Health Insurance in Virginia
If you’re an adult living in Virginia and searching for free or low‑cost health insurance, there are options available — especially if your income is limited. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to qualify for free health insurance, what programs exist in Virginia, who’s eligible, what services are covered, and how to apply.
What Is “Free Health Insurance” in Virginia?
In Virginia, “free” health insurance usually refers to Medicaid — a public health coverage program funded by both the federal government and the state. When adults qualify for Medicaid in Virginia, they get comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premium, and many services are covered at little to no cost. (CoverVA)
Major Programs That May Offer Free or Low‑Cost Coverage
🩺 1. Medicaid for Adults (Ages 19–64)
Medicaid is the primary program providing free health insurance for low‑income adults in Virginia. Here’s how it works:
- 📌 No monthly premiums or enrollment fees for eligible adults. (CoverVA)
- 📌 Income‑based qualification — adults with household income at or under roughly 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify. (CoverVA)
- 📌 Comprehensive benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive care, mental health services, and more. (CoverVA)
This means that if your income is low relative to family size, you could qualify for full Medicaid coverage as an adult. (CoverVA)
🧑🤝🧑 2. Plan First (Family Planning Services)
If your income level just misses full Medicaid eligibility, Virginia’s Plan First program could help:
- Provides free family planning services for men and women. (dss.virginia.gov)
- Covers exams, education, birth control, STI testing, and more.
- Note: Plan First does not cover full medical benefits — it focuses on family planning.
Even if you don’t otherwise qualify for Medicaid, you may still get some services through Plan First. (dss.virginia.gov)
💡 3. Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace (With Financial Help)
If you don’t qualify for full Medicaid but still struggle to afford private insurance:
- You can enroll through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. (Virginia Marketplace)
- You could qualify for subsidies (called “premium tax credits”) that lower or even eliminate monthly premium costs. (Virginia Marketplace)
- Some people pay as little as $10 per month with financial help. (Virginia Marketplace)
This isn’t technically “free” health insurance, but with subsidies it can feel very close for many low‑income adults.
Who Is Eligible for Free Insurance?
👤 1. Low‑Income Adults
Adults aged 19–64 with household income up to about 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free Medicaid in Virginia. (CoverVA)
👵 2. Aged, Blind, or Disabled Individuals
People 65+, or adults who are blind or have a disability, can also qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and other criteria. (Virginia Medicaid)
👩🦱 3. Former Foster Youth
Young adults who aged out of foster care may qualify for Medicaid without income limits in some cases. (CoverVA)
🧑⚕️ 4. Special Health Conditions
Some programs exist for individuals diagnosed through certain screening programs (like breast and cervical cancer) who need treatment. (CoverVA)
What Does Free Medicaid Cover?
When adults qualify, their coverage includes:
✅ Doctor visits
✅ Hospital stays
✅ Prescription drugs
✅ Preventive care and screenings
✅ Behavioral and mental health services
✅ Pregnancy and postpartum care
✅ Emergency care
✅ Transportation to covered care (when needed)
And more. (CoverVA)
This is full health insurance — not just limited benefits — and accessible year‑round.
How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)
Here’s how to get started:
🧾 1. Visit CoverVA
Go to coverva.dmas.virginia.gov, the official Virginia Medicaid site — you can learn more and start an application there. (CoverVA)
📞 2. Call Cover Virginia
Call Cover Virginia at 1‑855‑242‑8282 (TTY: 1‑888‑221‑1590) to talk with someone about eligibility and application help. (CoverVA)
🧑💼 3. Get Free Help Applying
You can get free, expert help from programs like:
- Trained “navigators” and certified counselors through Enroll Virginia or the Virginia Health Care Foundation. (CoverVA)
- Local outreach workers who help you complete forms and determine eligibility. (CoverVA)
These services are completely free and can make applying much easier.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid:
🩹 Free or low‑cost clinics and community health centers across Virginia provide care based on income. (Virginia Health Care Foundation)
📉 You may qualify for sliding‑scale fees at community clinics. (Virginia Department of Health)
📆 You can sign up for Marketplace plans with subsidies outside of open enrollment only during special enrollment periods. (Virginia Marketplace)
Final Thoughts
For many adults in Virginia, free health insurance through Medicaid is a real and accessible option — especially for low‑income individuals, young adults, people with disabilities, and former foster youth. Even if full coverage isn’t immediately available, financial assistance through the State Marketplace or support from free clinic networks can help ensure you don’t go without care.