You Have Questions And We Have Answers
Our FAQ page has the answers to your questions regarding choosing a healthcare plan.
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Open Enrollment Period
This is the yearly period from November 1 to January 15 during which you can buy health insurance through the Marketplace or make changes to your existing health plan. If you don’t enroll during this time, you can’t purchase a health plan until the next Open Enrollment Period — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Special Enrollment Period
A Special Enrollment Period takes place outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. You can enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace during a Special Enrollment Period only if you experience a Qualifying Life Event.
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To be eligible for Virginia's Insurance Marketplace coverage, individuals / households must:
1. Reside in Virginia.
2. Be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawfully present immigrants for the entire time they plan to have coverage.
3. Not be incarcerated (unless pending disposition of charges).
4. Be uninsured, generally not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, not have an offer of affordable employer-based coverage.
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Most health plans must cover minimum essential benefits required by law and include preventive services — like vaccines and screening tests — at no cost to you. All Marketplace plans cover mental health and substance abuse services as essential health benefits and must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. You can pick a health plan with or without dental benefits. If you pick a health plan without dental benefits, you can still get a separate dental plan. Get started enrolling with the steps below.
1. Shop, compare plans, and get a quote.
Select "Browse for Health & Dental Plans". The Marketplace makes it easy for you to choose the type of coverage you need. You can filter your results, compare costs, and select the plan that works for you.
2. Gather your information.
To apply for your selected plan, make sure you have the following materials for each adult who will be covered:
- Photo ID.
- Social Security number.
- Most recent tax return.
- Pay stubs from the last four weeks.
- Immigration documents, if applicable.
3. Select your plan and enroll.
4. Pay your first month's premium.
To begin your coverage, you must make your first monthly payment (called the “premium”). Making payments is easy — plus, the Marketplace has options for applying for financial assistance.
You're covered!
Begin using your health insurance and get the care you need.
Get Covered
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- Consider these questions when choosing a plan.
- Download the Marketplace enrollment checklist.
- Visit the Marketplace Help Center to get contact information for assistance over the phone or in person.
- Free Translation Services Are Available. Call the Consumer Assistance Center at 1-888-687-1501 for assistance.
Qualifying Life Events
Certain changes in your circumstances are known as “Qualifying Life Events.” They include, but are not limited to:
- Getting married or divorced.
- Having a baby or adopting a child.
- Experiencing the death of the insurer in the family.
- Losing health insurance coverage due to job loss.
- Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS).
- Turning 26 and losing coverage from a parent’s health insurance plan.
- Moving to a different ZIP code or county or moving to the U.S. from a foreign country or U.S. territory.
After you experience a Qualifying Life Event, you usually have up to 60 days to make changes to your health insurance plan or enroll in a new plan through the Marketplace. When you enroll, have your personal information on hand in case Marketplace customer service representatives need to verify how the life event affects your health insurance coverage.
Some QLEs must be verified by Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace in order to enroll under a Special Enrollment Period. If one of the above situations applies to you, make sure to have your information when you apply.
How to Enroll
This video shows how easy it is to enroll in a new health plan. Virginians who are uninsured, are self-employed, or have jobs that don’t provide affordable insurance options can use the Marketplace starting November 1st. Individual and family plans are available to those who don’t have access to affordable health coverage. Nearly 90% of consumers qualify for financial assistance on the Marketplace.
Enrolling in a Health Plan Is Simple
Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace launches November 1st for coverage starting in 2024 and lets you shop for, compare, and purchase affordable, high-quality health insurance plans with comprehensive coverage. Many households will be eligible for financial savings that lower the costs of health plans. You can window shop now at the link below and enroll starting November 1st. If you are looking for coverage for Plan Year 2023 and have recently experienced a Qualifying Life Event, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period at HealthCare.gov now.
Virginia Medicaid/FAMIS
The Marketplace will also check eligibility for low-cost or no-cost health coverage programs through Virginia Medicaid or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS is Virginia’s health insurance program for children). For additional information about Medicaid coverage in Virginia, you can visit Cover Virginia or call 1-833-522-5582.
Find Local Help
Speak in person or virtually with a Marketplace-certified assister near you to learn about available insurance plans and which ones you qualify for. Assisters provide free, unbiased enrollment assistance.
Find Help
Call Customer Service
Contact the Marketplace’s customer service representatives if you need assistance enrolling in a health plan, need to update your personal information, or have any questions.
Contact Us
Search for an Agent
Whether you’re shopping as an individual, family, or small business with employees, an agent can provide you with personalized plan recommendations and enrollment support.
Find an Agent
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