Virginia runs its own marketplace, expanded Medicaid, and still has some of the most affordable silver plans of any state we serve — starting around $430 a month. Here's what Virginians actually pay in 2026, and how to keep it that way.
Based on 2026 rate analyses, Sentara Health Plans has the cheapest coverage for most Virginians, with silver plans starting around $430 a month before subsidies. Kaiser Permanente runs about $505 for its cheapest silver but pairs it with the lowest out-of-pocket maximum in the state ($8,400) — and it had Virginia's smallest rate increase this year.
Eight carriers sell plans on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace for 2026, down from ten after Aetna and Innovation Health exited. Anthem HealthKeepers remains the broadest statewide network; Kaiser is limited to Northern Virginia and the DC metro.
The lowest premiums for most Virginians, anchored by its Hampton Roads home base. Trade-off: its out-of-pocket maximum runs higher than average — cheap monthly, pricier in a bad year.
Second-cheapest silver with the state's lowest out-of-pocket cap and the smallest 2026 increase (+11.8%). Integrated clinics-plus-insurance — Northern Virginia and DC metro only.
Virginia's biggest marketplace name, available across most of the state including rural counties where the budget carriers don't reach. Usually not the cheapest, often the safest network bet.
Figures are approximate, from 2026 rate analyses for a 40-year-old on silver plans. Cigna, CareFirst, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and Piedmont also compete in parts of the state. Your rate varies by region, age, household size, tobacco use, and income.
Sentara vs. Kaiser vs. Anthem is a genuinely different answer depending on your city and how much care you use. A licensed agent can run all eight carriers for your ZIP code, age, and income — free, in about 10 minutes.
No cost. No obligation to enroll. Licensed in 23 states, including Virginia.
Before subsidies, silver plans for a 40-year-old Virginian generally run from about $430 to $700 a month in 2026 depending on carrier and region — noticeably cheaper than Florida, Texas, or Georgia. The State Corporation Commission put the average 2026 increase at 21.6%, the largest since the ACA's early years.
| Carrier | 2026 position | Approved rate increase |
|---|---|---|
| Sentara Health Plans | Cheapest silver ~$430; higher MOOP | +22.4% |
| Kaiser Permanente (Mid-Atlantic) | Silver ~$505; lowest MOOP $8,400 | +11.8% (lowest) |
| Anthem HealthKeepers | Broadest statewide network | +20.9% |
| Cigna | Mid-priced; exits after 2026 | +22.8% |
Approximate 2026 figures from Virginia SCC filings and public rate analyses, before premium tax credits. Availability and pricing vary by region.
ACA rates follow the federal age curve — a 64-year-old can be charged up to three times a 21-year-old's rate. Using a ~$560 Virginia silver average at age 40:
| Age | Approx. monthly premium (silver) | vs. age 21 |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | ~$440 | 1.0× |
| 30 | ~$495 | 1.1× |
| 40 | ~$560 | 1.3× |
| 50 | ~$785 | 1.8× |
| 60 | ~$1,190 | 2.7× |
Illustrative — applies the federal default age factors to an approximate 2026 Virginia silver average. Subsidies are age-aware, so older enrollees with moderate incomes often receive much larger credits.
Virginia weathered 2026 better than most states, but "better" still meant the biggest increase in years:
The enhanced premium tax credits that capped marketplace premiums from 2021–2025 ended December 31, 2025 — the single biggest driver of this year's rate jump, according to the SCC. The original ACA credits are still in place for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (roughly up to $62,600 single, $128,600 family of four).
Since 2024, Virginians enroll through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace (marketplace.virginia.gov), not HealthCare.gov. Same plans, same subsidies, same deadlines — different website. Licensed agents can quote and enroll you through it directly.
Aetna and Innovation Health left after 2025, and Cigna has announced it won't offer marketplace plans anywhere for 2027 — including Virginia. If you're on any of these, actively pick your next plan this fall rather than letting the marketplace map you to one.
Sources: Virginia State Corporation Commission, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, healthinsurance.org Virginia marketplace guide.
Virginia's carrier map splits cleanly by region — and so does the right answer:
The Sentara-versus-Kaiser question only exists if you live where both operate. Everywhere else, the "cheapest in Virginia" headline may not be your cheapest — which is why quoting your actual ZIP code matters.
Tell me your ZIP code, ages, and household income — I'll compare every carrier filed in your area on Virginia's marketplace (and check Medicaid eligibility while we're at it), then show you what you'd actually pay after subsidies.
Free comparison. No pressure, no obligation.
