If you are looking for health insurance in Florida, you might be considering Florida Affordable Care Act plans, also known as Obamacare plans. To sign up for these Florida health insurance marketplace plans, the most important information you need to know is when the state of Florida Open Enrollment Period (OEP) takes place.

Florida has one of the highest federal health insurance marketplace enrollments in the country. In fact, more than 4.2 million people hit the exchange for health insurance enrollment in 2024. That number accounts for nearly 5 percent of open enrollment participants.

Florida’s OEP for 2025 starts on November 1, 2024, and it will run through January 15, 2025. If you want your coverage to start on January 1, 2025, you need to enroll by December 15, 2024.

Another thing to keep in mind while you explore your options during the 2025 Open Enrollment in Florida is the rate increases proposed by insurance companies. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the median proposed rate increase on health insurance premiums in 2024 is approximately 6 percent. You still need to take a look at the details of each health insurance plan to make sure you understand how much you might have to pay, and eHealth is here to help you in that process.

Key dates and deadlines for Florida Open Enrollment in 2024

Open Enrollment for health insurance in Florida for the year 2024 runs from November 1, 2023, to December 15, 2023. During this period, residents can sign up for new health insurance plans or make changes to their existing coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines, as missing them could result in a lack of coverage for the upcoming year and potential penalties. Special Enrollment Periods are also available for those who experience qualifying life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or loss of other coverage, allowing for changes outside the typical Open Enrollment dates.

Who is eligible for Florida Open Enrollment?

Eligibility for Open Enrollment in Florida encompasses a broad range of demographics, including individuals, families, and seniors. Residents must typically be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and they cannot be currently incarcerated. Special conditions also apply, such as changes in household size or income, which might qualify individuals for Special Enrollment Periods. To prove eligibility, documentation such as proof of residency, income verification, and citizenship or legal residency papers may be required. Understanding and preparing these documents in advance can streamline the enrollment process.

Types of plans available during Florida Open Enrollment

During Florida’s Open Enrollment period, a variety of health insurance plans are available to cater to different healthcare needs and preferences. The main types of plans include:

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): These plans usually limit coverage to care from doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. They generally won’t cover out-of-network care except in an emergency, and a primary care doctor must refer you to see a specialist. HMOs tend to have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than other plan types.
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): PPOs offer more flexibility in selecting a healthcare provider and do not require referrals for specialists. Coverage is provided both in and out of the network, though in-network providers will cost less. PPOs usually have higher premiums than HMOs but provide more comprehensive coverage.
• Other Plan Types: Including Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) and Point of Service (POS) plans, which blend elements of HMOs and PPOs. EPOs restrict coverage to network providers but do not require referrals, while POS plans allow for out-of-network care at a higher cost.

Choosing the right type of plan involves weighing the benefits against potential drawbacks. Factors like how often you visit the doctor, whether you need regular prescriptions, and whether you require specialist care should all be considered. Each plan type offers different benefits, and selecting the right one can significantly impact your healthcare experience and expenses.

Companies offering health insurance in the Florida marketplace

In 2024, there were 14 companies providing health insurance in Florida. Note that not all insurance plans are available in every Florida county, so to have an easy, stress-free enrollment, it is best to compare multiple options. The companies offering health insurance in Florida include:

• Aetna Health
• AmeriHealth Caritas Florida
• AvMed
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida
• Capital Health Plan
• Celtic Insurance Company
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
• Florida Health Care Plan
• Health First Commercial Plans
• Health Options
• Molina Healthcare of Florida
• Oscar Insurance Company of Florida
• Sunshine State Health Plan
• UnitedHealthcare of Florida

Your choices aren’t limited to the Florida marketplace and its ACA-compliant plans. You may be interested in medical insurance that offers a temporary health coverage solution. Another option might be short-term medical coverage to fill an insurance gap you expect will be of relatively short duration. Insurers may offer short-term medical insurance policies for coverage up to 3 months, with only an additional one month renewal. This temporary, limited policy offers fewer benefits and federal protections compared to more comprehensive health insurance options available on HealthCare.gov. It may exclude coverage for preexisting conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, arthritis, heart disease, and mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, the policy might not cover essential health services including prescription drugs, preventive screenings, maternity care, emergency services, hospitalization, pediatric care, and physical therapy. There is often no cap on what you pay out-of-pocket for care, and you won’t qualify for federal financial assistance to help with premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Short-term health insurance does not need to meet federal standards for comprehensive health coverage.

Keep in mind that if you enroll in an ACA-compliant plan and find other health insurance options become available through an employer or other life change, you can cancel your ACA-compliant plan when you enroll in your new coverage.

At eHealth, our priority is helping people like you find the right insurance to meet your coverage needs and at an affordable price. As part of our commitment to helping you understand your insurance options as conveniently as possible, eHealth provides access to a variety of health insurance companies and their plans, both on and off the exchange. Check out individual and family insurance options and find the right plan for your needs this open enrollment period.

Important considerations when choosing a plan

From our years of experience helping people find the best health insurance for their personal situation, we share some tips that can help you compare your health coverage options.

