Florida has more ACA marketplace enrollees than any other state in 2026, with over 4.5 million residents covered through HealthCare.gov. But more people enrolled means more options, more confusion about which plan tier actually saves you money, and bigger consequences if you pick the wrong one. This guide compares Florida's plan tiers, income limits, and subsidy amounts so you can make an informed choice before the next enrollment window.
The best ACA plan in Florida for 2026 depends on your income and how often you use healthcare. Silver plans are the default smart choice for most lower- and middle-income Floridians because they unlock cost-sharing reductions. Bronze plans work for healthy people who rarely see a doctor. Gold and Platinum plans pay off if you have predictable, high medical costs.
What Happened to Florida ACA Plans in 2026
The biggest change for Florida in 2026 is the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) that ran from 2021 through 2025. Those enhancements, introduced during the pandemic, made plans drastically cheaper, sometimes free, for millions of Floridians.
Starting January 1, 2026:
- The 400% FPL subsidy cliff returned. Households earning above 400% of the federal poverty level no longer qualify for any premium tax credit.
- Subsidies still exist for incomes between 100% and 400% FPL, but they cover less of the premium than in prior years.
- Florida gross premiums jumped 31.5% on average, one of the largest increases in the country.
- Aetna exited the Florida marketplace at the end of 2025, leaving 16 carriers for 2026.
- Oscar entered the gold-tier market in Florida with plans priced well below benchmark in several regions, making gold a more competitive choice than usual in those areas.
Florida did not expand Medicaid, which means adults earning less than 100% FPL fall into a coverage gap. They do not qualify for Medicaid or for marketplace subsidies. See the FAQ section below if that applies to you.
2026 ACA Income Limits for Florida
ACA subsidies are based on the 2025 federal poverty guidelines used for the 2026 plan year. Florida follows the 48 contiguous states FPL table.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $23,475 | $31,300 | $39,125 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $31,725 | $42,300 | $52,875 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $39,975 | $53,300 | $66,625 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $48,225 | $64,300 | $80,375 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $56,475 | $75,300 | $94,125 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $64,725 | $86,300 | $107,875 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $72,975 | $97,300 | $121,625 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $81,225 | $108,300 | $135,375 | $216,600 |
| Each additional | +$5,500 | +$8,250 | +$11,000 | +$13,750 | +$22,000 |
To check whether your household qualifies and how large your subsidy would be, use the CoveredUSA eligibility screener. It takes about two minutes and works for all household sizes.
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs): If your income falls between 100% and 250% FPL and you enroll in a Silver plan, you also receive CSRs. These reduce your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum, often dramatically. A standard Silver plan might carry a $4,000 deductible, but a CSR-enhanced Silver plan for someone at 150% FPL might carry a $300 deductible for the same monthly premium. This is why Silver plans dominate enrollment among lower-income Floridians.
Florida ACA Plan Tiers Compared
Florida's marketplace offers four metal tiers. The tier you choose affects your monthly premium, deductible, and total out-of-pocket costs for the year. It does not affect which doctors or hospitals you can see (that depends on the specific insurer and plan network, not the tier).
| Plan Tier | Avg Monthly Premium (40-yr-old, before subsidy) | Deductible Range | Out-of-Pocket Max | Best For |
|---|
| Bronze | Lower | $7,000 to $9,450 | Up to $9,450 | Healthy people, rarely need care |
| Silver | Moderate (avg $618/mo statewide) | $1,500 to $6,000 | $7,000 to $9,450 | Most enrollees, especially under 250% FPL |
| Gold | Higher | $500 to $2,500 | $5,000 to $7,500 | Moderate to frequent care users |
| Platinum | Highest | $0 to $500 | $3,000 to $5,000 | High utilizers, chronic conditions |
Catastrophic plans are also available in Florida for adults under 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption. These have very low premiums but the highest deductibles, essentially functioning as emergency-only coverage. They do not qualify for premium tax credits.
