Florida · Licensed Agent NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232
Florida Health Insurance
From a Florida Agent
Florida has more insurance options — and more ways to overpay — than almost any other state. Philip Smith is a licensed Florida insurance agent (NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232) who compares health, Medicare, and life insurance plans from 22+ carriers to find the right fit for your situation. The consultation is always free.
Reviewed by Philip Smith, Licensed Insurance AgentNPN #22255420FL Lic. #G349232Updated July 2026
Insurance Coverage in Florida
Health Insurance
PPO, HMO, ACA, and private plans for individuals, families, and self-employed Floridians.
Learn moreMedicare
Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans for Floridians turning 65 or already enrolled.
Learn moreLife Insurance
Term, whole life, and final expense coverage for Florida families and business owners.
Learn moreHealth Insurance in Florida: The Complete Guide
Florida is home to more than 22 million people and one of the most competitive health insurance markets in the United States. Unlike many states, Florida did not expand Medicaid under the ACA — which means Floridians with incomes between 0% and 100% of the Federal Poverty Level fall into what's called the "coverage gap" and don't qualify for marketplace subsidies or Medicaid. This makes the guidance of a licensed insurance agent especially important.
For Floridians who do qualify, marketplace subsidies still bring premiums down substantially — but 2026 is a harder year than the last few. The enhanced premium tax credits that ran from 2021 through 2025 expired on January 1, 2026, which means subsidies reverted to the original ACA formula and the 400% FPL cliff came back. Households just above that line lost their credit entirely, and many who kept theirs are paying noticeably more. Knowing exactly where your projected income falls matters more this year than it has in a long time.
Florida also offers a unique insurance product called TriTerm medical insurance — available only in select states — which provides major medical coverage for up to 36 months with no enrollment window requirement. TriTerm plans are a popular option for Floridians who need coverage outside of Open Enrollment and don't have a qualifying life event for an ACA Special Enrollment Period.
Florida's Medicare market is equally complex. With over 5 million Medicare beneficiaries, Florida has some of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country. Counties like Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward often have 20+ Medicare Advantage plans available — each with different premiums, networks, drug formularies, and star ratings. Navigating this without a licensed agent frequently results in Floridians choosing a plan that costs them thousands more per year than the best available option.
Philip Smith (NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232) is based in Florida and works with clients across the state — from Tampa and St. Petersburg to Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and beyond. He's an independent agent, which means he's not captive to any single carrier and can shop your needs across 22+ Florida-licensed carriers to find the plan that best fits your doctors, budget, and healthcare situation. The comparison is free. The consultation is free. Philip is compensated by the carrier you choose, so you never pay more by working with him.
Why Florida Insurance Is Different
No state-run marketplace
Florida uses the federal marketplace (healthcare.gov), which limits some state-specific features available in other states. Open Enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 in Florida.
No Medicaid expansion
Florida is one of a small number of states that hasn't expanded Medicaid. Residents earning below 100% FPL don't qualify for marketplace subsidies and may face limited affordable options — making agent guidance especially valuable.
TriTerm plans available year-round
Florida is one of the few states where TriTerm medical insurance is available — a private major medical plan with 36-month coverage that can be purchased any time without a qualifying life event.
Largest Medicare market in the US
Florida has over 5 million Medicare beneficiaries. Most counties have 15–30+ Medicare Advantage plan options. Choosing incorrectly can cost $2,000–$5,000 more per year than the best available alternative.
Health Insurance by Florida City
Plan availability, premiums, and carrier networks vary by ZIP code. Find your city for local guidance.
Florida Insurance by Situation
Not sure which plan type fits your situation? Start here.
Best network flexibility
PPO Health Insurance Florida
The only statewide PPO in Florida's individual market. No referrals, any doctor, 2026 rate spike explained.
Florida #1 for self-employed
Self-Employed Health Insurance
ACA vs. private PPO decision guide for Florida freelancers and 1099 workers. Income bracket breakdown.
Federal marketplace guide
ACA Marketplace Florida
2.7M FL enrollees, no Medicaid expansion, Nov 1–Jan 15 enrollment, 2026 subsidies explained.
