Florida residents experienced significant disruptions to health insurance access this year following policy changes at the federal level. In December 2025, enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act coverage that had been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were allowed to expire. According to federal enrollment data, nearly 443,000 fewer people had healthcare in Florida in 2026 compared to the previous year, when 4.3 million people were enrolled in ACA plans. The loss of subsidies contributed to substantial premium increases across the state.
The impact has been particularly acute in Florida due to the state’s large ACA enrollment base and its expansive gig economy. Additionally, Florida is among the states that declined to expand Medicaid coverage, limiting options for low-income residents. Healthcare experts note that confusion surrounding changing laws and policies has compounded the problem, with individuals sometimes unaware of their eligibility or missing critical deadlines. More than 10 percent of Floridians remain uninsured according to 2024 data.
As open enrollment begins this November, premiums are projected to rise again, coinciding with the election cycle. In competitive congressional districts, particularly Florida’s 22nd District, healthcare access has emerged as a significant campaign issue. Candidates are taking divergent approaches: some are advocating for expanded ACA coverage and restored subsidies, while others propose eliminating the ACA entirely. For voters grappling with coverage gaps and rising costs, healthcare policy has become a central consideration in their electoral decisions.
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