Part-Time Health Insurance in Washington County, Virginia

Part-time workers in Washington County can access coverage through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) or Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus).
Virginia Medicaid is available for individuals with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), approximately $20,782 for an individual in 2024.
Subsidies are available on Marketplace Virginia for individuals earning between 100% and 400% FPL to reduce monthly premiums.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 6, which includes Washington County, with HMO, PPO, and EPO options.

Navigating health insurance options when working part-time in Washington County, Virginia, can seem challenging, but robust solutions are available. Your employment status does not disqualify you from obtaining quality, affordable health coverage. Most part-time residents will find their best options through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) or through Virginia's expanded Medicaid program, FAMIS Plus, depending on their income and household size. These avenues provide comprehensive benefits, often with significant financial assistance to make premiums and out-of-pocket costs manageable.

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

For part-time workers in Washington County, the primary avenues for health insurance are the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and Virginia's Medicaid program. These options are designed to provide coverage regardless of full-time employment status, focusing instead on income, household size, and residency.

Washington County, part of Virginia Rating Area 6, which covers Bristol, Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Norton, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise counties, serves a population of 53,926. According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, the county has a median income of $64,552 and an uninsured rate of 6.7%, highlighting the need for accessible coverage options.

Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov)

The ACA marketplace offers a range of plans with varying levels of coverage (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and cost structures. Crucially, it provides premium tax credits (subsidies) that can significantly lower your monthly payments, especially if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These subsidies are tied to your income, not your employment hours. Marketplace Virginia also offers cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) for those with incomes up to 250% FPL, reducing deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, particularly when enrolling in a Silver plan.

Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019, meaning adults with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for coverage. For an individual, this threshold is approximately $20,782 per year in 2024. Virginia Medicaid, known as FAMIS Plus for adults, provides comprehensive health benefits with little to no cost for eligible residents. This is often the most affordable and comprehensive option for those with lower part-time incomes. Pregnant women in Virginia may qualify for FAMIS Moms with incomes up to 200% FPL, and children may qualify for FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security) up to 200% FPL, or FAMIS Select for low-cost coverage between 200% and 400% FPL. You can apply for these programs through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Understanding Eligibility and Subsidies for Part-Time Income

Your eligibility for marketplace subsidies or Medicaid hinges primarily on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and household size. Part-time income is fully counted toward your MAGI.

Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines (2024)

The following table provides a general reference for FPL thresholds. Actual subsidy amounts are calculated based on your specific income and household details.

Household Size	100% FPL	138% FPL (Medicaid Eligibility)	250% FPL (Enhanced Silver)	400% FPL (Max Subsidy Eligibility)
1	$14,580	$20,122	$36,450	$58,320
2	$19,720	$27,214	$49,300	$78,880
3	$24,860	$34,306	$62,150	$99,440
4	$30,000	$41,399	$75,000	$120,000

Note: FPL figures are subject to annual updates. Use these as estimates.

How Subsidies Work

If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL, you will likely qualify for premium tax credits. These credits can be applied directly to your monthly premiums, reducing the amount you pay out-of-pocket. For example, an individual earning $30,000 (just over 200% FPL) might pay a significantly reduced premium for a Silver plan. Enhanced Silver plans, available to those under 250% FPL, offer lower deductibles and copays, providing additional savings.

Health Insurance Carriers in Washington County

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 6, which includes Washington 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 an expansion state where PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering more choice for consumers. The confirmed carriers serving Washington County for the 2026 plan year are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

Residents of Washington County have access to Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon for acute care services, which is part of the broader network offered by these carriers. When selecting a plan, it is important to verify that your preferred doctors and facilities, including Johnston Memorial Hospital, are in-network.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Part-Time Needs

Your ideal health insurance plan will depend on your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a decision-making framework:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This is generally the most comprehensive and lowest-cost option. Apply through commonhelp.virginia.gov.
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL: Focus on Silver plans through Marketplace Virginia. You will qualify for significant premium tax credits and may also receive cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductibles and copays.
If your income is between 250% and 400% FPL: You will still qualify for premium tax credits on Marketplace Virginia. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans to find the best balance of monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs for your expected healthcare usage.
If your income is above 400% FPL: You can still purchase plans through Marketplace Virginia, but you will not qualify for subsidies. You may also consider off-exchange plans directly from carriers, though these generally offer fewer options than the marketplace in Virginia.

Consider your expected healthcare usage. If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or have chronic conditions, a Silver or Gold plan with lower out-of-pocket costs might be more economical in the long run, even with a slightly higher premium. If you are generally healthy and only expect preventative care, a Bronze plan with a lower premium might be suitable, provided you are comfortable with a higher deductible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, part-time employment does not prevent you from qualifying for health insurance through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov), Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus), or private off-exchange plans. Eligibility is primarily based on income and household size, not employment status.

What are my options if my part-time income is low in Washington County?

If your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — approximately $20,782 for an individual in 2024 — you may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus), which provides comprehensive, low-cost coverage. For those slightly above this threshold, significant subsidies are available on Marketplace Virginia to reduce premium costs.

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

Yes, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for premium tax credits through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). These subsidies can significantly lower your monthly health insurance premiums, making coverage more affordable, regardless of your employment status.

Which plan types are available through Marketplace Virginia in Washington County?

In Washington County, residents can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans offered by carriers like CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, Sentara Health Plans, and United Healthcare through Marketplace Virginia.