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

Sentara Health Insurance Plans in Giles County, Virginia

Sentara Health Plans is one of 6 health insurance carriers offering plans in Giles County for the 2026 plan year.
Giles County is part of Virginia Rating Area 8, which includes 43 counties across the state.
Virginia Medicaid is expanded to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), covering adults with income up to approximately $22,300 for an individual.
Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types, with PPO options available on-exchange.

If you're looking for health insurance options in Giles County, Virginia, including plans from Sentara Health Plans, you have several choices available through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). In 2026, Sentara Health Plans is among the 6 carriers providing coverage in this region. You may qualify for financial assistance, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, to lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, depending on your household income. Virginia also offers robust Medicaid programs for individuals and families who meet specific income guidelines.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Giles County?

Residents of Giles County have access to a variety of health insurance plans through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). These plans are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and offer comprehensive coverage for essential health benefits. For the 2026 plan year, you can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plan structures. Unlike some states, PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, providing more flexibility in provider choice. Eligibility for these plans, as well as potential financial assistance, is primarily based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and your household size.

Understanding Financial Assistance

The ACA provides two main types of financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable:

Premium Tax Credits: These credits reduce your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is generally for individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the FPL.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These are available for individuals and families with incomes up to 250% of the FPL who enroll in a Silver-tier plan. CSRs lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, making healthcare more affordable when you use it.

Health Insurance Carriers in Giles County

Giles County is part of Virginia Rating Area 8, which covers Accomack, Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bland, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Cumberland, Danville, Emporia, Essex, Fluvanna, Giles, Gloucester, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Louisa, Lunenburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nelson, Northumberland, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George, Sussex, Westmoreland, Winchester counties. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 8, including Sentara Health Plans. The confirmed carriers for Giles County and Rating Area 8 in 2026 are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, consider factors such as network size, prescription drug coverage, and overall costs (premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums). You can compare plans from all these carriers on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov).

Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS Programs

Virginia expanded its Medicaid program in 2019. This means adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $22,300 annually in 2026. This expansion provides comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premiums for eligible residents. Additionally, Virginia offers specific programs for pregnant women and children:

FAMIS Moms: This program covers pregnant women with income up to 200% FPL, including comprehensive prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care.
FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security): Uninsured children in households with incomes up to 200% FPL are eligible for FAMIS. For children between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select offers low-cost coverage options.

Applications for these programs can be submitted through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

How to Choose the Right Health Plan in Giles County

Choosing the right health plan involves evaluating your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred doctors. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step	Description
1. Assess Your Income	Determine your estimated household income for 2026. This will tell you if you qualify for Virginia Medicaid or for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov).
2. Consider Your Healthcare Needs	Think about how often you expect to use medical services. Do you have chronic conditions, or anticipate needing frequent doctor visits or prescription drugs?
3. Understand Plan Types	HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Generally lower premiums, requires a primary care provider (PCP) referral for specialists, and typically covers care within a specific network. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): More flexibility to see out-of-network providers (at a higher cost) and usually doesn't require a PCP referral. Often has higher premiums. EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Similar to HMOs in network restrictions, but typically doesn't require a PCP referral for specialists within the network.
4. Compare Metal Tiers	Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Best for healthy individuals who rarely see a doctor. Silver: Moderate premiums and deductibles. The only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions. A good balance for many. Gold: Higher premiums, lower deductibles. Best for those who expect to use medical services frequently.
5. Check Doctor and Hospital Networks	Ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and any local hospitals you use are in the plan's network. Giles County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, so residents typically travel to a neighboring county for acute care. Confirming network coverage for facilities in nearby areas is essential.
6. Review Prescription Drug Coverage	If you take regular medications, check the plan's formulary (list of covered drugs) to ensure your prescriptions are included and understand their cost.

Giles County, with a population of 16,557 and a median age of 45.4 years, is part of Virginia Rating Area 8. The county has a poverty rate of 9.3% and an uninsured rate of 6.5%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. While Giles County does not have an acute care hospital within its borders, its residents can access care through facilities in neighboring counties. Understanding how your chosen plan's network extends to these facilities is an important part of the decision-making process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Sentara Health Plans in Giles County?

Yes, Sentara Health Plans is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace health insurance plans in Virginia Rating Area 8, which includes Giles County, for the 2026 plan year. You can explore their plan options alongside other carriers on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov).

What types of health plans are available in Giles County?

Residents of Giles County can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO health plan structures on Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, offering more flexibility in choosing providers.

What is the income limit for Virginia Medicaid in Giles County?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus. For a single individual in 2026, this threshold is approximately $22,300 annually.

How do I apply for health insurance in Giles County?

You can apply for health insurance through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) during Open Enrollment or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event. You can also get free assistance from a licensed health insurance producer to compare plans and enroll.