Licensed Florida Agent · NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232
Compare Health Insurance Plans
Pick the wrong plan and you pay for it every month for a year. Philip Smith, a licensed independent insurance agent, compares PPO, HMO, and ACA plans from 22+ carriers to find the right fit for your doctors, budget, and situation.
Reviewed by Philip Smith, Licensed Insurance AgentNPN #22255420FL Lic. #G349232Updated July 2026
22+
Florida carriers compared
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NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232
Licensed FL agent
Quick Answer
What are your health insurance options in Florida?
Florida residents can choose ACA Marketplace plans (with income-based subsidies), private PPO and HMO plans from 22+ carriers, or year-round TriTerm medical plans. A private PPO typically runs $350–$550/month before subsidies, while a subsidized ACA Silver plan can drop to $0–$50/month. The right fit depends on your income, your doctors, and how often you use care.
What You Need to Know About Health Insurance in Florida
Florida is one of the most complex health insurance markets in the country. With no state-run exchange, dozens of private carriers competing for your business, and unique plan types like TriTerm medical plans, picking the wrong coverage is easy — and costly.
Premium vs. deductible trap
A $200/month plan with a $7,500 deductible costs far more than a $400/month plan if you use your insurance. The right plan balances premium against your likely annual usage.
Self-employed & 1099
The choice between ACA marketplace plans (with subsidies) and private carrier plans (broader networks) can save or cost thousands per year. Philip knows which wins for your income.
Philip Smith (NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232) works with 22+ carriers and compares plans across the market — verifying your doctors are in-network and explaining the real cost difference in plain English. The consultation is free.
Types of Health Insurance in Florida
Private PPO Plans
Maximum flexibility — see any doctor, no referrals required. Best for self-employed professionals and families with preferred doctors.
- No referrals needed
- See any specialist
- Nationwide coverage
- Keep your current doctors
ACA Marketplace Plans
Government marketplace plans with potential tax credit subsidies. Best for those who qualify for income-based assistance.
- Potential $0 premiums with subsidies
- Pre-existing conditions covered
- 10 essential health benefits
- Open enrollment windows
Family Health Plans
Comprehensive coverage for your whole family including pediatric care, dental, and vision options.
- Pediatric coverage
- Family deductible pooling
- Preventive care included
- Maternity benefits
More Health Insurance Guides
ACA Subsidies in 2026
Income limits, the 400% cliff that returned January 1, and what you'll actually pay.
Bronze vs Silver vs Gold
How the tiers split costs — and the Silver-only discount most shoppers miss.
HSA & High-Deductible Plans
2026 contribution limits, HDHP rules, and whether the trade-off suits you.
Self-Employed Coverage
The three paths when nobody splits the premium — plus the tax deduction.
Just Lost Job Coverage?
COBRA costs 102% of the full premium. Your 60-day window has cheaper options.
What Is TriTerm Medical?
UnitedHealthcare's year-round plan — nearly 3 years from one application, and who it actually suits.
PPO vs HMO vs EPO
Referrals, networks, and the cost math — for a family or for a team.
Family Health Plans
How family deductibles work and what covering the whole household costs.
Dental Insurance
The 100/80/50 structure, annual maximums, and waiting periods to check first.
Vision Insurance
Exam copays and frame allowances — and an honest read on whether it pays off.
Supplemental Coverage
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity — what they do and don't do.
Insurance Glossary
Every term that matters, defined the way it actually works.
How to Choose the Right Plan in Florida
Check your enrollment window
ACA plans require Open Enrollment (Nov 1–Jan 15) or a qualifying life event. Private plans can be purchased any time. If you just lost job-based coverage, you have 60 days to enroll in either.
Verify your doctors are in-network
Before choosing any plan, confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists you see are in-network. Philip does this for you — out-of-network care can cost 3–10x more on some plan types.
Calculate your true annual cost
Add your annual premiums + your expected out-of-pocket costs based on how much healthcare you typically use. A higher premium plan often costs less overall for people with regular prescriptions or specialist visits.
Consider your prescription drug coverage
Every plan has a drug formulary — the list of covered medications and what tier they fall on. If you take name-brand medications, check the formulary before you enroll. Some plans charge 40–50% coinsurance on Tier 3–4 drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best health insurance in Florida for self-employed people?
Self-employed Floridians typically benefit most from private PPO plans, which offer maximum flexibility and no referral requirements. If your income is between 100%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, ACA marketplace plans may offer significant subsidies that make them more affordable. A licensed agent can compare both side-by-side for your income and ZIP code.
Can I keep my doctor when switching health insurance in Florida?
With a PPO plan, you can generally continue seeing any doctor who accepts the insurance. With an HMO or EPO, your doctor must be in-network. Before recommending a plan, Philip verifies that your current doctors are in-network — so you never get a surprise bill because your physician was out of network.
What is the difference between ACA and private health insurance?
ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans are sold through the government marketplace and may qualify for tax credit subsidies based on income. Private plans are purchased directly from carriers and offer more flexibility, broader networks, and in some cases lower out-of-pocket costs — but without subsidies. The right choice depends entirely on your income, family size, and health needs.
When can I enroll in health insurance in Florida?
ACA plans have an Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15 in most states). Outside of that, you need a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, new baby) to enroll. Private plans can be purchased year-round with no enrollment window restrictions.
How much does health insurance cost in Florida?
For a 40-year-old in Florida, private PPO plans typically range from $350–$550/month before subsidies. ACA Silver plans average around $450/month but can drop to $0–$50/month with income-based subsidies. Family plans add roughly $200–$300/month per additional member. Your actual rate depends on age, ZIP code, tobacco use, and plan tier.
PS
Philip Smith · Licensed Florida Insurance Agent
NPN #22255420 · FL Lic. #G349232 · Independent agent licensed in Florida · Works with 22+ carriers including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, and more. No carrier quotas. No pressure. The consultation is 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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