I lost my job and my health insurance.

There are a number of situations that may result in losing group health care coverage. Generally, when this happens, there are options to continue or convert your group health coverage.

• COBRA
• Conversion or Continuation
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Where can I get health insurance?

• Where can I get health insurance?
  • List of companies offering individual health coverage in Virginia
  • List of companies offering individual dental coverage in Virginia
  • Health insurance alternatives and options

What should I consider when choosing a Health Care Plan?

• Choosing a Health Care Plan - tips to consider
• Health Insurance Comparison Form – assists you in personally comparing plan options
• Virginia Health Information posts Virginia HMO cost and quality data.

I am having trouble affording health insurance.

Health insurance alternatives and options

• Health Clinics - Health care services are available from free or low cost clinics. Here are some sources to help you find these clinic locations and other options for free or low cost health care across Virginia.
  • Low-cost Healthcare Resources in Central Virginia (link to pdf docs titled the same—There an english version + a spanish version that you can put below it. PDFs attached to SIR)
  • Virginia Association of Free Clinics
• Health Care Programs - Free or low-cost health care programs (may include dental, vision, and hearing)
  • Virginia’s Medical Assistance Programs, to include Medicaid: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
  • FAMIS: FAMIS MOMS - for pregnant women; and FAMIS Select - Premium Assistance Program: Toll Free: 1-866-87FAMIS (1-866-873-2647), TDD: 1-888-221-1590
  • Virginia Department of Health, Office of Family Health Services - The OFHS has several distinct divisions listed at the bottom of its webpage. Also by selecting the link at the top of the page for “Local Health Districts” you can find county and city health care services offered in your region of Virginia.
  • Infant and Toddler Connection of VA: Access to early intervention services and support for children from birth through age two: 1-800-234-1448
  • Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program - Free breast and cervical cancer screening services for low income women who are uninsured. Limited other screening services are offered at some sites. Visit the website or call for eligibility requirements and site locations: Toll-free in Virginia: 1-866-EWL-4YOU (1-866-395-4968) or Direct: 804-864-8204
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  • Virginia Association of Community Services Boards
  • Medicare
• Hospital Care - Hospital care may be provided free or at reduced prices to people with limited income. Talk to your hospital’s billing department for more information.
• Disease support groups – Some national disease support groups and societies also offer some financial and support services. Check your local directory or the internet for contact information.
• Are you a veteran? VA Department of Veteran’s Services (VDS)

I need help paying for prescription drugs.

Some retail pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies offer help for people with limited incomes who are unable to pay for their prescriptions. Please check with local pharmacies or the manufacturer of the medicine needed to find out if financial assistance is available.

• Prescription Drug Assistance Programs in Virginia
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance
• The Medicine Program
• Free Medicine Ministry
• Are You Age 65 or Older?
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Plans in Virginia

If you would like to discuss your particular situation with a Bureau Consumer Services Representative, you may contact us Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Toll free number 1-877-310-6560
or locally (804) 371-9691
Email: bureauofinsurance@scc.virginia.gov
Please include your name, mailing address and telephone number.

The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the State Corporation Commission of any product or service or of any person or organization offering any product or service.