Sentara Health Plans in Hanover County, Virginia: Your 2026 Coverage Guide

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

In 2026, Sentara Health Plans is one of 6 carriers offering ACA marketplace plans in Hanover County, Virginia.
Hanover County is part of Virginia Rating Area 3, which includes 12 other counties in the region.
Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Marketplace Virginia offers PPO, HMO, and EPO plans, allowing residents to choose based on their provider preferences.

Navigating health insurance options in Hanover County, Virginia, for 2026 means understanding your choices through Marketplace Virginia, also known as HealthCare.gov. Sentara Health Plans is a key provider in this region, offering various plans designed to meet different needs and budgets. This guide provides essential information on Sentara Health Plans' availability, the types of plans you can find, and other carriers serving Hanover County, ensuring you have the details needed to make an informed decision about your health coverage.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Hanover County?

Residents of Hanover County have access to a robust health insurance marketplace through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). For the 2026 plan year, shoppers can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Unlike some states, Virginia's marketplace includes PPO plans, offering greater flexibility for those who wish to see out-of-network providers (though often at a higher cost or after meeting a separate deductible). This variety allows individuals and families to select a plan structure that best suits their healthcare preferences and financial situation. Hanover County, with a population of 112,879 and an uninsured rate of 4.4% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Virginia Rating Area 3. This rating area also covers Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, and Richmond counties. The presence of Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville provides local acute care services for county residents.

Understanding ACA Plan Tiers

Health plans on Marketplace Virginia are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers indicate how you and your plan share costs.

Bronze Plans: These plans have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are ideal for individuals who expect to use healthcare services infrequently and want protection against catastrophic costs.
Silver Plans: Silver plans offer a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They are particularly valuable for individuals who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which can significantly lower deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance if your income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Gold Plans: With higher monthly premiums than Bronze or Silver, Gold plans have lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable for those who anticipate needing more medical care and prefer to pay more upfront for lower costs when they receive services.
Platinum Plans: These plans have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Platinum plans cover a very high percentage of medical costs, making them a good choice for individuals with chronic conditions or those who prefer predictable healthcare expenses.

Health Insurance Carriers in Hanover County

For the 2026 plan year, residents of Hanover County have several choices when it comes to health insurance carriers on Marketplace Virginia. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Hanover County. These carriers provide a range of plan types and networks to choose from:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, it's important to consider not only the premium but also the plan's network, deductible, copayments, and whether your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, are in-network.

Medicaid and Financial Assistance in Virginia

Virginia has expanded its Medicaid program, known as Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS Plus, offering crucial support for low-income residents. If your household income is up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for comprehensive health coverage through Medicaid. This program provides essential health benefits with no monthly premiums or deductibles, significantly reducing the financial burden of healthcare. Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, ensuring that more adults have access to affordable care. For those with incomes above the Medicaid threshold but still within certain FPL ranges, financial assistance is available through Marketplace Virginia in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.

Premium Tax Credits: These subsidies lower your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the FPL, with higher subsidies for lower incomes. You can use these credits immediately to reduce your monthly payment.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available only with Silver plans, CSRs reduce the amount you have to pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, a Silver plan with CSRs can offer significantly better value than a Gold plan with similar premiums.

Pregnant women in Virginia (FAMIS Moms) can qualify for Medicaid with incomes up to 200% FPL, and children (FAMIS) are covered up to 200% FPL. For children between 200% and 400% FPL, FAMIS Select offers low-cost coverage. Applications for these programs can be made through commonhelp.virginia.gov.

Making Your Health Plan Decision in Hanover County

Choosing the right health insurance plan requires careful consideration of your specific needs, budget, and healthcare preferences. Here’s a summary of key factors to weigh:

Income and Subsidies: If your income is below 138% FPL, apply for Virginia Medicaid. If it's between 100% and 400% FPL, you likely qualify for premium tax credits. Consider a Silver plan if your income is between 100% and 250% FPL to benefit from Cost-Sharing Reductions.
Plan Type (HMO, PPO, EPO): Decide whether you prefer the flexibility of a PPO (which allows out-of-network care, though usually at a higher cost) or the lower premiums often found in HMO or EPO plans, which typically require you to stay within a defined network.
Carrier Choice: Compare the plans offered by Sentara Health Plans, CareFirst BlueChoice, Cigna, HealthKeepers, Oscar Health, and United Healthcare. Check if your preferred doctors and specialists are in-network with the plans you are considering.
Anticipated Healthcare Needs: If you expect frequent medical visits or have chronic conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower deductibles might save you money in the long run. If you are generally healthy, a Bronze or Silver plan might be more cost-effective.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans, understand your eligibility for financial assistance, and enroll in the best option for your situation—all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sentara Health Plans available on HealthCare.gov in Hanover County?

Yes, Sentara Health Plans is one of six carriers offering plans on Marketplace Virginia / HealthCare.gov for residents in Hanover County and Rating Area 3 in 2026. You can compare their plans with others during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.

What types of health insurance plans can I get in Hanover County, Virginia?

In Hanover County, you can choose from various plan types available 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 choosing providers.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Virginia for adults?

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus). This provides comprehensive health coverage with no premiums or deductibles.

Can I enroll in a health plan outside of Open Enrollment in Hanover County?

You can enroll outside of the annual Open Enrollment period if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to Hanover County. A Special Enrollment Period typically lasts for 60 days following the QLE.