We Analyze So You Don’t Have To
If you are looking to locate and shop plans for affordable health insurance coverage in the state of Florida, then look no further! Our team has researched and compiled information from all the top carriers participating in the Health Insurance Marketplace, including ACA (Marketplace) and Off-Exchange (Short Term) plans. We have gathered all the sales and offers available to provide you with the best options for your healthcare needs in Florida.
Whether you’re seeking coverage for yourself, your family, or your business, we can help you find the top South Florida health insurance plans that meet your requirements.
For ACA the best is Florida Blue and Cigna and for Short Term its Golden Rule(United Healthcare).
ACA Health Plan Analysis
When looking for the best health insurance plans in South Florida, our licensed insurance agent breaks everything down for you starting with the main question — where to find affordable health insurance that won’t put you in the hospital due to the price.
We only offer the best options for affordable health insurance plans in Florida, including marketplace plans designed to suit your needs. Our goal is to provide you with the lowest monthly premiums without compromising coverage.
While some plans may come with a high deductible, they also offer copays for medical services, ensuring that you have access to necessary treatments at a reasonable cost.
Our comprehensive plans extend beyond medical care to include dental and vision benefits and coverage for prescription medications.
We understand the importance of reliable coverage, especially when it comes to hospital stays, surgeries, or critical illnesses like cancer. That is why we give utmost importance to forming partnerships with top-tier hospitals. This ensures that the healthcare plan you select covers all potential medical expenses. With our customer-focused approach and extensive network of healthcare providers, you can have peace of mind knowing that your health insurance provides exceptional value tailored to your specific needs.
For this analysis, we will focus on leading insurance companies that offer high-quality health insurance coverage on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Our objective is to offer you inclusive coverage encompassing primary care, emergency services, urgent care, and access to highly skilled healthcare professionals. We recognize the significance of personalized medical plans and strive to deliver information regarding Medicare plans tailored specifically to meet your unique needs.
Our commitment to helping people goes beyond insurance coverage, as we also provide information on community resources and health services available to you. In today’s digital age, we offer virtual healthcare options to ensure convenient access to care.
After conducting thorough research using the U.S. Health Reports, we narrowed the list of carriers to those with in-network agreements with renowned hospitals such as Mount Sinai, Baptist Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic in Weston. We have arranged the results alphabetically, allowing you to easily compare and choose the carrier that aligns with your healthcare preferences and provides coverage at these esteemed institutions.
Aetna CVS Health
2022 marked the first year that Aetna Insurance Company was a part of the Affordable Care Act here in Florida. So far, the results are encouraging. Aetna has all three hospitals in-network.
This is great and for a new carrier shows that they care about health insurance in Florida. The health insurance premiums with Aetna are competitive and in some counties is the cheapest health insurance available. For a lower monthly cost health plan, Aetna should be considered.
Ambetter from Sunshine Health
Ambetter takes a different approach to ensure South Florida residents by providing both an HMO(Health Maintenance Organization) and an EPO(Exclusive Provider Organization) Option. The EPO is a much broader network but is usually more expensive than the HMO option. Unfortunately, both the HMO nor EPO have access to Cleveland Clinic. So, while their health insurance would be good for someone in Miami-Dade County it would be bad for someone in Broward County. Ambetter is available in most Florida counties. In terms of health care, we’d recommend you look elsewhere for your new Florida health insurance policy.
AvMed
AvMed offers HMO coverage on the marketplace. They also have private plans offered directly that our POS (Point of Service) They offer both the Cleveland Clinic and Baptist Hospital in-network but do not cover Mount Sinai. This has been an ongoing issue with AvMed and Mount Sinai; unfortunately, individuals are penalized.
Due to price increases in 2023, we can’t recommend AvMed for Florida Health Insurance residents.
We suggest going to another insurance company for health insurance in Florida. Caveat- AvMed does have a private health plan, not on the Marketplace. The health care on these plans is quite good and covers most medical expenses. You will need to apply during the open enrollment period. AvMed is not among the cheapest silver plan.
Cigna
Cigna offers a robust EPO on Healthcare.Gov here in South Florida. All three hospitals Baptist, Mount Sinai, and Cleveland Clinic are in-network. Cigna is offered at a price point that is higher than most plans but still remains affordable. Cigna is one of our picks as the best health insurance option. Cigna has individual health insurance, family plans and health insurance for the self-employed.
For Florida residents looking for health insurance in Florida, we highly endorse Cigna in terms of the best health insurance plan.
Florida Blue
Every year, Florida Blue maintains its spot on the leaderboard as one of the top solutions for the best health insurance for Florida Residents. Florida Blue is unique in offering Florida Blue HMO Plans, EPO, and PPO(Preferred Provider Organization) for any price point. Florida Blue remains the only carrier that offers coverage in every county in Florida. Baptist, Mount Sinai, and Cleveland Clinic are in-network with all of their plans.
If you choose the Florida Blue HMO, obtaining a referral will be necessary to consult with a specialist. Among health insurance providers, Blue Florida Blue Options boasts the highest number of participating providers.
