Country Guide
Best Health Insurance in Florida (2026)
Florida did not expand Medicaid — ACA marketplace is critical. Florida has the most ACA enrollees in the US.
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 21, 2026
Top Exchanges in Florida
| # | Exchange | Best For | Fees | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Blue (BCBS) | Widest FL network | $5,280/yr | — |
| 2 | Ambetter Florida | Budget ACA plans | $4,080/yr | — |
| 3 | UnitedHealthcare FL | Plan variety | $5,640/yr | — |
| 4 | Molina Healthcare FL | Low-income families | $4,440/yr | — |
| 5 | Oscar Health FL | Digital tools | $4,320/yr | — |
Florida health insurance overview
Florida is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, creating a significant coverage gap for low-income adults earning between 0–100% of the Federal Poverty Level who don't qualify for either Medicaid or marketplace subsidies. The state relies heavily on the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov) for individual and family coverage, with over 3.6 million Floridians enrolled — more than any other state.
Coverage options comparison
| Plan tier | Monthly premium (single, age 40) | Deductible | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $380–$500 | $7,000–$8,500 | Young, healthy individuals |
| Silver | $480–$620 | $3,000–$5,000 | Subsidy-eligible families |
| Gold | $550–$720 | $1,000–$2,500 | Those with chronic conditions |
| Catastrophic | $250–$350 | $9,100 | Under-30 adults or hardship exemptions |
Key Florida regulations
Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) oversees health insurers but does not operate a state exchange. HB 221 (2023) provides balance billing protections for emergency services and certain non-emergency care at in-network facilities. Florida KidCare covers children in families earning up to 200% FPL with premiums ranging from free to $20/month. The state also allows short-term health plans of up to 364 days with renewal options, though these plans are not ACA-compliant and may exclude pre-existing conditions.
How to save on Florida health insurance
- Apply for marketplace subsidies: Enhanced subsidies through 2025 mean a family of four earning up to $120,000 may qualify for assistance
- Enroll in Florida KidCare: Children's coverage costs $0–$20/month for qualifying families — far cheaper than adding dependents to marketplace plans
- Consider HMO networks: Florida Blue, Ambetter, and Molina offer HMO plans 20–30% cheaper than PPO options
- Use community health centers: Florida has 52 federally qualified health centers offering sliding-scale fees regardless of insurance status
- Avoid short-term plans for chronic conditions: While premiums are lower, these plans exclude pre-existing conditions and have limited benefits
- Check Navigator assistance: Free certified navigators help Floridians find the lowest-cost plans — available through covering.florida.com
The coverage gap challenge
An estimated 800,000 Floridians fall into the Medicaid coverage gap — earning too much for Florida Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies. Community health centers, charity care programs, and county-funded safety-net hospitals serve as critical access points for this population. Legislative efforts to expand Medicaid have stalled repeatedly in the Florida legislature.
Crypto Regulations in Florida
Florida has not expanded Medicaid, leaving an estimated 800,000 residents in the coverage gap. The state uses HealthCare.gov as its marketplace with 3.6M+ enrollees. HB 221 provides balance billing protections for emergency services. Florida KidCare covers children up to 200% FPL. Short-term health plans up to 364 days are allowed but are not ACA-compliant. The Office of Insurance Regulation oversees all health insurers.