Sam SmithUnlike groceries or travel, health insurance premiums aren’t fixed. They vary dramatically based on age, ZIP code, tobacco use, plan type, and — most importantly — eligibility for subsidies. That means the cheapest plan for one person could be the most expensive for another. Instead of chasing a misleading ranked list, the smarter approach is to understand where to shop, which programs you qualify for, and how to maximize subsidies. This guide breaks down the most affordable paths available in Florida.
“Cheapest” Health Insurance in Florida Is Personal
1. Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida)
Florida Blue is the largest ACA marketplace insurer in Florida, available statewide. It offers a wide range of HMO, PPO, and EPO plans across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. Known for strong provider networks and customer service, Florida Blue emphasizes preventive care and wellness programs. Subsidy‑eligible members often find affordable premiums, while higher‑tier plans provide comprehensive benefits. Its stability and broad reach make Florida Blue a trusted choice for Floridians seeking reliable, long‑term coverage.
2. Ambetter (Celtic/Ambetter, Centene Corporation)
Ambetter, part of Centene Corporation, is one of Florida’s most affordable ACA marketplace options. It offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold tier plans with competitive premiums, especially for subsidy‑eligible individuals. Ambetter emphasizes preventive care, telehealth, and wellness rewards through its “My Health Pays” program. While networks can be narrower than larger carriers, Ambetter is often the cheapest choice for families and individuals seeking budget‑friendly coverage. Its affordability and focus on essential benefits make it a popular option statewide.
3. Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare specializes in affordable ACA marketplace plans, focusing on preventive care and accessibility. It offers Bronze and Silver tier options with low premiums, particularly for lower‑income households. Molina provides free annual exams, low‑cost prescriptions, and virtual care through Teladoc. Known for serving vulnerable populations, Molina emphasizes community health and affordability. While networks may be smaller, its budget‑friendly approach makes it a trusted option for Floridians seeking reliable, low‑cost coverage with essential benefits.
4. Oscar Health
Oscar Health is a tech‑driven insurer offering ACA marketplace plans in select Florida counties. Known for its user‑friendly app, $0 preventive care, and virtual visits, Oscar emphasizes digital convenience and personalized support. Plans are available in metro areas like Miami and Orlando, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. Oscar appeals to younger, tech‑savvy consumers who value affordability combined with modern tools for managing healthcare. Its innovative approach makes it a distinctive option in Florida’s marketplace.
5. Bright Health
Bright Health once offered ACA marketplace plans in Florida, focusing on affordable premiums and narrow networks tied to local providers. At its peak, Bright emphasized value and community‑based care. However, financial challenges led to its withdrawal from the marketplace, with many members transitioned to Florida Blue. While Bright is no longer active, its history highlights the volatility of Florida’s health insurance market and the importance of choosing stable, long‑term carriers for reliable coverage.
6. Aetna CVS Health
Aetna CVS Health re‑entered Florida’s ACA marketplace in 2025, offering plans integrated with CVS MinuteClinics and pharmacies. Plans often feature $0 preventive care, $0 primary care visits, and low‑cost prescriptions. Members also receive allowances for CVS Health wellness products. Aetna emphasizes affordability and accessibility, particularly for families seeking convenient care. While its marketplace presence may change, Aetna CVS Health provides Floridians with affordable, comprehensive options backed by a nationally recognized brand and strong provider networks.
7. Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare offers ACA marketplace plans in select Florida counties, with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. Known for broad provider networks and strong customer service, Cigna emphasizes preventive care, wellness programs, and digital tools to help members manage health. Subsidy‑eligible individuals often find affordable premiums, while higher‑tier plans provide lower out‑of‑pocket costs. Cigna’s national reputation and financial stability make it a reliable option for Floridians seeking comprehensive coverage with balanced affordability and benefits.
8. AvMed
AvMed is a Florida‑based health insurer offering ACA marketplace plans in select counties. Known for its local focus, AvMed provides affordable Bronze and Silver tier options with strong preventive care benefits. It emphasizes community health, wellness programs, and personalized service. While its footprint is smaller than national carriers, AvMed’s regional expertise and affordability make it a trusted choice for Floridians seeking localized, budget‑friendly coverage. Its commitment to member health and community engagement sets it apart in the marketplace.
9. UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare recently expanded its ACA marketplace presence in Florida, offering Bronze, Silver, and Gold tier plans. Known for its extensive provider networks and strong national reputation, UnitedHealthcare emphasizes preventive care, digital tools, and wellness programs. Subsidy‑eligible members often find affordable premiums, while higher‑tier plans provide comprehensive benefits. UnitedHealthcare’s scale and financial stability make it a reliable option for Floridians seeking affordable coverage with broad access to doctors, hospitals, and specialists across the state.
10. Sunshine Health (Ambetter from Sunshine Health)
Sunshine Health, part of Centene Corporation, offers ACA marketplace plans under the Ambetter brand. It provides Bronze, Silver, and Gold tier options with competitive pricing and accessible provider networks. Sunshine Health emphasizes preventive services, wellness rewards, and family‑friendly benefits. As one of Florida’s largest Medicaid and marketplace insurers, it combines affordability with community focus. For Floridians seeking budget‑friendly ACA coverage backed by a major national company, Sunshine Health is a consistent and trusted choice.
