What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov is a place where Virginians can shop for and compare health plans. Advantages of shopping for your health insurance through the Marketplace include:

  • Comparing health plans side-by side
  • Browsing health plan prices and benefits before applying
  • Seeing if you qualify for a federal cost-saving program, based on income, to reduce the cost of premiums, copays and deductibles
  • Selecting from quality health plans offered by trusted insurance companies
  • Narrowing your options based on your health needs and priorities

Who can buy health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace in Virginia?

Most people are eligible for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

To be eligible for health coverage through the Marketplace, you:

What if I have an illness or pre-existing condition?

Health plans available on the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov can’t turn you down or charge you more because of a pre-existing health or medical condition like asthma, back pain, diabetes, or cancer. Once you have insurance, they also can’t refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition.

When you get care for a pre-existing condition, you’ll still need to pay any deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance your plan requires. It doesn’t matter whether you’re being treated for a pre-existing or new health condition.