Part-Time Health Insurance in Richmond County, Virginia
- Part-time employment does NOT prevent you from getting comprehensive health insurance in Richmond County.
- Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) covers adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- ACA marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov offer subsidies for individuals and families earning 100-400% FPL.
- In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Richmond County, with HMO, PPO, and EPO options.
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Understanding Your Health Insurance Options as a Part-Time Worker
As a part-time employee in Richmond County, you have several primary avenues for obtaining health insurance:- Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov): This is the primary route for individuals and families to purchase health insurance. Plans are offered by private insurance companies, and you may qualify for subsidies to significantly reduce your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
- Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus): Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage. This is a crucial option for many part-time workers.
- Employer-Sponsored Plans: While less common for part-time roles, some employers do offer health benefits to their part-time staff. Always check with your employer about any available options.
- Direct from Insurers: You can purchase plans directly from insurance companies outside of the marketplace. However, these plans are not eligible for ACA subsidies, making them generally more expensive if you qualify for financial assistance.
Qualifying for Subsidies on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov)
Many part-time workers in Richmond County qualify for financial assistance, known as premium tax credits or subsidies, when enrolling through Marketplace Virginia. These subsidies help lower the monthly cost of your health insurance premium. To be eligible for subsidies:- Your household income must be between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- You must not be eligible for affordable employer-sponsored coverage that meets minimum value standards.
- You must not be eligible for Virginia Medicaid or Medicare.
Virginia Medicaid for Part-Time Workers
Virginia's Medicaid expansion provides a vital safety net for many part-time workers in Richmond County. If your income falls below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for comprehensive health coverage through Virginia Medicaid (also known as FAMIS Plus). This program covers a wide range of medical services with no or very low out-of-pocket costs. For a single individual, 138% FPL translates to an annual income of approximately $20,780 in 2026. These income thresholds are adjusted annually based on federal guidelines. Virginia Medicaid also offers specialized programs like FAMIS Moms for pregnant women (up to 200% FPL) and FAMIS for children (up to 200% FPL), with FAMIS Select providing low-cost coverage for children between 200% and 400% FPL. Applications can be submitted through commonhelp.virginia.gov.Health Insurance Carriers in Richmond County
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which encompasses Richmond County. These carriers provide a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Virginia is one of the states where PPO plans ARE available on-exchange, offering Richmond County residents more choices in how they access care. The confirmed carriers for Richmond County's Rating Area 3 for the 2026 plan year include:- CareFirst BlueChoice
- Cigna
- HealthKeepers
- Oscar Health
- Sentara Health Plans
- United Healthcare
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Part-Time Income
The best health insurance plan for you as a part-time worker in Richmond County will depend on your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a general guide:| Your Income Level (as % FPL) | Recommended Action / Plan Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Below 138% FPL | Apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) | Comprehensive, low-cost or free coverage; broad benefits. |
| 138% - 250% FPL | Consider Enhanced Silver Plans on Marketplace Virginia | Significant premium subsidies and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) for lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. |
| 250% - 400% FPL | Explore Bronze, Silver, or Gold Plans on Marketplace Virginia | Premium tax credits help reduce monthly costs; choice of plan tiers based on expected medical use. Bronze plans have lower premiums, higher deductibles. Gold plans have higher premiums, lower deductibles. |
| Above 400% FPL | Shop for Bronze, Silver, or Gold Plans on Marketplace Virginia or directly from insurers | No premium subsidies, but guaranteed issue plans with comprehensive benefits. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get health insurance if I work part-time in Richmond County, Virginia?
Yes, absolutely. Part-time employment does not disqualify you from obtaining comprehensive health insurance. You can explore plans through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) to potentially qualify for subsidies, or consider Virginia Medicaid if your income meets the eligibility criteria of up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What are the income limits for Virginia Medicaid for a part-time worker?
In Virginia, adults can qualify for Medicaid (Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus) if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, in 2026, a single individual earning less than approximately $20,780 annually would likely qualify. These thresholds are updated annually.
How do ACA subsidies work for part-time employees in Richmond County?
If your income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) through Marketplace Virginia. These subsidies lower your monthly premium for plans purchased on the exchange. The exact amount depends on your household income, size, and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in Rating Area 3.
What types of health plans are available to part-time workers in Richmond County?
In Richmond 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. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, offering more flexibility in provider choice.