Sentara Health Insurance Plans in Highland County, Virginia

Sentara Health Plans is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace plans in Highland County for the 2026 plan year.
Highland County is part of Virginia Rating Area 5, which includes 18 other counties.
Virginia residents with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Plus).
Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov) offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans, with PPOs available on-exchange.
Highland County has a population of 2,296 and an uninsured rate of 3.9%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Residents of Highland County, Virginia, seeking health insurance have options through Marketplace Virginia, which utilizes the federal platform, HealthCare.gov. For the 2026 plan year, Sentara Health Plans is one of six confirmed insurance carriers providing coverage in Highland County. These plans are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), meaning they cover essential health benefits, cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and offer financial assistance based on income. Understanding your options, including plan types and potential subsidies, is key to finding the right coverage for you and your family in this rural Virginia county.

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What Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Highland County?

In Highland County, you can choose from a range of ACA-compliant health insurance plans offered by Sentara Health Plans and other carriers through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). Virginia's marketplace offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Unlike some states, PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, providing more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and potentially seeing specialists without a referral. These plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, reflecting the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans typically have the lowest premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making them suitable for those who expect minimal healthcare use. Silver plans offer a moderate balance and are the only plans eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) if you qualify. Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, ideal for those who anticipate more frequent medical care. Highland County, part of Virginia Rating Area 5, is one of the state's most rural counties, with just 2,296 residents and an uninsured rate of 3.9% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This rating area also covers Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Covington, Craig, Floyd, Galax, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, Roanoke, Roanoke, Salem, Smyth, Wythe counties. While Highland County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, residents needing acute care travel to neighboring counties within this multi-county rating area.

Sentara Health Plans and Other Carriers in Highland County

For the 2026 plan year, Highland County residents have a choice of health insurance plans from 6 confirmed carriers available on Marketplace Virginia. Sentara Health Plans is one of these options, offering various plan designs across the metal tiers. When evaluating Sentara Health Plans or any other carrier, consider their network of providers, prescription drug coverage, and customer service ratings. The confirmed carriers offering marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, which includes Highland County, for 2026 are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
Cigna
HealthKeepers
Oscar Health
Sentara Health Plans
United Healthcare

It is important to compare plans from all available carriers to find the best fit for your healthcare needs and budget. Each carrier offers different networks and specific plan benefits, even within the same metal tier.

Understanding Financial Assistance and Virginia Medicaid

Many Highland County residents may qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. This assistance comes in two primary forms through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov):

Assistance Type	Income Threshold (2026 FPL)	Benefit
Premium Tax Credits	Up to 400% FPL (potentially higher based on plan cost)	Lowers monthly premium payments
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)	Up to 250% FPL	Lowers deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums (available only with Silver plans)
Virginia Medicaid / FAMIS Plus	Adults up to 138% FPL	Comprehensive, low-cost or free health coverage
FAMIS Moms (Pregnant Women)	Up to 200% FPL	Prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care
FAMIS (Children)	Up to 200% FPL	Low-cost or free coverage for uninsured children

Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019 (known as Virginia Medicaid Expansion or FAMIS Plus). This means adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. If your income falls within this range, you should apply for Virginia Medicaid through commonhelp.virginia.gov. For pregnant women, Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS Moms) covers those with incomes up to 200% FPL, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care. Children in households up to 200% FPL can qualify for FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security), with FAMIS Select offering low-cost coverage for children between 200% and 400% FPL.

How to Choose the Right Health Plan in Highland County

Choosing a health plan, whether from Sentara Health Plans or another carrier, involves several considerations:

Budget: Determine how much you can comfortably spend on monthly premiums and what out-of-pocket costs you can afford.
Provider Network: Check if your preferred doctors, specialists, and any necessary out-of-county hospitals are included in the plan's network. Given Highland County's lack of local acute care hospitals, ensuring access to facilities in neighboring counties is particularly important.
Prescription Drugs: Review the plan's formulary to ensure your current medications are covered and understand their costs.
Health Needs: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or have chronic conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower out-of-pocket costs might be more economical in the long run, despite higher premiums. If you are generally healthy, a Bronze or Silver plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) option could be a good fit.
Financial Assistance: If your income qualifies you for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions, factor these into your decision. Enhanced Silver plans, combined with CSRs, can offer significant value.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans, understand subsidy eligibility, and enroll in coverage that meets your specific needs at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sentara Health Plans available in Highland County, Virginia?

Yes, Sentara Health Plans is one of 6 confirmed carriers offering marketplace health insurance plans in Highland County's Rating Area 5 for the 2026 plan year. Residents can explore their options on Marketplace Virginia via HealthCare.gov.

What types of health insurance plans does Sentara Health Plans offer?

Sentara Health Plans, along with other carriers in Virginia, offers a variety of plan types including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans on the Marketplace. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Virginia, giving consumers more choice in provider networks.

How do I enroll in a Sentara Health Plan in Highland County?

You can enroll in a Sentara Health Plan, or any other marketplace plan, through Marketplace Virginia which uses the federal platform, HealthCare.gov. Enrollment typically occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

Can I get financial help to pay for a Sentara Health Plan?

Yes, depending on your household income and size, you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through Marketplace Virginia (HealthCare.gov). These subsidies can significantly lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for plans, including those offered by Sentara Health Plans.