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

Sentara Health Insurance in Covington, Virginia

Sentara Health Plans is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace plans in Covington's Rating Area 5 for 2026.
Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans in Covington, with PPOs widely available.
Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) covers adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, equivalent to about $20,783 for an individual in 2026.
Covington County has no acute care hospitals, meaning residents must travel to neighboring counties for hospital services.

Navigating health insurance options in Covington, Virginia, involves understanding both statewide programs and local plan availability. Sentara Health Plans is a key provider in the region, offering coverage through the Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov. For 2026, residents of Covington, part of Rating Area 5, have access to a variety of plans from Sentara Health Plans and five other confirmed carriers. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for significant financial assistance, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, or even Virginia Medicaid if your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

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How to Find Sentara Health Plans and Other Options in Covington

Residents of Covington seeking health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace can enroll via Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov. For the 2026 plan year, six carriers offer plans in Rating Area 5, which includes Covington and 18 other counties. Sentara Health Plans is one of these options, providing various plan designs to meet different healthcare needs and budgets. The marketplace allows you to compare plans based on monthly premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and network types like Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO). When selecting a plan, consider factors such as your preferred doctors, prescription drug needs, and expected medical services. While Covington County itself does not have acute care hospitals, residents frequently travel to facilities in neighboring counties. Sentara Health Plans, along with other carriers, maintain networks that facilitate access to care across the broader region.

Understanding Financial Assistance for Covington Residents

Many Covington residents qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. These subsidies are available through the Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Federal Poverty Level (FPL)	Assistance Available	Key Program
Up to 138% FPL	Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus)	Comprehensive, no-cost coverage for eligible adults.
100% - 400% FPL	Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)	Reduces monthly premium costs.
100% - 250% FPL	Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)	Lowers deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums (available only with Silver plans).
Above 400% FPL	Full-price marketplace plans	No subsidies, but still access to ACA-compliant plans.

For example, a single individual in Covington with an income up to approximately $20,783 (138% FPL for 2026) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid. Those with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL will likely receive premium tax credits to reduce their monthly premiums. If your income falls between 100% and 250% FPL, choosing a Silver plan can also unlock cost-sharing reductions, which significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.

Virginia Medicaid and CHIP Programs

Virginia has expanded its Medicaid program, known as Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus, making it available to adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This expansion, adopted in 2019, ensures that more low-income residents in Covington and across the state have access to comprehensive health coverage. Additionally, Virginia offers specific programs for pregnant women and children:

FAMIS Moms: Covers pregnant women with incomes up to 200% FPL. This includes prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and 12 months of postpartum care, extended under the American Rescue Plan. Applications can be submitted through commonhelp.virginia.gov.
FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security): Provides coverage for uninsured children in households up to 200% FPL. For children whose families earn between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select offers low-cost health insurance options.

Health Insurance Carriers in Covington

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. These carriers provide a range of plan types including HMO, PPO, and EPO structures. The confirmed carriers for Covington and Rating Area 5 are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

Covington, Virginia, part of Rating Area 5, serves a population of 5,680 with a median income of $41,944, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The uninsured rate stands at 7.0%, which is lower than the state average, indicating a relatively well-covered population for a rural area. However, Covington County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, meaning residents needing hospital services must travel to facilities in neighboring counties. This local context makes understanding carrier networks and out-of-area coverage particularly important for residents.

Making the Right Decision for Your Health Coverage

Choosing the right health plan in Covington depends on several factors, including your income, health needs, and preferred doctors. Here's a quick guide:

If your income is below 138% FPL: Apply for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) through commonhelp.virginia.gov. This is typically the most comprehensive and lowest-cost option.
If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL: You are likely eligible for significant premium tax credits. Use Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov to compare plans and apply these subsidies. Consider a Silver plan if your income is also below 250% FPL to benefit from cost-sharing reductions.
If you are pregnant or have children: Explore FAMIS Moms or FAMIS for children, which offer specific coverage options with higher income thresholds (up to 200% FPL).
If you need specific doctors or facilities: Review the provider networks of Sentara Health Plans and other carriers carefully, especially since Covington County lacks acute care hospitals. Ensure your preferred providers and hospitals in neighboring counties are in-network.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare plans, understand subsidies, and navigate the enrollment process at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Sentara Health Plans through the ACA marketplace in Covington?

Yes, Sentara Health Plans is one of six carriers offering plans on the Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov for residents in Covington, Virginia, and the broader Rating Area 5 for the 2026 plan year.

What types of health plans are available in Covington, VA?

Covington residents can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans on the Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov. PPO plans, including those from carriers like Cigna and United Healthcare, are available on-exchange in Virginia.

What income qualifies for Virginia Medicaid in Covington?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019. Adults in Covington with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). For a single individual in 2026, this threshold is approximately $20,783 annually.

Are there any hospitals in Covington County?

Covington County does not have any acute care hospitals within its boundaries. Residents needing acute care services typically travel to facilities in neighboring counties.

How do I apply for health insurance subsidies in Covington?

You can apply for health insurance subsidies, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, through the Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov. Your eligibility and the amount of assistance will be determined based on your household income and family size.