Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Kanawha County cost about $1,094 a month for 2026, and the West Virginia average for 2027 is $1,185 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 2 insurers offered marketplace plans in Kanawha County for 2026. The rest of this page covers your coverage options in Charleston, the best-reviewed local agencies and the deadlines that matter.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Charleston
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Kanawha County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Charleston, WV
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $1,185/mo before subsidies |
| Kanawha County benchmark (2026) | $1,094/mo |
| Plans offered in Kanawha County (2026) | 37 |
| Plan types | HMO, PPO |
| Marketplace insurers in West Virginia (2027) | 1 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| Short-term plans | Sold (not ACA-compliant) |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
A quick checklist
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
Free enrollment help in West Virginia
HealthCare.gov Marketplace assisters: CMS-funded Navigator organizations plus Certified Application Counselors, who give free, impartial help applying and enrolling; consumers search for nearby help with the HealthCare.gov Find Local Help tool. You can search for in-person help on the official find-help page. If you'd rather have someone compare plans and recommend one, a licensed agent can do that at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which insurers sell marketplace plans in West Virginia?
For 2027, marketplace plans in West Virginia come from 1 insurer: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia. Not every insurer sells in every county.
Can I get coverage outside open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, unless you qualify for West Virginia Medicaid. Some people also look at short-term or fixed-indemnity plans, which are not ACA-compliant coverage.
Where can I buy health insurance in Charleston?
Through the HealthCare.gov, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
Health insurance in nearby cities
- South Charleston, WV 4 miles
- Dunbar, WV 6 miles
- Cross Lanes, WV 10 miles
- St. Albans, WV 10 miles
- Nitro, WV 11 miles
- Teays Valley, WV 17 miles
- Hurricane, WV 22 miles
- Oak Hill, WV 37 miles
- Pea Ridge, WV 37 miles
- Logan, WV 39 miles