1. Assess your personal needs: Consider whether you need family or individual health coverage. Do you or family members you intend to cover have chronic health conditions that require ongoing medical attention?
2. Research available options in your state: Start with comparing Obamacare plans, short-term plans and other alternatives.
3. Understand which options you can qualify for: You can enroll in any Obamacare plan during open enrollment in Florida. For short-term health insurance and other medical insurance alternatives, you can apply any time, but you typically need to answer medical questions and may be declined if you have a preexisting health condition.
4. See if you qualify for subsidies: ACA plans may be available to you with a tax credit, which can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on monthly premiums.
5. Make sure your prescriptions are covered: ehealth.com provides a prescription drug coverage comparison tool that helps you find the plan that covers your drugs with the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
6. Make sure your doctor is covered: eHealth has a physician finder tool that lets you compare plans using your preferred doctor.
7. Enroll online: eHealth makes it easy to complete your health insurance application online during the Florida Open Enrollment Period. Even if you qualify for a tax credit through the government, you can still enroll through eHealth and receive your tax credit.

How to enroll in health insurance during Florida Open Enrollment

Enrolling in health insurance during Florida’s Open Enrollment period is a straightforward process designed to be accessible for all residents, ensuring that everyone can secure the coverage they need. Whether you prefer the convenience of online enrollment or require personal assistance, Florida offers several methods to accommodate your preferences.

Online Enrollment

The most efficient way to enroll in health insurance during Open Enrollment is through the online Health Insurance Marketplace. Simply visit HealthCare.gov, where you can compare different health plans, see if you qualify for any subsidies, and complete your enrollment. The website is user-friendly and provides detailed information about each plan, including coverage details and costs. The online process allows you to take your time to understand and choose the plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Phone Enrollment

If you prefer speaking to someone who can guide you through the process, phone enrollment is an excellent option. You can call the Marketplace Call Center where trained representatives are available to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you enroll over the phone. This option is particularly useful for those who have specific questions or need more detailed explanations of the plan features.

1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except holidays)

In-Person Enrollment

For those who require face-to-face assistance, in-person enrollment options are available. Local health departments, clinics, and certified enrollment counselor sites offer personal help from trained professionals. These experts can help you understand the different policies, assist with the application process, and explain the benefits and drawbacks of various plans based on your specific circumstances.

No matter which enrollment method you choose, it’s important to have all necessary documentation ready, such as proof of income, identification, and any current health insurance information. This will help streamline the process and ensure you can complete your enrollment efficiently.

Remember, the Open Enrollment period in Florida runs from November 1 to December 15. Marking these dates on your calendar and preparing in advance will ensure that you don’t miss the opportunity to enroll or modify your health insurance for the upcoming year.

Frequently asked questions about Florida Open Enrollment

Regardless of whether you are looking for individual and family health insurance or short-term health insurance, you may have some questions about your options. Some of the most common questions people ask include:

When will my ACA health insurance plan begin?

In a lot of cases, your health insurance plan should start on January 1st. If you want to make sure that happens, then you need to enroll in your health insurance plan by December 15th. If you enroll after December 15th, then your coverage may not start until February 1st. If you already have a plan in place, and you change to a new plan, then your old plan will stay in effect until December 31st. Then, your new plan will begin on January 1st. If you have questions about when your health insurance plan will start, reach out to our team for clarification.

What happens if I miss the Florida Open Enrollment Period?

If you do not enroll in a plan during the open enrollment calendar, then your current health insurance plan will expire in accordance with the terms of the contract. Then, if you need to get new health insurance between the end of the current open enrollment calendar and the start of the next one, your health insurance options will be very limited unless you qualify for a hardship exemption. You may have to wait until the fall of 2025 to find another health insurance plan.

Can I add family members to my health plan after Open Enrollment?

If you need health insurance for your family, it is best for you to enroll in your health insurance plan as an entire family during the Open Enrollment window in Florida. If you want to add family members to your existing health insurance plan, you need to take a look at the roles of the plan you have. In some cases, you might be allowed to add family members to your plan directly, but there are other situations where you might not be able to. If you cannot add family members to your current plan, your family may be able to enroll together in a different plan in the same category. If that is not possible, you might be able to enroll your family together in a category that is either one level above or one level below your current plan.

How much does health insurance cost in Florida?

As you take a look at the Florida health insurance marketplace, you might be curious about how the plans you are looking at compare to the national average. Across the country, the average monthly premium for individuals in 2024 is approximately $477 per month. Consult a tax professional or one of our licensed insurance agents to see if you are eligible for any health insurance subsidies this Open Enrollment Period.

In the state of Florida, during Open Enrollment in 2024, the average premium was approximately $489 per month. There are many opportunities to save money on health insurance, whether it’s working with a knowledgeable professional in navigating which plan to choose during the Open Enrollment Period or looking for more affordable short-term options. It all depends on if the plan satisfies your needs.

You might also be eligible for assistance under the American Rescue Plan Act signed in 2021. This act was passed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ease some of the financial strains created by this health emergency. If your income is 150 percent of the federal poverty level or less, you may be eligible for subsidized health insurance plans. You might not have to pay anything at all. With this law slated to last two years, there is still time to see if this can benefit you and your family.

Compare options during Florida’s Open Enrollment Period with eHealth

Finally, remember that our experts at eHealth are equipped to help you find the best plan for your specific needs and budget. We invite you to use our tools to compare health coverage options during Florida’s open enrollment period. eHealth agents can answer questions you may have about ACA plans in the Florida marketplace as well as other insurance options. If you choose to enroll in a plan through eHealth, we can take care of you online, through our chat, or by phone.

Short-Term Notice 2024