Florida Health Insurance

From its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant theme parks to the unique ecosystems of the Everglades, Florida remains a desirable place to live, and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.

If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Florida.

Health Insurance Options in Florida

Florida offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many Floridians receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.

ACA Marketplace Plans (HealthCare.gov)

Individuals and families without employer coverage can shop for insurance through Florida’s official ACA marketplace at HealthCare.gov.

Subsidies may be available to reduce premium costs based on your income and household size, even if you are unemployed. You can check your eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this effort, CMS will reduce the ACA subsidies by $5 per month for individuals who are automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.

Marketplace Plans

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
• Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Metal Tier Breakdown

Medicaid

Medicaid Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents and families. Benefits typically include preventive care, hospital visits, mental health, prescriptions, and more. To see if you qualify, visit the Florida Medicaid site.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary health coverage and can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, recently lost employer coverage, waiting for ACA or Medicare eligibility, or need affordable protection during a coverage gap.

These plans are available in this state and follow federal rules, but they are not regulated by the ACA. That means they can deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions and typically do not include comprehensive benefits like maternity, mental health, or preventive care.

While short-term medical plans are not a substitute for long-term health insurance, they may be ideal in situations where you’re temporarily uninsured—such as after job loss or before new coverage begins—and want short-term protection from unexpected medical events.

Learn more about Florida short-term health insurance plans.

STM Plan Enrollment

Unlike ACA-compliant plans, you can enroll in short-term health plans year-round.

Quick Coverage Start: Many short-term plans can begin as soon as the next day after your application is approved.

Student Health Insurance

College students in any state have multiple health insurance options, including staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in a school-sponsored plan, or applying for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans—making Florida student health insurance accessible and flexible for a wide range of needs.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Known as Florida KidCare, this program helps children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Medicaid but need affordable insurance. Florida KidCare is a brand name for four programs: Medicaid, MediKids, Florida Healthy Kids, and the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Health Plan, providing seamless coverage from birth until the 19th birthday.

Medicare

Medicare plans are available for residents age 65 and older and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
  • Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone with Medicare, helping pay for medications and many vaccines. Offered by private insurers, these plans vary in cost and coverage and can be joined during specific enrollment periods.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
  • Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay. Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, these plans can limit your expenses for medical services.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to continue your employer coverage temporarily, typically at full cost.

Enrollment Periods in Florida

Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026

During this window, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their marketplace health plans.

Special Enrollment Period: Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events such as:

• Loss of coverage
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Relocation
• Major change in income

You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Florida

As of 2025, insurers typically offering individual and family plans through HealthCare.gov in Florida include:

• Florida Blue
• Aetna CVS Health
• Ambetter from Sunshine Health
• Oscar Health
• Molina Healthcare
• UnitedHealthcare
• Cigna
• Humana

Plan availability may vary by county or zip code.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When selecting a plan, be sure to understand these common cost terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment to maintain your plan.
• Deductible: What you pay before insurance covers services.
• Copayment (Copay): Fixed amount per visit/service.
• Coinsurance: Shared costs with your insurer after the deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Your yearly cost cap for covered services.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Staying in-network helps you avoid higher charges.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Florida comes with many choices—whether from your employer, through the ACA marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By staying informed and comparing plans during the right enrollment periods, you can secure affordable, reliable coverage that supports your well-being and budget.

Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator or speak with a licensed insurance agent.