Florida Health Insurance — ACA Marketplace Plans
Subsidies changed for 2026 — here's what that actually means for your premium, and how to find the right plan without the confusion.
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What Is It 2026 Subsidy Changes Plan Tiers What's Covered Open Enrollment Why a Local Broker Local Coverage by Region Other Options FAQ Get an Instant Quote →
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Florida Health InsuranceFind out if you qualify for help paying your premium — on or off the Marketplace. Get Instant Quote → |
Temporary Health InsuranceA great alternative to COBRA, or if you missed Open Enrollment — 1 to 12 months of coverage. Get Instant Quote → |
Dental & Vision InsuranceShop and compare standalone dental and vision plans — quotes in 5 minutes or less. Get Instant Quote → |
Turning 65 and on Medicare?Compare Medicare Supplement, Advantage, and Part D plans — free, unbiased guidance. Visit Our Medicare Page → |
What Is the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Affordable Care Marketplace (sometimes called "Obamacare" or "the exchange") lets you shop for individual and family health insurance plans from private carriers — all in one place, with the ability to check if you qualify for financial help paying your premium.
Why it can feel confusing: Dozens of plans, five coverage tiers, subsidy rules that changed for 2026, and fine print that varies by carrier. This is exactly the kind of decision where a local, licensed broker — at no cost to you — makes a real difference.
Want a clear answer on what you'd actually pay?
Talk to a NISONA Advisor — It's Free →What Changed for 2026 — Subsidies Are Smaller, But Most People Still Qualify
This is the single biggest thing to understand before shopping for 2026 coverage.
⚠ What happened:
Temporary "enhanced" subsidies that had been in place since 2021 expired at the end of 2025. Premium tax credits are still available in 2026, but for most subsidized households, they don't cover as much of the premium as they did in recent years — and subsidies are no longer available at all to households earning above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
✓ The important part:
More than 95% of Florida Marketplace enrollees still qualified for a subsidy in 2026. The average subsidy-eligible enrollee in Florida pays around $62/month after their tax credit is applied. Subsidies are smaller than the past few years — but for most people, they're still very real.
Income 100%–400% of FPLStill eligible for premium tax credits in 2026 — the subsidy cliff at 400% FPL is back in effect, same as pre-2021 rules. |
Income Above 400% of FPLNo longer eligible for subsidies, unlike 2021–2025 when this group could still qualify. This is the group most affected by the change. |
The only way to know your real number is to actually check.
Marketplace Plan Categories
Every Marketplace plan falls into one of five metal tiers. The tier doesn't reflect quality of care — every tier covers the same essential benefits. It reflects how costs are split between you and the plan.
| Tier | Plan Pays | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | ~60% | ~40% |
| Silver | ~70% | ~30% |
| Gold | ~80% | ~20% |
| Platinum | ~90% | ~10% |
| Catastrophic | ~60% | ~40% (under 30 or hardship exemption only) |
Important: Premium tax credits are calculated using the Silver "benchmark plan" in your area — which is why Silver plans are often the most cost-effective choice for subsidy-eligible households, even if Bronze looks cheaper before subsidies.
What's Covered Under Every Marketplace Plan?
By law, every ACA Marketplace plan — regardless of tier or carrier — must cover these 10 essential health benefits.
✓ Always Covered
|
Prescription drugs |
Pregnancy, maternity & newborn care |
Note: Plans must include pediatric dental and vision for children. Adult dental and vision are not required essential benefits — they're typically purchased separately. We can help you compare standalone options.
When Can I Enroll?
Outside of these windows, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll in ACA coverage.
Open Enrollment PeriodStarts November 1 each year. Starting in fall 2026, the window will run through December 15 (shorter than in past years) for coverage effective January 1, 2027. |
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)Triggered by qualifying life events — marriage, job loss, birth of a child, or moving — allowing you to enroll outside the standard window. |
⚠ New for 2026:
If you underestimate your annual income and receive more subsidy than you should have, you're now required to repay 100% of the extra amount when you file taxes. Getting your income estimate right matters more than ever.
Why Work With a Local Broker?
With subsidy rules changing and dozens of plans to compare, having someone local in your corner makes a real difference — at no cost to you.
No Cost to Use a BrokerInsurance carriers pay licensed brokers directly. Working with NISONA never increases your premium — you pay the exact same price whether you enroll yourself or through us. |
Unbiased, Side-by-Side ComparisonWe compare plans and carriers based on what fits your needs and budget — not a quota or a single company's product line. |
Help Beyond EnrollmentOur relationship doesn't end when you enroll. Billing questions, life changes, and renewal reviews — our local team is here for the long haul. |
More Ways We Can Help
Beyond ACA Marketplace plans, we offer several related coverage options.
Temporary Health InsuranceA bridge option if you missed Open Enrollment or need coverage between jobs — 1 to 12 months |
Dental InsuranceStandalone dental plans, since adult dental isn't required under ACA plans |
Premium Tax CreditsA deeper dive into how subsidies are calculated and what changed for 2026 |
Turning 65 Soon?If you're approaching Medicare eligibility, visit our Medicare section instead |
Local Coverage Guides by Region
We're proud to serve individuals and families across Florida's east coast. Explore region-specific guidance for your area.
Space Coast Health InsuranceLocal coverage guidance for Brevard County residents, including Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne, and surrounding areas. |
Treasure Coast Health InsuranceLocal coverage guidance for Treasure Coast residents, including Vero Beach, Sebastian, and surrounding areas. |
Vero Beach Health InsuranceLocal ACA Marketplace guidance for Vero Beach and Indian River County residents. |
Sebastian Health InsuranceNISONA's hometown — free, local ACA Marketplace guidance right from our Sebastian office. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there still a penalty for not having health insurance?
No federal tax penalty applies for not having coverage. However, going without coverage means you're personally responsible for 100% of any medical costs.
Do I still qualify for a subsidy in 2026?
Most likely, yes — over 95% of Florida Marketplace enrollees qualified for a subsidy in 2026. The amount may be smaller than in recent years, and income above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level no longer qualifies. The only way to know your exact number is to check.
What if my employer offers coverage?
If your employer's coverage is unaffordable or doesn't meet minimum value requirements, you may still qualify for Marketplace subsidies. This also applies to family members if the family coverage cost is considered unaffordable, even if your individual coverage is affordable.
Does working with NISONA cost more than enrolling myself?
No. Brokers are paid directly by insurance carriers, so working with NISONA never increases your premium — you pay exactly the same price either way.
What happens if I miss Open Enrollment?
You'll need a qualifying life event to enroll in ACA coverage outside the window. In the meantime, Temporary Health Insurance can serve as a bridge option.
Official Marketplace Resources
We encourage you to review these official government resources as part of your decision.
🌐 HealthCare.gov — Florida's ACA Marketplace
⚠ Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a complete description of benefits. Subsidy eligibility and plan availability vary by household and county. Contact a licensed broker for guidance specific to your situation. NISONA is an independent insurance agency.
NISONA — Get Someone on Your Side
Subsidy rules changed for 2026 — the only way to know what you'd actually pay is to check. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisors will walk you through your real options, with no pressure and no sales pitch.
Our service is completely free and 100% unbiased. Discover the difference of having NISONA on your side.
Nisona serves the insurance needs of the Treasure and Space Coast.