Has Florida Expanded Medicaid?
No. As of 2026, Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Florida is one of 10 remaining states (along with Texas, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and others) that have not adopted expansion. This leaves an estimated 800,000+ low-income Florida adults in a coverage gap.
The Florida Coverage Gap
In states that expanded Medicaid, adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$21,597/year for a single adult in 2026) qualify for Medicaid. In Florida, Medicaid for adults without children requires an income of roughly $9,326/year or less, an extremely low threshold that excludes most working adults.
Because ACA premium tax credits only apply to households earning 100% FPL or more, adults earning between ~$15,650 and $21,597 fall into a gap: too high for Florida Medicaid, too low for ACA subsidies.
What Are Your Options If You Are in the Gap?
- Florida Medicaid (traditional): If you have children, are pregnant, have a qualifying disability, or are over 65, you may still qualify for Florida Medicaid at existing thresholds. Apply through ACCESS Florida at myflorida.com/accessflorida.
- ACA marketplace plan with subsidy: If your income is at or above 100% FPL ($15,650/year for a single adult), you qualify for premium tax credits. A Silver plan may be available for $0 or very low monthly premium after subsidies.
- Community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide sliding-scale primary care regardless of insurance status. Locations in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and statewide.
Will Florida Ever Expand Medicaid?
Florida voters passed Amendment 2 in November 2024 to expand Medicaid, but implementation requires state legislative action. As of 2026, expansion has not been implemented. Monitor the Florida Department of Children and Families for updates.
Florida Medicaid Programs That Do Exist
- Medicaid for pregnant women: Available up to 185% FPL
- Children's Medicaid / KidCare: Available for children up to 200% FPL
- Medicaid for aged/blind/disabled: Available for SSI recipients and others meeting functional criteria
- Long-term care Medicaid: Available for adults needing nursing facility or home-based care
How to Apply for Florida Medicaid
Apply for Florida Medicaid through ACCESS Florida at myflorida.com/accessflorida, by phone at 1-866-762-2237, or in person at your county Department of Children and Families office. If you are applying for traditional Florida Medicaid (not expansion), be prepared to document income, household size, citizenship, and qualifying category (pregnancy, disability, children, etc.).
Florida Marketplace Plans: Your Best Option If You Earn 100%+ FPL
If you earn at or above 100% of the Federal Poverty Level ($15,650/year for a single adult in 2026) and do not qualify for Florida Medicaid, the ACA marketplace is your primary coverage option. Florida residents shop at healthcare.gov during Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15).
Major carriers offering marketplace plans in Florida for 2026 include Florida Blue (BCBS of Florida), Ambetter from Sunshine Health, Molina Healthcare of Florida, Oscar Health, and Cigna. Plan availability varies by county, some rural counties have only one or two carriers available.
With enhanced subsidies extended through 2026, many Floridians earning between 100% and 300% FPL ($15,650–$46,950 for a single adult) qualify for Silver plans with very low or $0 premiums after tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. A licensed independent broker can pull the exact options for your Florida ZIP code and calculate your subsidy at no cost.
Florida Health Insurance for the Self-Employed
Florida has a large population of self-employed workers: construction contractors, real estate professionals, gig economy workers, and small business owners. If you are self-employed and not covered through a spouse's employer plan, the ACA marketplace is almost always your best source of coverage. You can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums on your federal return, and your subsidy is calculated on net self-employment income, not gross revenue. Call (713) 575-9904 to get a quote specific to your Florida county.