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

Health insurance premiums in Florida vary significantly based on age, plan type (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), insurer, and income-based subsidies. The figures below represent estimated 2026 benchmark premiums before ACA subsidies for a 40-year-old individual and family of four.

Coverage Type	Monthly Premium	Annual Premium
Individual (benchmark Silver)	$478/mo	$5736/yr
Family of Four (benchmark Silver)	$1,365/mo	$16380/yr
Avg. Annual Deductible	$4,700

Premiums shown are before ACA subsidies. Most marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that significantly reduce these costs. Use our Health Insurance Calculator to estimate your net premium after subsidies.

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). Outside of open enrollment, a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth of a child, move to a new state) triggers a Special Enrollment Period during which you can enroll or change plans.

Average Premiums by City in Florida

Health insurance premiums vary by location within Florida, reflecting local healthcare costs, provider availability, and insurer competition. The following estimated monthly individual premiums are based on a benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old non-smoker.

City	Est. Monthly Premium (Silver, age 40)
Miami	$492/mo
Tampa	$475/mo
Orlando	$468/mo
Jacksonville	$458/mo
Fort Lauderdale	$488/mo
St. Petersburg	$472/mo
Tallahassee	$452/mo

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 — over 3 million Floridians enrolled in marketplace plans. 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

Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for Florida residents who purchase coverage through the marketplace and have incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (or higher in states with additional state subsidies). The subsidy amount is based on the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area and your income. For 2026, the enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan have been extended, providing more substantial assistance across a broader income range than before.

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) provide additional savings on deductibles and copays for those who enroll in Silver plans with incomes between 100-250% of the federal poverty level. Silver plans with CSRs often provide Gold or Platinum-level value at Silver premiums, making them the best value for eligible enrollees.

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.
• Check both Medicaid eligibility and marketplace subsidy eligibility — your income determines which program you qualify for.
• Don't just compare premiums — also compare deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and whether your doctors are in-network.
• Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions (for incomes 100-250% FPL) typically offer the best overall value despite higher premiums than Bronze plans.
• Use our Health Insurance Calculator to estimate your total annual cost (premium + expected out-of-pocket) for different plan options.

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.