Metal tiers are about how you split costs with the insurer — not the quality of care. In Virginia, the premium-versus-MOOP tradeoff (think Sentara vs. Kaiser) matters as much as the tier itself:
Lowest premium, ~$10,600 deductible. Pure emergency protection — no subsidy eligibility.
Cheapest subsidized tier. Pair an HSA-eligible bronze plan with tax-free savings if you're healthy.
The sweet spot for most Virginians — and at ~$430–$505 for the cheapest options, among the best silver value in the country.
Worth comparing against silver every year — rate-filing quirks sometimes put gold within a few dollars.
Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket. Rarely offered on Virginia's marketplace.
Between Medicaid expansion and a state-run marketplace, Virginia's safety net is one of the stronger ones we cover:
Turning 65 soon? Marketplace plans stop making sense once Medicare kicks in — see your Medicare options instead.
Sentara's cheaper premium versus Kaiser's lower out-of-pocket max is the classic Virginia tradeoff. If you use regular care, the "more expensive" plan is often cheaper by December.
Virginia expanded Medicaid — under roughly 138% of the poverty level you likely qualify for free or nearly free coverage, year-round.
Credits are based on this year's income estimate, and the math changed for 2026. A mid-year income change, a new baby, or a household change can unlock help immediately.
Cost-sharing reductions only attach to silver plans. They can cut a $6,000 deductible to a few hundred dollars — a benefit bronze and gold buyers give up.
Two carriers left after 2025 and Cigna leaves after 2026. With increases ranging from 12% to 23% by carrier, the price order changed — actively re-shop every fall.
Premiums are regulated: you pay the same whether you enroll alone or with an agent. The difference is having someone who runs all eight carriers, does the premium-vs-MOOP math, and answers the phone after you enroll.
Based on 2026 rate analyses, Sentara Health Plans has the cheapest coverage for most Virginians, with silver plans starting around $430 a month before subsidies. Kaiser Permanente is close behind at about $505 with the lowest out-of-pocket maximum ($8,400) of any HMO in the state. Kaiser only serves Northern Virginia and the DC metro, so the answer depends on your region.
Before subsidies, silver plans for a 40-year-old generally run from about $430 to $700 a month in 2026 depending on carrier and region — notably cheaper than most Southern states. Premiums rose an average of 21.6% for 2026 per the State Corporation Commission, so what you actually pay depends heavily on your premium tax credit.
No. Virginia runs its own exchange — Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at marketplace.virginia.gov — which replaced HealthCare.gov for Virginians starting with 2024 coverage. Plans, subsidies, and enrollment rules work the same way, and licensed agents can quote and enroll you through it at no extra cost.
Yes. The original ACA premium tax credits remain for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level — roughly up to $62,600 for a single person or $128,600 for a family of four. What expired at the end of 2025 were the enhanced subsidies, which had capped premiums and extended help above 400% of poverty.
If you've had a qualifying life event in the last 60 days — losing other coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby, certain income changes — you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace and can enroll now. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round. Otherwise, open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026.
Yes. Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019 — adults with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (roughly $21,600 for a single person) can qualify regardless of whether they have children. Children are covered by Medicaid and FAMIS, Virginia's CHIP program. If your income is near the line, check Medicaid before buying a marketplace plan.
If you qualify for both, it's a premium-versus-protection tradeoff: Sentara undercuts Kaiser on monthly premium, but Kaiser's out-of-pocket maximum runs about $767 lower and it had Virginia's smallest 2026 increase (+11.8%). Frequent care users often come out ahead with Kaiser; light users with Sentara. Kaiser is only available in Northern Virginia.
No. Premiums are filed with regulators and are identical whether you enroll through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace yourself, directly with the carrier, or with a licensed agent. Agents are paid by the insurance companies, so the guidance costs you nothing extra.
Premium figures on this page are approximate averages drawn from 2026 individual-market rate filings and analyses, including the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, MoneyGeek, ValuePenguin, and healthinsurance.org, checked July 2026. They are illustrations, not quotes: your premium depends on your region, age, household, tobacco use, income, and the plan you choose. Official plan pricing is available at marketplace.virginia.gov or through any licensed agent.
Zuriel is licensed in 23 states. Explore cost guides for other states we serve:
Talk with Zuriel Kinlock, a licensed insurance agent, and get a real comparison of every 2026 plan filed in your Virginia region — free, with zero obligation.
Important: This page is for general information and reflects approximate 2026 figures from public sources; it is not a quote, and submitting information or speaking with a licensed insurance agent does not guarantee enrollment, eligibility, savings, approval, or specific benefits. There is no obligation to enroll. Smooth Health Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, CMS, HealthCare.gov, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, or any government agency. Plan availability, benefits, premiums, and eligibility vary by plan, carrier, location, and individual circumstances.