Available year-round
TriTerm Medical Insurance
Florida-only extended coverage. No open enrollment. Up to 36 months on UHC PPO. Starts within 5 days.
2026 premium crisis guide
Florida 2026 Rate Increases
Premiums up 30–35% after enhanced ACA credits expired. What happened and exactly what to do now.
Need coverage now
Special Enrollment Period
Just lost coverage or had a life event? A 60-day window lets you get insured now — outside Open Enrollment.
Lower your cost
Affordable Health Insurance FL
The 3 real ways to lower your premium: subsidies, the right tier, and private plans for healthy adults.
Group & ICHRA
Small Business Health Insurance
Cover your team with group, ICHRA reimbursement, or owner-only plans. Often cheaper than owners expect.
New residents
Moving to Florida?
A move opens a 60-day enrollment window. Get a FL plan for your new ZIP with no coverage gap.
After job loss
COBRA Alternative Florida
COBRA costs ~$859/mo. Private PPO alternatives start at $266/mo. 60-day window explained.
Multi-state coverage
Snowbird Health Insurance
FL Blue BlueOptions + BlueCard: in-network rates in all 50 states. Medicare Supplement for 65+.
Medicare 65+
Florida Medicare Advantage
5.3M FL beneficiaries, ~36 plans per county. When Advantage wins — and when snowbirds need Medigap instead.
Local Tampa agent
Tampa Insurance Agent
Philip's home base. 22+ carriers, 58 Medicare Advantage plans, Hillsborough County expertise.
Free Florida Insurance Tools
Coverage Navigator
Answer 7 questions and get a personalized plan recommendation in under 3 minutes.
Subsidy Estimator
Estimate your ACA tax credit based on your 2026 income and Florida household size.
PPO vs HMO vs EPO
Side-by-side comparison of plan types to help you understand the tradeoffs.
Free Agent Consultation
30-minute call with Philip to compare specific plans based on your doctors and budget.
Florida Health Insurance FAQs
What health insurance options are available in Florida?
Florida residents can choose from ACA marketplace plans (with potential income-based subsidies), private PPO and HMO plans from carriers like BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, short-term medical plans, and TriTerm medical plans available in Florida. The right option depends on your income, household size, health needs, and whether you qualify for ACA subsidies.
Does Florida have its own health insurance marketplace?
No — Florida uses the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov rather than a state-run exchange. Open Enrollment for ACA plans in Florida runs November 1 through January 15. Outside of Open Enrollment, you need a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, new baby, relocation) to enroll in an ACA plan. Private plans have no enrollment windows and can be purchased year-round.
Who qualifies for subsidized health insurance in Florida?
Florida residents with income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for ACA premium tax credits — roughly $15,650–$62,600 for a single person and $32,150–$128,600 for a family of four in 2026. Important 2026 change: the enhanced subsidies that had extended help above 400% FPL expired on January 1, 2026, so the subsidy cliff has returned. Earning even slightly above 400% FPL now means no premium tax credit at all. Use our Subsidy Estimator to see where your household lands.
What is the best health insurance for self-employed Floridians?
Self-employed Floridians have two strong options: ACA marketplace plans if your income qualifies for subsidies, or private PPO plans for maximum network flexibility. Private PPOs let you see any doctor without referrals, which is valuable for business owners who travel or have established specialist relationships. Philip compares both side-by-side based on your income, location, and healthcare needs.
Can I get health insurance in Florida outside of open enrollment?
Yes, in two ways: (1) If you experience a qualifying life event like losing job-based coverage, getting married, or having a baby, you have a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for ACA plans. (2) Private health insurance plans — PPOs, HMOs, and TriTerm plans — can be purchased at any time with no enrollment window. They don't require a qualifying event.
PS
Philip Smith · Licensed Florida Insurance Agent
NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232 · Independent agent serving clients across Florida · Health, Medicare, and life insurance · Works with 22+ carriers including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, and more. Not captive to any carrier. The comparison and consultation are always free.
Still not sure which plan to choose?
Philip compares specific PPO, HMO, and EPO plans from 22+ carriers based on your doctors, budget, and ZIP code — in one free call.
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