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

Yes, part-time employment does not prevent you from qualifying for health insurance. You can enroll in a plan through HealthCare.gov (Virginia's marketplace) and may be eligible for subsidies based on your household income. Virginia Medicaid is also an option for those below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What are the income limits for Virginia Medicaid in Pulaski County?

In Pulaski County, adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid, also known as FAMIS Plus. For a single individual, this was approximately $20,783 per year in 2024. Eligibility for pregnant women and children extends to 200% FPL.

Are subsidies available for part-time workers in Pulaski County?

Yes, if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) to lower your monthly health insurance costs on HealthCare.gov. These subsidies can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for coverage in Pulaski County.

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

Part-Time Health Insurance in Pulaski County, Virginia

Q: What types of health plans are available on the marketplace in Pulaski County?

Residents of Pulaski County can choose from various plan types on HealthCare.gov, 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 choosing providers.

Part-time workers in Pulaski County can enroll in ACA plans through HealthCare.gov and may qualify for subsidies if their income is between 100% and 400% FPL.
Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) covers adults with income up to 138% FPL, providing comprehensive, low-cost coverage.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, serving Pulaski County with HMO, PPO, and EPO options.
The average uninsured rate in Pulaski County is 5.5%, lower than the national average, indicating good access to coverage.

Navigating health insurance options when working part-time in Pulaski County, Virginia, can seem challenging, but robust solutions are available. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, accessible through HealthCare.gov, provides comprehensive health plans regardless of your employment status. If your part-time income falls within certain ranges, you could qualify for significant financial assistance, making quality coverage affordable. Additionally, Virginia's expanded Medicaid program offers another pathway to coverage for those with lower incomes. Understanding these options is key to securing the health protection you need while working part-time.

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Understanding Health Insurance for Part-Time Workers in Pulaski County

For individuals working part-time in Pulaski County, the primary avenues for health insurance are typically through HealthCare.gov (Virginia's state-based marketplace using the federal platform) or Virginia Medicaid. Unlike full-time employment, part-time work often does not include employer-sponsored health benefits, making individual plans or public programs essential. The ACA marketplace offers a range of plans categorized by metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), each covering Essential Health Benefits and prohibiting denials based on pre-existing conditions. Crucially, your part-time status does not affect your eligibility for these plans or for financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which are based solely on your household income and family size. Pulaski County, with a population of 33,687 and a median age of 46.8 years, has an uninsured rate of 5.5%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This is a relatively low rate, suggesting that many residents are successfully accessing coverage through available programs and the marketplace. Lewisgale Hospital Pulaski, located in Pulaski, serves as the acute care hospital for county residents, providing essential services within the local community.

How Income Affects Your Health Insurance Options

Your household income is the most significant factor determining which health insurance options are available and how much they will cost in Pulaski County.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) Eligibility

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, making coverage available to more adults. If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (also known as FAMIS Plus). This program provides comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs. For a single individual, 138% FPL was approximately $20,783 annually in 2024. Virginia Medicaid also extends to pregnant women (FAMIS Moms) and children (FAMIS) with household incomes up to 200% FPL.

Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions

If your income is above 138% FPL but below 400% FPL, you will likely qualify for premium tax credits through HealthCare.gov. These subsidies reduce your monthly premium payments, making marketplace plans more affordable. For example, a single individual with an income of $35,000 (around 235% FPL) would receive substantial premium assistance. Additionally, if your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, you may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs). CSRs lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, making Silver-tier plans particularly valuable. These enhanced Silver plans offer a better value than standard Silver plans and can significantly reduce your financial exposure when you need medical care.

2024 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for Individuals and Families
Household Size	100% FPL	138% FPL (Medicaid Threshold)	250% FPL (CSRs Threshold)	400% FPL (Premium Tax Credit Cap)
1	$15,060	$20,783	$37,650	$60,240
2	$20,440	$28,210	$51,100	$81,760
3	$25,820	$35,637	$64,550	$103,280
4	$31,200	$43,064	$78,000	$124,800

Note: FPL figures are for 2024 and may be adjusted annually. Actual subsidy eligibility is based on these FPL percentages.

Health Insurance Carriers in Pulaski 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. This multi-county rating area ensures competitive options for residents. The confirmed local carriers providing plans through HealthCare.gov in Pulaski County include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

These carriers offer a variety of plan types, 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, providing shoppers in Pulaski County with more flexibility to choose providers both in-network and sometimes out-of-network, depending on the specific plan's structure. It's important to review each plan's provider network to ensure your preferred doctors and specialists are included.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Part-Time Lifestyle

When selecting a health insurance plan in Pulaski County, consider your anticipated healthcare needs and financial situation.

Bronze Plans: These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable if you are generally healthy and primarily want coverage for catastrophic events or preventive care.
Silver Plans: Offering moderate premiums and deductibles, Silver plans are a good balance. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions based on your income, an enhanced Silver plan provides excellent value with lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
Gold Plans: With higher monthly premiums, Gold plans have lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are ideal if you expect to use medical services frequently and prefer to pay more upfront for lower costs when you receive care.

Consider the median income in Pulaski County, which is $62,028, and the poverty rate of 14.4% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. These figures indicate a diverse economic landscape, reinforcing the need for tailored plan choices based on individual financial circumstances. If your income falls below the median, subsidies are very likely to play a crucial role in making coverage affordable.

Next Steps for Part-Time Health Insurance in Pulaski County

Securing health insurance as a part-time worker in Pulaski County involves a few key steps:

Estimate Your Income: Accurately estimate your total household income for the upcoming year. This is crucial for determining your eligibility for Virginia Medicaid or marketplace subsidies.
Explore HealthCare.gov: Visit HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment (typically November 1 - January 15) or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (due to a qualifying life event like losing other coverage, moving, or having a baby).
Check Virginia Medicaid Eligibility: If your income is below 138% FPL, apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) through commonhelp.virginia.gov.
Compare Plans: Review the available HMO, PPO, and EPO plans from carriers like CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare. Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and provider networks.

A licensed health insurance producer specializing in Virginia plans can provide personalized assistance, helping you understand your options, compare plans, and enroll in coverage that fits your needs and budget—all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get subsidies if I work part-time?

Yes, your employment status (full-time or part-time) does not impact your eligibility for subsidies. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level, not your work hours. If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL, you may qualify.

What is the difference between an HMO, PPO, and EPO plan in Pulaski County?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within their network and get referrals for specialists. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to see out-of-network providers, though at a higher cost, and usually do not require referrals. EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans are similar to HMOs in that they cover only in-network care, but you might not need a PCP referral to see specialists. In Virginia, all three plan types are available on HealthCare.gov.

What if I lose my part-time job? Can I still get health insurance?

Yes, losing your job, even a part-time one, is a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows you to enroll in a new health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov outside of the annual Open Enrollment period. You typically have 60 days from the date of job loss to enroll.

Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Virginia?

The federal penalty for not having health insurance was eliminated after 2018. Virginia does not currently have its own state-level penalty for not having minimum essential coverage. However, having health insurance protects you from potentially high medical costs in case of illness or injury.