When Bronze Makes Sense
A Bronze plan is the right choice if you are young, healthy, and primarily want coverage for a catastrophic event like a hospitalization or major surgery. The lower premium saves you money each month, but you will pay the full deductible before the plan covers most services. If you earn under 250% FPL, Bronze does not give you access to CSRs, so you will have a high deductible with no offset.
Why Silver Is the Default for Most Floridians
Silver is the benchmark plan the government uses to calculate your premium tax credit. Your subsidy is set based on what it would cost you to buy the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area. If you choose a Bronze plan instead, you keep the same subsidy amount but apply it to a cheaper plan, sometimes reducing your premium to near zero. If you choose Gold, the same subsidy covers less of a higher premium.
The real advantage of Silver is CSR eligibility. If you earn between 100% and 250% FPL, the only way to access cost-sharing reductions is to enroll in a Silver plan. A CSR-enhanced Silver plan often beats Bronze on total annual cost because the lower deductible means you spend less when you actually use care.
When Gold or Platinum Makes Sense
Gold and Platinum plans charge higher monthly premiums but cost you less per service. If you have a chronic condition, take brand-name medications, or know you will have regular doctor visits or procedures, a Gold or Platinum plan may reduce your total annual spending even after accounting for the premium difference.
In Florida for 2026, Oscar introduced gold plans in several regions priced significantly below the benchmark Silver plan. In those areas, a Gold plan may actually cost close to what a Silver plan costs after subsidies, making it an unusually good deal.
What 16 Carriers Are Offering in Florida for 2026
Florida has 16 insurers in its 2026 marketplace, but carrier availability varies by county. You will not see all 16 options in every zip code. The major carriers with statewide or near-statewide presence include Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida), Molina Healthcare, Ambetter from Sunshine Health, Oscar Health, and Cigna. Community Care Network (22 Health) entered for 2026 but is only available in Broward County.
To see which specific carriers operate in your county and compare actual plan premiums, go to HealthCare.gov and enter your zip code.
Note on Aetna: Aetna exited Florida's individual marketplace at the end of 2025. If you had an Aetna plan, you need to actively re-enroll in a new plan. You were not automatically rolled over to another carrier.
How Much Will You Pay in 2026? Real Examples
These examples use the Miami-Dade area as a reference. Your actual costs will differ by zip code and the specific plan you choose.
Single adult, age 40, income $23,475 (150% FPL):
- Second-lowest Silver plan (benchmark): approximately $335/month before subsidy
- After premium tax credit and CSR, roughly $0 to $50/month
- Deductible with CSR: around $300 to $700 depending on plan
Family of four, income $55,000 (171% FPL):
- Eligible for both premium tax credits and CSRs on a Silver plan
- CSR reduces out-of-pocket maximum to roughly $3,000 to $4,500 for the family
Single adult, age 45, income $70,000 (447% FPL):
- Above 400% FPL, no premium tax credit available in 2026
- Pays full unsubsidized premium; Florida premiums rose 31.5% on average for 2026
Use the CoveredUSA screener to get a personalized estimate based on your actual household size and income.
How to Enroll in a Florida ACA Plan
Florida uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. There is no separate state-run exchange.
Step 1: Confirm your enrollment window. Open enrollment for 2026 coverage ran from November 1 to January 15, 2026. If you missed it, you can only enroll if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Step 2: Check for a Special Enrollment Period. Qualifying life events include losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving to a new area, or losing Medicaid or CHIP. If you have a SEP, you typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
Step 3: Gather your documents. You will need your Social Security numbers for all household members, household income information (W-2s, pay stubs, or a recent tax return), and current health insurance information if applicable.
Step 4: Create or log in to your HealthCare.gov account. Go to healthcare.gov and start an application. The site will calculate your estimated subsidy based on your income and household size.
Step 5: Compare plans in your zip code. Filter by metal tier, carrier, and premium. Pay attention to the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your current doctors and medications are covered in-network.
Step 6: Enroll and pay your first premium. Your coverage starts only after you pay your first monthly premium. Missing that first payment cancels your enrollment.
