If you are under age 30, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace will automatically include catastrophic plans in your plan shopping experience.
A catastrophic plan is a minimal-coverage plan that typically has lower monthly premiums and higher deductibles.
- Catastrophic plans cover the same 10 essential health benefits as other Marketplace plans, including preventive services at no cost.
- They also cover at least three primary care visits per year before you meet your deductible.
- Premium tax credits (APTC) may make Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans more affordable than catastrophic plans and may provide more comprehensive coverage.
- Premium tax credits and Virginia Premium Savings cannot be applied toward catastrophic plans.
If you are age 30 or older and do not qualify for savings on a Marketplace plan, you will need to obtain an exemption certificate number from HealthCare.gov. You must then enter your exemption information on your Virginia's Insurance Marketplace eligibility application before catastrophic plans will appear during plan shopping.
Please call HealthCare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 for assistance with completing your hardship exemption application or checking its status.
Note: HealthCare.gov only processes your exemption application. Once you receive your exemption certificate number from HealthCare.gov, you will need to shop for and enroll in coverage through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace.