The ACA Marketplace in 2026: More Help Than Ever
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace has never offered more financial assistance to Florida residents than it does in 2026. Enhanced subsidies introduced by the American Rescue Plan Act — and extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act — have made marketplace coverage genuinely affordable for a wide range of income levels, including many middle-income families who previously didn't qualify for meaningful help.
This guide explains how the Florida Marketplace works, what's changed for 2026, and how to find the right plan for your situation.
Who Can Use the ACA Marketplace?
The ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) is available to U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants who:
- Are not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP
- Do not have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage (defined as coverage costing less than 9.02% of household income for self-only coverage in 2026)
- Live in Florida (or another state using Healthcare.gov)
Florida has one of the largest ACA Marketplace enrollment populations in the country — over 4 million Floridians enrolled in 2025, with Pinellas County among the highest-enrollment counties in the state.
Understanding Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)
The most important financial concept in the Marketplace is the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) — a federal subsidy that reduces your monthly premium. For 2026:
- Subsidies are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Enhanced subsidies cap your premium contribution at 8.5% of household income for benchmark Silver plans, regardless of income above 400% FPL
- Many households earning $60,000–$100,000 qualify for meaningful subsidies in 2026
The subsidy is calculated based on the cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area (the "benchmark plan"). You can apply the subsidy to any metal tier plan.
The Metal Tiers Explained
| Tier | Plan Pays | You Pay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% | Healthy people who want low premiums and can handle higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Silver | 70% | 30% | Most people — required for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs); best value with subsidies |
| Gold | 80% | 20% | People who use healthcare frequently and want lower copays |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% | People with very high healthcare needs; highest premiums but lowest cost-sharing |
Important: Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) — which reduce your deductibles and copays — are only available on Silver plans and only for households earning 100–250% FPL. If you qualify for CSRs, a Silver plan is almost always the best value regardless of premium.
What's New for 2026 in Florida
- New carrier entries: Several carriers expanded into Florida counties for 2026, increasing competition and plan options in many areas
- Enhanced subsidies extended: The enhanced premium tax credits introduced in 2021 remain in effect through at least 2025 under current law
- $0 premium plans: Many lower-income Floridians qualify for $0 premium Bronze or Silver plans after applying their subsidy
- Expanded mental health parity: New rules strengthen mental health and substance use disorder coverage requirements
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Outside of Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15), you can only enroll in a Marketplace plan if you experience a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period:
- Loss of qualifying health coverage (job loss, COBRA expiration, aging off parents' plan)
- Marriage, divorce, or legal separation
- Birth, adoption, or placement of a child
- Move to a new coverage area
- Change in income or household size that affects subsidy eligibility
- Gaining citizenship or lawful presence status
SEPs typically give you 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
Off-Exchange and Private Plans
Not all health insurance in Florida is sold through the Marketplace. Off-exchange plans — sold directly through insurance companies or licensed brokers — may offer different networks, benefits, or pricing. However, subsidies are only available for plans purchased through Healthcare.gov. If you qualify for a subsidy, an on-exchange plan is almost always the better financial choice.
Get Help Navigating Your Options
The ACA Marketplace offers powerful tools, but choosing the right plan requires understanding your specific health needs, provider preferences, and financial situation. At Integrity Health Solutions, we help Florida residents navigate the Marketplace at no cost — our compensation comes from the insurance carriers, not from you.
Book a free ACA consultation or use our 2026 Florida Health Insurance Comparison Tool to start exploring your options.
Have questions about your coverage?
Our team offers free, no-pressure consultations for Florida residents. We compare every option available in your county.