Rising Health Insurance Premiums for Floridians
More than 4 million Floridians, reliant on Obamacare plans or small employer health insurance, are set to see significant increases in their health insurance premiums in the coming weeks. This information was recently shared by Florida’s Department of Insurance Regulation.
Last month, the OIR indicated that starting January 1, 2026, residents of Florida would face double-digit increases in monthly premiums for individual insurance available on federal health insurance exchanges. Florida continues to lead the nation in enrollment for these exchanges.
For instance, a 28-year-old single person in Flagler County, earning $34,000 annually, will pay an average premium of $181 for a silver plan this year, bolstered by a federal grant. However, in 2026, this individual’s premium will rise drastically to $368—a staggering 103% hike.
For families, the situation looks similar. In Flagler County, a family of four with an income of $85,000 will see their average monthly premium for the Silver Plan jump from $680 to $1,192, reflecting a 75% increase. The federal grant for this year was around $1,390, but the overall insurance costs have also escalated significantly.
Moreover, there are fewer insurance carriers offering ACA coverage in Flagler County compared to last year, and not all providers are continuing their participation. Notably, Aetna and Amerihealth Caritas Florida will not be available for ACA coverage in Flagler County this year.
In Duval County, a similar trend can be observed, where a 28-year-old earning $35,000 can expect their premiums to rise from $149 to $281 starting January 1, 2026. Families making $85,000 in that region face proportional increases as well.
Some areas are experiencing even heftier premium charges. For example, in Okeechobee County, a family might pay around $1,630 per month, while individuals could expect costs of about $484 monthly.
While the OIR released these figures as a preview on August 25, more detailed information will not be available until the registration period for 2026 coverage opens on November 1.
The increasing costs in coverage can be attributed to multiple factors, including changes within the ACA and Medicaid reductions under the 2025 Budget Settlement Act—also termed the One Big Beautiful Bill. Analysts predict this could result in up to 730,000 more Floridians being uninsured in the coming decade.
Without the advanced premium tax credits established in 2021, the risk of having 1.2 million more uninsured residents looms if these credits expire, causing organizations to rally for their renewal.
“We’re nearing a healthcare cliff,” remarked a spokesperson for healthcare advocacy in Florida. Concerns revolve around the implications of this crisis, including overcrowded emergency rooms and rising hospital costs—issues that could burden the state financially.
Impacts on Small Employers
As for small and mid-sized businesses, while their rate increases may not be as steep as those for individuals, they’ll still feel the effects. Average individual premiums are projected to rise from $728 in 2025 to $821 in 2026.
Despite some reluctance from Republican lawmakers to expand Medicaid for low-income, childless adults, the ACA remains popular in Florida, as many residents seek insurance in the exchanges each year. The ACA has altered the pricing structure of health insurance by preventing insurers from factoring in medical history and basing premiums mainly on factors like age, location, and family size.
In total, eight companies operate in Florida’s individual health insurance market, including major names that offer plans throughout many counties. The OIR has laid out potential premium figures for individuals and families based on their incomes, illustrating how the advanced premium tax credits affect final costs.
This phenomenon of rising premiums isn’t unique to Florida; it’s a nationwide trend. A recent review revealed a median increase of 18% in 2026 across various states. Insurance companies cite rising costs and the utilization of services as reasons behind these hikes.
Need for Medicaid Expansion
Most residents who purchased health insurance in 2023 opted for individual plans through federal exchanges, with millions even relying on personal health insurance. Advocacy for expanding Medicaid to low-income adults is growing, as it could provide a crucial safety net amidst these rising costs.
A healthcare spokesperson expressed, “Medicaid expansion could be the last tool we have to prevent further escalation of the healthcare crisis if ACA tax credits aren’t maintained.”