| Category | # | Company / Program / Option | Type | Key Highlight / Lifestyle Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government-Assisted Programs | 1 | Medicaid | Public Program | Free or low-cost coverage for low-income individuals and families. |
| 2 | Medicare | Public Program | Federal coverage for seniors (65+) and disabled individuals. | |
| 3 | Florida KidCare | Public Program | Affordable coverage for children; income-based subsidies available. | |
| ACA Marketplace – Major Insurers | 4 | Florida Blue (BCBS Florida) | Private Insurer | Largest statewide carrier with wide hospital and doctor networks. |
| 5 | Celtic / Ambetter (Centene) | Private Insurer | Common low-premium option in many Florida counties. | |
| 6 | Molina Healthcare | Private Insurer | Focuses on affordable plans for low-income or subsidy-eligible users. | |
| 7 | Oscar Health | Private Insurer | Tech-driven, user-friendly health insurance in select cities. | |
| 8 | Bright Health | Private Insurer | Formerly major player; now reduced Florida footprint. | |
| 9 | Aetna CVS Health | Private Insurer | Returning to Florida Marketplace with competitive Silver plans. | |
| 10 | Cigna Healthcare | Private Insurer | Offers strong Silver/Gold plans in limited regions. | |
| 11 | Sunshine Health | Private Insurer | Centene subsidiary offering marketplace and Medicaid plans. | |
| ACA Metal Tiers | 12 | Bronze Plans | Plan Type | Cheapest monthly premiums; highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. |
| 13 | Bronze HMO | Plan Type | Low cost, limited network coverage. | |
| 14 | Bronze PPO | Plan Type | Low premium, allows out-of-network flexibility. | |
| 15 | Bronze EPO | Plan Type | Balanced option; emergency out-of-network coverage. | |
| 16 | Silver Plans | Plan Type | Moderate premiums and costs; best for cost-sharing reduction subsidies. | |
| 17 | Silver HMO | Plan Type | Most affordable CSR-eligible plan type. | |
| 18 | Silver PPO | Plan Type | Better network access; moderate premium. | |
| 19 | Silver EPO | Plan Type | Mid-range coverage with some flexibility. | |
| 20 | Silver POS | Plan Type | Hybrid flexibility with referral-based structure. | |
| 21 | Gold Plans | Plan Type | Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs. | |
| 22 | Gold HMO | Plan Type | Comprehensive coverage within a strong provider network. | |
| 23 | Gold PPO | Plan Type | Expensive but flexible; ideal for frequent medical care. | |
| 24 | Gold EPO | Plan Type | Mid-premium, low deductible, efficient network. | |
| 25 | Gold POS | Plan Type | Combines HMO structure with some PPO freedom. | |
| 26 | Platinum Plans | Plan Type | Highest monthly premium, lowest out-of-pocket cost. | |
| 27 | Platinum HMO | Plan Type | Premium coverage for chronic or high-need users. | |
| 28 | Platinum PPO | Plan Type | Top-tier plan for flexibility and full network choice. | |
| 29 | Platinum EPO | Plan Type | Elite care access with strong provider inclusion. | |
| 30 | Platinum POS | Plan Type | Ultimate coverage, ideal for complex medical management. | |
| Short-Term Health Plans (Use with Caution) | 31 | National General | Short-Term Plan | Temporary coverage option with limited protections. |
| 32 | Everest | Short-Term Plan | Affordable but restrictive short-term medical plan. | |
| 33 | Pivot Health | Short-Term Plan | Quick, flexible, but excludes pre-existing conditions. | |
| 34 | UnitedHealthcare | Short-Term Plan | Trusted brand with limited-duration coverage. | |
| 35 | Other Private Short-Term Insurers | Short-Term Plan | Various carriers; low premiums but high exclusions. | |
| Health Care Sharing Ministries (Not Insurance) | 36 | Medi-Share | Sharing Ministry | Faith-based cost-sharing; non-guaranteed payments. |
| 37 | Samaritan Ministries | Sharing Ministry | Religious sharing community for healthcare expenses. | |
| 38 | Liberty HealthShare | Sharing Ministry | Nationwide sharing cooperative; non-regulated. | |
| 39 | Solidarity HealthShare | Sharing Ministry | Catholic-oriented medical cost-sharing group. | |
| 40 | Altrua HealthShare | Sharing Ministry | Member-supported plan with limited benefit options. | |
| Limited Benefit & Supplemental Plans | 41 | AFLAC | Indemnity Plan | Pays fixed cash benefits for covered events. |
| 42 | Colonial Life | Indemnity Plan | Supplemental policy for hospital and accident coverage. | |
| 43 | Accident-Only Policies | Limited Plan | Covers accidental injuries, not illness or routine care. | |
| 44 | Critical Illness Policies | Limited Plan | Lump-sum benefit upon major diagnosis (e.g., cancer). | |
| 45 | Hospital Discount Cards | Discount Program | Offers hospital and clinic discounts, not true insurance. | |
| 46 | AmeriPlan | Discount Card | Reduces medical costs via participating provider network. | |
| 47 | Careington | Discount Card | Provides savings on dental and telehealth services. | |
| 48 | Telemedicine Memberships | Telehealth Service | Subscription-based doctor access via phone/video. | |
| 49 | Teladoc | Telehealth Service | Leading provider for 24/7 online doctor visits. | |
| 50 | Doctor on Demand | Telehealth Service | On-demand virtual visits with U.S.-licensed physicians. |
Summary Insight:
- For most Floridians, the cheapest and safest path is via Healthcare.gov, using Bronze or Silver plans (especially if subsidies apply).
- Short-term and sharing plans should be used only as last-resort or temporary coverage.
- Always verify a plan’s compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to avoid unpaid claims or surprise bills.
Closing:
Finding affordable health insurance in Florida is about strategy, not shortcuts. Government programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and KidCare provide the lowest‑cost options for those who qualify. For most others, the ACA Marketplace — with subsidies — is the best route to reliable, affordable coverage. Short‑term or alternative plans may look cheaper but often leave dangerous gaps. By using Healthcare.gov, comparing metal tiers, and working with certified agents, you’ll uncover the plan that balances cost with real protection.