Health Insurance in Florida

Medicaid in Florida

Like Texas, Florida has not expanded Medicaid. Eligibility is limited to very low-income parents (about 26% FPL, or roughly $4,100/year for a family of three), pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. Childless adults don't qualify at any income level.

This means the ACA marketplace is the only option for subsidized coverage for the vast majority of uninsured adults in the state. About 2.8 million Floridians were enrolled in marketplace plans for 2025, more than any other state.

What plans cost in 2026

Florida marketplace premiums increased by an average of 31.5% for 2026 before subsidies, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation. The average individual premium before credits is about $821/month, up from $728 in 2025.

After subsidies, the picture is much more manageable. CMS projects the average premium after tax credits for the lowest-cost plan is about $50/month for eligible enrollees, up from $37 in 2025. For people under 200% FPL, $0-premium Bronze plans are available in most counties.

The premium increases hit hardest for people just above 400% FPL who lost subsidies entirely. A 55-year-old in Miami earning $65,000 now pays full price, which could be $900-$1,200/month depending on the plan.

Carriers in Florida (2026)

Florida has 16 insurers on the marketplace for 2026, though not all are available in every county:

• Florida Blue (BCBS of Florida) is the dominant carrier with the broadest network and availability statewide. If you want the widest choice of doctors and hospitals, Florida Blue is usually the safest bet.
• Ambetter (Centene) offers some of the lowest premiums in many Florida counties. Networks are narrower but cover major hospitals in metro areas.
• Molina Healthcare is competitive on price in South Florida and Central Florida.
• Oscar Health operates in several Florida markets and is popular with younger enrollees for its app-based experience.
• Cigna offers plans through two entities in Florida, available in select counties mostly in South and Central Florida.
• Bright Health / AvMed have a presence in specific regions. AvMed is tied to the University of Miami Health System.
• Community Care Network (22 Health) is new for 2026, offering plans only in Broward County.

With 16 carriers, Florida tends to have more options per county than most states. In Miami-Dade, for example, you might see 80+ plan options across all tiers and carriers.

Key regions

South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)

The most competitive marketplace in the state. Multiple carriers, lots of plan options, and benchmark Silver premiums that are relatively high (which means larger subsidies for eligible people). Miami-Dade has historically had some of the highest marketplace enrollment in the entire country.

Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville)

Good carrier competition with Florida Blue, Ambetter, Molina, and Oscar available. Premiums are somewhat lower than South Florida. Orlando (Orange County) has strong enrollment numbers.

North Florida and the Panhandle

Fewer carriers, typically Florida Blue and one or two others. Premiums can be higher in rural counties with less competition. Networks are also thinner, so check that your preferred hospitals and doctors are covered.

The Keys and Southwest Florida

Monroe County (the Keys) and rural Southwest Florida counties can have limited carrier options. Florida Blue is usually available. Premiums tend to be higher due to the smaller risk pool and higher cost of living in some areas.

Estimate your subsidy

Florida-specific things to know

Hurricane season and coverage. If a hurricane or natural disaster prevents you from enrolling during Open Enrollment or your SEP window, you may qualify for an exceptional circumstances extension. Contact the marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 to request one.

Seasonal workers. Florida's tourism and agriculture industries employ many seasonal workers. If your income fluctuates seasonally, estimate your annual total for the marketplace application and update it if things change. You may qualify for Medicaid during low-income months if you have dependent children.

Retirees under 65. Florida has a large population of early retirees who aren't yet eligible for Medicare. If you retired before 65, the marketplace is your main option. Depending on your retirement income, you may qualify for a subsidy. Social Security income, pension distributions, and investment income all count toward your MAGI for subsidy purposes.

Resources

• HealthCare.gov for enrollment (Florida uses the federal marketplace)
• Covering Florida for free enrollment assistance from trained navigators
• Dial 2-1-1 for Florida Health and Human Services referrals