Florida has more ACA marketplace enrollees than any other state, with over 4.5 million residents enrolled in 2026 coverage. If you are uninsured or looking to switch plans, the marketplace is still the most direct path to affordable coverage, even after the enhanced subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act expired at the end of 2025.
Here is what you need to know about costs, subsidies, and how to enroll in a Florida ACA marketplace plan in 2026.
What Changed for Florida in 2026
The biggest shift for 2026 is the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits that were in place from 2021 through 2025. Those credits were introduced during the pandemic and made plans significantly cheaper, including $0 premiums for many lower-income enrollees.
Starting January 1, 2026:
- The subsidy cliff returned. Households earning above 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) no longer qualify for premium tax credits.
- Subsidies still exist for households earning between 100% and 400% FPL, but they cover less of the premium than they did in 2025.
- A 40-year-old in Miami-Dade County earning $23,475 who paid $0/month in 2025 now pays roughly $81/month for the same plan.
Florida did not expand Medicaid, which means adults earning less than 100% FPL fall into a coverage gap and are not eligible for marketplace subsidies or Medicaid. If that applies to you, scroll to the FAQ section for options.
2026 ACA Subsidy Income Limits for Florida
Subsidies are based on the 2025 federal poverty guidelines, which the ACA uses to determine eligibility for the coverage year. Florida follows the 48 contiguous states FPL table.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 200% FPL | 250% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $31,300 | $39,125 | $62,600 |
| 2 people | $21,150 | $29,187 | $42,300 | $52,875 | $84,600 |
| 3 people | $26,650 | $36,777 | $53,300 | $66,625 | $106,600 |
| 4 people | $32,150 | $44,367 | $64,300 | $80,375 | $128,600 |
| 5 people | $37,650 | $51,957 | $75,300 | $94,125 | $150,600 |
| 6 people | $43,150 | $59,547 | $86,300 | $107,875 | $172,600 |
| 7 people | $48,650 | $67,137 | $97,300 | $121,625 | $194,600 |
| 8 people | $54,150 | $74,727 | $108,300 | $135,375 | $216,600 |
| Each additional person | +$5,500 | +$7,590 | +$11,000 | +$13,750 | +$22,000 |
To qualify for premium tax credits, your household income must fall between 100% and 400% FPL. Cost-sharing reductions (lower deductibles and copays) are available if you earn between 100% and 250% FPL and enroll in a Silver plan.
For more detail on how these thresholds work nationally, see the ACA income limits guide at CoveredUSA.
Plan Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Florida's federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov) offers four metal tiers for 2026. Sixteen insurance companies are currently offering plans in the state, with availability varying by county.
| Metal Tier | Avg Monthly Premium (individual) | Deductible Range | Best For |
|---|
| Bronze | Lowest premium | $4,000 to $7,500 | Healthy adults who want low monthly costs |
| Silver | Mid-range | $1,500 to $4,000 | Most subsidy-eligible enrollees; required for cost-sharing reductions |
| Gold | Higher premium | $500 to $2,000 | People who use coverage frequently |
| Platinum | Highest premium | $0 to $500 | High medical needs, predictable costs |
Catastrophic plans are also available to Floridians under 30 or those with a hardship exemption.
If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions (income between 100% and 250% FPL), you must choose a Silver plan to receive that benefit. Picking Bronze to save on premiums means forfeiting the lower deductibles and copays.
How Subsidies Work in 2026
Premium tax credits (PTCs) lower your monthly premium. The subsidy amount is calculated based on what you are expected to pay toward a benchmark Silver plan relative to your income.
Here is the general scale for 2026:
- At 100% FPL: you pay no more than 2% of income toward the benchmark plan premium
- At 150% FPL: approximately 0% to 3% of income
- At 200% FPL: approximately 6% of income
- At 300% FPL: approximately 9% of income
- At 400% FPL: approximately 9.83% of income
- Above 400% FPL: no subsidy
If your benchmark plan costs more than your expected contribution, the government pays the difference as a tax credit applied directly to your monthly premium.
In 2026, the average subsidy for Florida marketplace enrollees was approximately $740 per month, though individual amounts vary widely by age, plan, and location.
Enrollment Deadlines in Florida
Florida uses HealthCare.gov, the federally-facilitated marketplace.
Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage: November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. That window is now closed.
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage: November 1, 2026 to December 15, 2026. Note the shorter window compared to prior years. Plans purchased by December 15, 2026 take effect January 1, 2027.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): If you missed open enrollment, you may still qualify to enroll outside that window if you experience a qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event to enroll.
