Florida health insurance is genuinely confusing — there are too many plan types, too much jargon, and a state-specific situation (no Medicaid expansion, a federal-only marketplace) that makes national resources less useful than they should be. By the end of this page, you'll know what your actual options are and whether you qualify for financial help paying for them.
ACA marketplace plans are health insurance plans sold through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Florida uses this federal marketplace exclusively — unlike some states, Florida does not have its own state-run exchange.
Plans come in four metal tiers. Bronze has the lowest premium but the highest out-of-pocket costs — good if you're healthy and rarely use care. Silver is the middle tier and where subsidies are maximized for most people (more on that below). Gold has a higher premium but lower costs when you use care. Platinum has the highest premium and lowest out-of-pocket costs — best if you have significant ongoing medical needs.
All ACA plans must cover 10 essential health benefits including preventive care, emergency services, prescription drugs, mental health services, maternity care, and pediatric services. Pre-existing conditions cannot be used to deny coverage or increase your premium.
Most Florida residents shopping on the ACA marketplace qualify for some level of financial help. The premium tax credit reduces your monthly cost based on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2026, the FPL is $15,960 for a single adult and $33,000 for a family of four.
If your income is between 100% and 150% FPL ($15,960–$23,940 for a single adult), you likely qualify for $0 or near-$0 monthly premiums on a Silver plan — and additional help with deductibles and copays through Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs). These CSRs are only available on Silver tier plans, which is why choosing Silver at this income level is almost always the right move.
Don't assume you don't qualify. Many Florida residents earning $40,000, $55,000, or more still receive meaningful subsidies. The cutoff isn't a cliff — it phases out gradually. If you're paying more than 8.5% of your income on the benchmark Silver plan premium, you likely qualify for some credit regardless of income level.
One important Florida-specific note: Florida has not expanded Medicaid. Adults earning below 100% FPL who don't have dependent children or a qualifying disability typically fall into a coverage gap — they don't qualify for Florida Medicaid and can't receive ACA subsidies. This is one of the most significant coverage challenges in the state, and it's a real gap, not a paperwork issue.
As a licensed Florida health insurance producer, my job is to make this process straightforward. Here's what working together looks like:
We start with a brief conversation about your situation — your income, household size, whether you have any ongoing health conditions that make network or prescription coverage important, and what you're currently paying if you have any coverage. From there, I compare every plan available in your zip code and walk you through the realistic options: what you'd pay monthly, what you'd pay if something goes wrong, and which plan actually fits your life.
There is no charge for this. I'm compensated by the insurance carrier, not by you. You don't pay more by working with a licensed agent than you would enrolling directly through HealthCare.gov — and you get someone who knows the Florida market, knows the carriers, and can answer your questions year-round.