Step 7: If you want help navigating options, use the CoveredUSA eligibility screener to confirm your eligibility and then connect with a licensed agent. CoveredUSA connects Florida residents with licensed brokers who can help you compare plans, verify your income estimate, and complete enrollment at no cost to you.
Free help: Call 1-800-318-2596 (HealthCare.gov) for free enrollment assistance from certified navigators. Florida's SHINE program (1-800-963-5337) also assists with Medicare questions.
ACA vs. Medicaid in Florida: Understanding the Gap
Florida did not expand Medicaid under the ACA. This creates a specific problem for adults earning below 100% FPL.
- If your income is below 100% FPL as an adult in Florida, you do not qualify for marketplace subsidies (which require at least 100% FPL).
- You also likely do not qualify for Florida Medicaid, which for non-elderly adults has very limited eligibility (primarily pregnant women and people with disabilities or minor children in certain income brackets).
- This coverage gap affects roughly 260,000 Floridians per KFF's May 2025 estimate.
If you fall in the coverage gap, options include free clinics, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) which use sliding-scale fees based on income, and pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs for prescriptions. Check your eligibility at coveredusa.org/screener. We can identify which programs, if any, may still be available to you.
Children in Florida may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP at higher income levels. Florida covers children with incomes up to 211% FPL through Medicaid and 250% FPL through CHIP.
For more on how subsidy amounts are calculated, see the ACA income limits reference page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit to qualify for ACA subsidies in Florida in 2026?
For 2026 coverage, you qualify for premium tax credits if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that is between $15,650 and $62,600. For a family of four, it is between $32,150 and $128,600. Above 400% FPL, no subsidy is available in 2026 because the enhanced credits that removed the income cap expired at the end of 2025.
Which Florida ACA plan is best for someone with a low income?
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, a Silver plan is almost always the best choice because of cost-sharing reductions. CSRs reduce your deductible and out-of-pocket costs, and they are only available on Silver plans. A CSR-enhanced Silver plan at 150% FPL can have a deductible as low as $300 to $700, which is far better than a Bronze plan's $7,000 to $9,450 deductible.
What happened to Aetna in Florida for 2026?
Aetna exited Florida's individual marketplace at the end of 2025. Aetna customers were not automatically transferred to another plan. If you had Aetna coverage and did not re-enroll during open enrollment, you may currently be uninsured. You would need a qualifying life event to enroll in a new plan outside of the regular enrollment window.
Can I get an ACA plan if I missed open enrollment?
Open enrollment for 2026 plans ended January 15, 2026. After that date, you can only enroll if you experience a qualifying life event: losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving, or losing Medicaid or CHIP. You have 60 days from the qualifying event. If you have no qualifying event and are currently uninsured, your next opportunity is open enrollment for 2027, which starts November 1, 2026.
Are there $0 premium ACA plans in Florida in 2026?
Some people still qualify for $0 premium plans in Florida in 2026, primarily those with incomes between 100% and 150% FPL. The enhanced credits that created widespread $0 premium access expired at the end of 2025, so $0 plans are less common than in prior years. Whether a $0 plan is available to you depends on your specific income, household size, and the plans offered in your county.
What is the difference between a premium tax credit and a cost-sharing reduction?
A premium tax credit (PTC) reduces your monthly premium. It is available for incomes from 100% to 400% FPL and can be applied to any metal tier plan. A cost-sharing reduction (CSR) reduces what you pay when you use healthcare (deductibles, copays, coinsurance). CSRs are only available on Silver plans and only for incomes between 100% and 250% FPL. Both credits can apply to the same plan at the same time.
Does Florida have its own ACA marketplace website?
No. Florida uses the federally facilitated marketplace at HealthCare.gov. There is no separate Florida-specific exchange. You apply, compare plans, and enroll through healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596.
How do I know which Florida ACA plan covers my doctor?
Before enrolling, check the plan's provider directory on HealthCare.gov or the insurer's website directly. Enter your doctor's name and confirm they are in-network for the specific plan you are considering, not just the carrier in general. Networks can vary between a carrier's Bronze and Silver plans, or between plans with different names from the same insurer.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes.
