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

Finding Part-Time Health Insurance in Roanoke County, Virginia

Part-time workers in Roanoke County can access health insurance through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov).
Individuals earning between $14,580 and $58,320 (100-400% FPL in 2024) may qualify for significant subsidies.
Virginia Medicaid is available for adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, approximately $20,120 for an individual in 2024.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options.

For part-time workers in Roanoke County, Virginia, securing affordable health insurance is crucial for maintaining well-being without the benefit of employer-sponsored coverage. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, known as Marketplace Virginia, provides a robust platform to find comprehensive health plans, often with substantial financial assistance. Whether your part-time income is modest or higher, options exist to ensure you and your family have access to essential healthcare services. This guide will walk you through the specifics of finding and enrolling in health insurance plans tailored for part-time employment in Roanoke County.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Part-Time Workers?

Part-time employment typically means you do not receive health benefits from your job. In Roanoke County, your primary avenues for health insurance will be through Marketplace Virginia, Virginia Medicaid, or FAMIS programs for children and pregnant women.

Marketplace Virginia (ACA Plans): This is the most common path for part-time individuals and families. Plans purchased here are comprehensive, covering essential health benefits like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Crucially, many part-time workers qualify for premium tax credits that lower monthly premiums and cost-sharing reductions that reduce deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Eligibility for these subsidies depends on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Virginia Medicaid / FAMIS Plus: Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019. This means that adults, including part-time workers, with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for no-cost or very low-cost health coverage. For 2024, this is approximately $20,120 for an individual. Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) also covers pregnant women with income up to 200% FPL, and FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security) covers uninsured children up to 200% FPL. You can apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Off-Marketplace Plans: While you can purchase plans directly from insurance carriers outside the marketplace, these plans do not qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. For most part-time workers seeking affordable coverage, the marketplace offers the best value due to potential subsidies.

Understanding Subsidies and Eligibility in Roanoke County

Financial assistance is a key component of making health insurance affordable for part-time workers. The amount of assistance you receive is based on your household income and size.

Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Range	Assistance Type	Key Benefit for Part-Time Workers
Below 138% FPL	Virginia Medicaid / FAMIS Plus	Comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health insurance. For an individual, this is approximately $20,120 annually in 2024.
100% - 250% FPL	Premium Tax Credits & Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)	Significant reduction in monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays) on Silver plans.
251% - 400% FPL	Premium Tax Credits	Reduces monthly premiums, making plans more affordable. For an individual, up to $58,320 annually in 2024.
Above 400% FPL	No Income-Based Subsidies	You can still purchase a plan on Marketplace Virginia, but you will pay the full premium.

Roanoke County's population of 97,023 has an uninsured rate of 3.9%, which is relatively low compared to some other areas. The median income here is $83,709, and the poverty rate is 7.3%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. These figures indicate that many residents, including those working part-time, may fall into income brackets where subsidies are highly beneficial or Medicaid is an option.

Health Insurance Carriers in Roanoke County

Roanoke County is part of Virginia Rating Area 5, which also covers Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Covington, Craig, Floyd, Galax, Grayson, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, Salem, Smyth, and Wythe counties. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, providing a range of choices for part-time workers. The confirmed carriers offering plans in Roanoke County for 2026 include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

These carriers offer various plan types, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs). PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Virginia, offering consumers more flexibility in provider choice compared to some other states. When selecting a plan, it is essential to review the specific network of each carrier to ensure your preferred doctors and local facilities, such as Carilion Medical Center in Roanoke, are included.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Part-Time Lifestyle

Selecting a health plan involves balancing premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs with your expected healthcare needs. Here's a breakdown of common plan tiers:

Bronze Plans: These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable if you expect to use healthcare services infrequently and want protection against catastrophic events.
Silver Plans: Offering moderate premiums and deductibles, Silver plans are unique because they are the only plans eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs). If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, a Silver plan can offer significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, making them an excellent value for part-time workers.
Gold Plans: With higher monthly premiums, Gold plans have lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are ideal if you anticipate needing more medical care throughout the year and prefer to pay more upfront for lower costs when you receive services.
Catastrophic Plans: Available to those under 30 or with a hardship exemption, these plans have very low premiums and extremely high deductibles. They are primarily for emergency coverage and are not eligible for premium tax credits.

Consider your health status, prescription needs, and budget when choosing. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan often provides the best overall value.

Next Steps for Part-Time Health Insurance in Roanoke County

Navigating the health insurance landscape can seem complex, but help is available. Here's a guide to your next steps:

Estimate Your Income: Your projected household income for the upcoming year is crucial for determining eligibility for Virginia Medicaid or marketplace subsidies. Be as accurate as possible, as changes in income can affect your financial assistance.
Explore Marketplace Virginia: Visit HealthCare.gov or Marketplace Virginia to browse plans available in Roanoke County. You will need to create an account and provide information about your household and income to see personalized plan options and subsidy estimates.
Compare Plans Carefully: Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, copayments, and the network of doctors and hospitals. Ensure your preferred providers, like Carilion Medical Center, are in-network.
Consider Medicaid (FAMIS Plus): If your income is at or below 138% FPL, apply for Virginia Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov. This program offers extensive coverage at little to no cost.
Get Expert Assistance: A licensed health insurance producer can provide free, unbiased guidance. They can help you understand your options, compare plans, and enroll in coverage that fits your unique situation as a part-time worker in Roanoke County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get marketplace subsidies if I work part-time in Roanoke County?

Yes, if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through Marketplace Virginia. For 2024, 100% FPL for an individual is $14,580, and 400% FPL is $58,320. These subsidies significantly lower your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs.

What if my part-time income is very low in Roanoke County?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, meaning adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. For an individual, this threshold is approximately $20,120 per year in 2024. If you qualify, you'll receive comprehensive, low-cost health coverage.

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

In Roanoke County, you can choose from various plan types on Marketplace Virginia, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs). PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, offering more flexibility in choosing providers outside a specific network.

Can I keep my current doctor with a new part-time health plan?

It depends on the plan you choose. HMO and EPO plans typically require you to stay within a network of providers, while PPO plans offer more flexibility to see out-of-network doctors for a higher cost. It's crucial to check if your preferred doctors and Carilion Medical Center are in-network with any plan you consider before enrolling.