Common qualifying events in Florida include:
- Losing job-based health coverage
- Losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
- Getting married or divorced (if divorce results in coverage loss)
- Having or adopting a child
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent's plan
- Moving to a new coverage area
- Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
To start a Special Enrollment Period, log in to HealthCare.gov, report your life event, and upload documentation if prompted. Coverage typically starts the first day of the following month.
How to Apply for a Florida ACA Plan
Florida residents apply through HealthCare.gov. Here are the steps:
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Gather your documents. You will need Social Security numbers for everyone applying, income information (pay stubs, tax return, or estimate), employer and job information, and current health plan information if you are switching.
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Create or log in to your HealthCare.gov account. Go to healthcare.gov and create an account or log in if you applied before.
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Complete the application. Enter household information, income, and whether anyone is offered coverage through an employer. The system calculates your subsidy eligibility automatically.
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Compare plans. Review the available Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans in your county. Filter by premium, deductible, and whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
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Enroll and pay your first premium. Select a plan and enroll. Coverage does not begin until you pay your first month's premium to the insurer directly.
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Report income changes during the year. If your income goes up or down, update your marketplace application. This prevents owing money back at tax time or missing out on a larger subsidy.
You can also call the marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) for free enrollment help, or find a local navigator or certified enrollment assister in Florida.
Florida Medicaid vs. Marketplace: Understanding the Gap
Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. That means adults without dependents who earn below 100% FPL (less than $15,650 for a single person in 2026) do not qualify for either Medicaid or marketplace subsidies.
Floridians who do qualify for Medicaid include:
- Children up to 211% FPL
- Pregnant women up to 196% FPL
- Parents and caretakers at very low income thresholds
- People receiving SSI or who are disabled
If you are a Florida adult without dependents earning below 100% FPL, Medicaid is likely not available to you. Community health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and sliding-scale clinics are your primary options for low-cost care. You can find FQHCs at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Carriers Offering Plans in Florida for 2026
Sixteen insurance companies offer individual market ACA plans in Florida for 2026. Major carriers include:
- Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida)
- Ambetter from Sunshine Health
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna / CVS Health
- Humana
- Oscar Health
- Molina Healthcare
- Simply Healthcare
Not every carrier is available in every county. Florida Blue and Ambetter tend to have the broadest statewide presence. When comparing plans on HealthCare.gov, the site shows which carriers are available in your specific ZIP code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for ACA marketplace plans in Florida in 2026?
You qualify if you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant, live in Florida, are not incarcerated, and are not enrolled in Medicare. You can enroll during open enrollment or during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event. Income does not determine eligibility to enroll, but it does determine whether you get a subsidy.
What is the income limit to get subsidies in Florida in 2026?
Subsidies are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that is $15,650 to $62,600. For a family of four, it is $32,150 to $128,600. These figures use the 2025 FPL guidelines for 2026 coverage.
Can I still enroll in a Florida ACA plan if I missed open enrollment?
Yes, if you have a qualifying life event. Losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new area all trigger a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Log in to HealthCare.gov and report the event to begin your SEP. Without a qualifying event, you must wait for the next open enrollment period starting November 1, 2026.
What happened to the $0 premium plans in Florida?
Those plans were available because of the enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, which expired December 31, 2025. Some lower-income enrollees may still pay very low premiums depending on their income and the plans available in their county, but $0 premium plans are no longer widely available.
Is Florida Medicaid the same as marketplace coverage?
No. Florida Medicaid is a state-federal program for specific groups (children, pregnant women, people with disabilities). Florida has not expanded Medicaid to cover all low-income adults. The ACA marketplace is a separate program where you purchase private health insurance, with subsidies to lower the cost. You cannot have both marketplace subsidies and Medicaid at the same time.
What is a Silver plan and why does it matter?
A Silver plan is the middle-tier option on the marketplace. It matters because it is the only tier that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which lower your deductible and out-of-pocket costs. CSRs are available to households earning between 100% and 250% FPL. If you qualify for CSRs, enrolling in a Silver plan gives you better coverage than a Bronze plan even if the monthly premium is higher.
How much will I pay for a Florida marketplace plan in 2026?
It depends on your age, income, county, and plan tier. A 40-year-old enrolling in a Silver plan in Miami-Dade County earning $23,475 (150% FPL) can expect to pay roughly $81/month after subsidies. Someone earning 300% FPL will pay more. Use the KFF subsidy calculator at kff.org to estimate your specific cost.
Where do I apply for a Florida ACA marketplace plan?
Florida uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 or find a local navigator through coveringflorida.org. Navigators provide free, unbiased enrollment help.
Not sure which program you qualify for? Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA, it takes 2 minutes. The screener covers ACA marketplace plans, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and other programs, and works for Florida residents specifically.
Check your eligibility at CoveredUSA
