workers?

Yes, Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus), regardless of their employment status. This provides comprehensive coverage with no premiums or deductibles.

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

Part-Time Health Insurance Options in Montgomery County, Virginia

Part-time workers in Montgomery County earning between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for significant subsidies on Marketplace Virginia.
Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) is available for adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, offering comprehensive coverage at no cost.
In 2026, six carriers offer diverse plan types, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options, in Montgomery County's Rating Area 5.
Montgomery County has an uninsured rate of 4.8%, lower than the national average, indicating robust coverage options.

Navigating health insurance can be challenging, especially for part-time employees who may not receive benefits through their job. In Montgomery County, Virginia, part-time workers have several avenues to secure affordable health coverage, primarily through Marketplace Virginia (the state-based marketplace using the federal platform, HealthCare.gov) or Virginia Medicaid. Thanks to Virginia's Medicaid expansion in 2019, more residents now qualify for low-cost or free coverage, providing a crucial safety net. Understanding your income, household size, and specific health needs will help determine the best path to coverage.

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Understanding Your Health Insurance Options as a Part-Time Worker

For individuals working part-time in Montgomery County, the primary health insurance options revolve around the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and Virginia's expanded Medicaid program. Your eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid will largely depend on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Marketplace Virginia (ACA Plans)

If your employer does not offer affordable health insurance, or if you decline it, you can purchase a plan through Marketplace Virginia. These plans are comprehensive, covering essential health benefits like prescription drugs, mental health care, maternity care, and preventive services. Critically, these plans cannot deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. Subsidies: If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the FPL, you may qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) that significantly lower your monthly premiums. Many people find plans for under $100 per month after subsidies. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, you might also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, which reduce your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. These are only available on Silver-tier plans. Plan Tiers: Marketplace plans are categorized into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, reflecting the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums and highest out-of-pocket costs, while Platinum plans have the highest premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs. Plan Types: In Virginia, consumers on Marketplace Virginia can choose from a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, offering more flexibility in provider choice compared to HMOs or EPOs, though they may come with higher premiums.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, 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 health coverage. Virginia Medicaid typically has no monthly premiums, deductibles, or copayments, making it a vital option for low-income individuals. You can apply for Virginia Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov. Montgomery County, part of Virginia 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, serves a population of 99,101 with an uninsured rate of 4.8% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This relatively low uninsured rate reflects the availability of robust coverage options, including those offered by the two acute care hospitals in the county: Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg and Lewisgale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg.

Health Insurance Carriers in Montgomery County

In 2026, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, which includes Montgomery County. This provides a competitive environment with a variety of plan options for residents. These confirmed local carriers include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, consider which carriers offer plans that include your preferred doctors and hospitals in their network, and compare the different plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO) and metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) to find the best fit for your budget and health needs.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Part-Time Workers

Choosing the right health insurance plan as a part-time worker in Montgomery County involves evaluating your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a decision-making guide:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This is generally the most affordable and comprehensive option, with no monthly premiums. Apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov.
If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL: You are eligible for significant premium tax credits on Marketplace Virginia. Explore Silver plans, especially if your income is below 250% FPL, as they come with Cost-Sharing Reductions that lower your out-of-pocket costs.
If your income is above 400% FPL: While you won't qualify for subsidies, you can still purchase a comprehensive plan through Marketplace Virginia. Consider Bronze plans for lower premiums or Gold/Platinum plans if you anticipate high medical expenses.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these options, compare plans from CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare, and enroll in a plan that meets your needs, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for Virginia Medicaid in Montgomery County?

For most adults in Virginia, including those in Montgomery County, the income limit for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This means an individual earning below this threshold may qualify for free or very low-cost health coverage.

Can I buy a PPO plan on Marketplace Virginia?

Yes, PPO plans are available on Marketplace Virginia. Unlike some other states, Virginia's marketplace offers a choice of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans. Carriers like HealthKeepers and Cigna offer PPO options in Montgomery County's Rating Area 5.

What if I lose my part-time job? Is that a qualifying life event?

Losing your job, even a part-time one, is generally considered a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Marketplace Virginia. This allows you to enroll in a new health insurance plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. You typically have 60 days from the date of job loss to enroll.

Are short-term health insurance plans a good option for part-time workers?

Short-term health insurance plans offer temporary, limited coverage and are generally not recommended as a primary health insurance solution. They do not cover essential health benefits, can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and have caps on benefits. They can be an option for very specific, temporary gaps in coverage, but ACA-compliant plans or Virginia Medicaid are almost always superior for comprehensive protection.