Florida Health Insurance Premiums Set for Significant Increases in 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, health insurance premiums for individual policies sold on the federal health insurance exchange in Florida are projected to double, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). This change is expected to affect millions of Floridians, as the state leads the nation in enrollment on the exchange. For instance, a 28-year-old in Duval County earning $35,000 annually could see their monthly premium rise from $149 to $281. Families of four earning $85,000 in the same county will face increases from $558 to $864 monthly. Premiums in rural areas, such as Okeechobee County, could reach as high as $1,630 for families.

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The OIR attributes these increases to several factors, including reductions in Medicaid funding outlined in the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, and changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A KFF analysis suggests that these changes could lead to an increase of up to 730,000 uninsured residents in Florida over the next decade. The expiration of enhanced advanced premium tax credits, which were initially introduced to lower out-of-pocket costs, is also a significant concern. If these credits are not renewed, an additional 1.2 million Floridians could lose their insurance coverage.

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Healthcare advocates warn that the impending premium hikes could lead to a "healthcare cliff," resulting in increased emergency room visits and a potential loss of 50,000 medical jobs. Karol Molinares, spokesperson for Florida Decides Healthcare, emphasized the urgency of Medicaid expansion for low-income, childless adults as a necessary measure to mitigate these consequences. The Florida Hospital Association and other organizations are advocating for Congress to extend the enhanced tax credits to prevent further loss of coverage.

The OIR has made the premium increase data publicly available, although it did not issue a formal announcement. OIR spokesperson Kylie Mason stated that posting the information online fulfills their obligation to inform the public. Molinares remarked, “I think Medicaid expansion is the last tool in the toolbox to avoid a healthcare cliff that we are barreling toward if the ACA tax credits don’t get renewed.”

Critics argue that the lack of Medicaid expansion in Florida has exacerbated the situation. The ACA remains popular among residents, yet the state's refusal to expand Medicaid has left many without affordable coverage options. The rising premiums and potential loss of tax credits highlight the urgent need for legislative action to address these healthcare challenges.

As the open enrollment period for 2026 coverage approaches, Floridians are urged to prepare for significant increases in health insurance premiums. The potential for millions to become uninsured underscores the critical need for policy changes to ensure access to affordable healthcare in the state.