Florida Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Florida

Florida has the largest uninsured population of any state in the nation, driven by its large low-income working population and decision not to expand Medicaid. Florida uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace and consistently has among the highest marketplace enrollment in the nation. Florida has a very competitive marketplace with many insurers offering plans, particularly in metro areas.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Florida

Marketplace Enrollment in Florida

Florida residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in Florida

Medicaid in Florida

Florida has not expanded Medicaid. Traditional Medicaid is limited to children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Adults without children generally do not qualify regardless of income, creating a coverage gap for those who earn too little for marketplace subsidies but too much for traditional Medicaid.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Florida

Florida KidCare covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 210% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Florida Unique

Despite not expanding Medicaid, Florida consistently has the highest marketplace enrollment of any state — about 4.5 million Floridians selected marketplace plans for 2026. This reflects the large population of working-age adults who do not have employer coverage and who are eligible for ACA subsidies. Florida's marketplace is among the most competitive in the nation for metro residents.

ACA Subsidies: What Florida Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Florida’s Marketplace by the Numbers

Florida is by far the largest marketplace state: about 4.54 million people selected plans for 2026, down about 4% from 2025 after the enhanced subsidies expired and full-price premiums rose an average of 31.5%. More than 95% of enrollees qualify for premium tax credits, averaging about $740 a month, and the average net premium was about $62 a month; 34% paid under $10.

Those very low net premiums reflect high benchmark prices and a large share of enrollees between 100% and 200% FPL. They also mean a Florida enrollee whose income rises above 400% FPL faces one of the largest cliffs in the country — the full premium with no credit.

Insurer Changes for 2027

Sixteen insurers sold Florida marketplace plans in 2026. For 2027, Cigna is exiting (both of its Florida entities) and Sunshine State Health Plan is leaving, moving its members to Ambetter; Molina’s 2027 participation was uncertain as of August. Proposed full-price changes averaged about 15.9% (straight average), ranging from 3.9% for Ambetter to 39.1% for AmeriHealth Caritas.

• If you’re with Cigna or Sunshine State, choose your own 2027 plan — an automatic replacement may not include your doctors.
• Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage.
• Report income changes during the year. Starting with 2026, there is no cap on repaying excess advance credits at tax time.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Florida

Florida residents should check subsidy eligibility carefully — those earning 100% or more of the federal poverty level may qualify for premium tax credits. Florida's competitive marketplace means shopping plans carefully each year is valuable. Florida KidCare provides coverage for children. The lack of Medicaid expansion means adults below poverty level have limited options.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.
• Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so if your income falls below the federal poverty level you may fall into the coverage gap — a community health center or sliding-scale clinic can serve as a bridge until your income qualifies for marketplace subsidies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people have marketplace insurance in Florida?

About 4.54 million Floridians selected marketplace plans for 2026, the most of any state. More than 95% qualified for premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $62 a month.

Which insurers are leaving Florida’s marketplace in 2027?

Cigna is exiting, and Sunshine State Health Plan is leaving and moving members to Ambetter. Molina’s 2027 participation was uncertain as of August 2026. Proposed 2027 changes averaged about 15.9% before subsidies.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.