You will pay higher monthly premiums for a Blue Options plan. Typically the prescription coverage on Blue Select or Blue Options is among the best.
Molina Health
Although it’s not our number one recommendation Molina Healthcare has offered health insurance in Florida for many years. Molina is a leader in the Medicaid field and offers good health care in many states, however, Florida is not one of them. None of the three hospitals listed above currently accept Molina Healthcare. At the moment, Molina offers just an HMO plan.
For health coverage, there is better health insurance plan available. We do not recommend Molina Health for good insurance companies in Florida.
Oscar
Oscar is on par with Molina in terms of value here in South Florida. None of the benchmark hospitals are in-network. Oscar and Bright Health are very similar; they are newcomers trying to find their footing in the ACA marketplace. We haven’t had very good feedback from our clients on Oscar so this is another plan we tend to avoid. None of the benchmark hospitals participate in Oscar. While Oscar remains cheap health insurance its finances are a mess. In fact they asked the state of Florida for no more enrollments in earlier this year- a sign of bad finances.
For this reason, Oscar remains one of the health insurance companies we avoid.
United Healthcare
United Healthcare is the 800 Pound Gorilla in the Health Insurance and Medicare coverage field. They are excellent for Short Term, Group, and Medicare. However, they have struggled with the ACA market in previous years. They were on the ACA then pulled out a few years ago. They are back this year with HMO Health Insurance Plan options in limited markets including South Florida. As of now neither Baptist, Mount Sinai nor Cleveland Clinic participates under the United Healthcare HMO in the marketplace. United Healthcare ACA is one of the cheapest Florida health care plans around.
Short Term Medical Insurance
With its large network and good claims history United Healthcare(Golden Rule) is the number one choice for this category.
The health Insurance plans can be as little as one month in length up to three years.
Golden Rule offers strong catastrophic plans for those who need temporary coverage. Unlike the Florida Health Insurance Marketplace, Short Term Health Insurance does not offer ACA Compliant benefits. They offer private health insurance with broad PPO Health Insurance coverage.
This means for you the client an insurance company with a strong health insurance provider. By offering such a strong network and plans United Healthcare(Golden Rule) is one of the best health insurance companies in Florida. Chances are if you need to see a Health Insurance provider they would take Golden Rule.
Short Term Health Insurance has no open enrollment period, and you’ll typically find cheaper premiums than an ACA Plan.
Short-term health insurance plans are a fantastic option with low monthly premiums for those losing coverage and who don’t qualify for open enrollment or have employer-sponsored coverage. This is our winner for the best cheap health insurance.
About the Marketplace
The Federal Exchange, also known as Healthcare.gov, is a platform that allows individuals, self-employed, and families in Florida to compare and purchase Florida health insurance plans. The Marketplace offers a range of individual health insurance, self-employed certified to meet certain standards, and offers comprehensive coverage, mental health, free preventive prescription drugs, quality assurance, prescription drugs, essential benefits, health screenings, and free preventive care.
Consumers can use the Marketplace to see if they are eligible for financial assistance, such as monthly premium tax credits based on household income, which can lower the cost of their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Health plans offered through the affordable care act are not cheap health insurance plans.
You must enroll in the open enrollment period. Overall, the ACA Marketplace in Florida provides a convenient and accessible way for residents to obtain a health care plan and access the care they need. For Health Insurance quotes on an ACA Plan, Click Here.
How to find your best health insurance plans in Florida
Finding the best health insurance plan is crucial, as it ensures you can receive medical care when needed without financially straining yourself. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide on how to find your best health insurance plans in Florida:
- Assess Your Needs: Before searching for insurance, take note of your health status, any ongoing treatments or medications, expected health expenses, and your budget. This will help you determine the type of coverage you need and what you’re able to afford.
- Check Your Eligibility: Evaluate whether you are eligible for any public insurance programs, like Medicaid services or Florida’s CHIP program for children. Depending on your income level, you may also be eligible for a subsidized plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Explore the Marketplace: If you’re not eligible for public coverage or don’t have employer-provided insurance, visit the federal health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov during the open enrollment period or after a qualifying life event to see the plans available to you.
- Compare Plans: Look at each plan’s premium, deductible, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximum. Also, review the list of covered services and medications. Make sure to check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are within the plan’s network.
- Consider HMOs vs. PPOs: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are common types of health insurance. HMOs typically have lower premiums but restrict coverage to doctors in a specified network. PPOs tend to have higher premiums but offer greater flexibility in choosing a primary care physician and hospitals.
- Read Reviews: Check ratings and reviews for health insurance providers in Florida. This can give you a better idea of their customer service, coverage satisfaction, and claims process.
- Ask for Help: If the process is confusing, consider using a health insurance broker or licensed health insurance agent. They can guide you through the process and help you understand different aspects of insurance plans. They might receive a commission from the insurance companies for their medical services.
Remember, the best health insurance plan for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Always do your research and ask questions before settling on a plan.
Health insurance rate changes in Florida
Health insurance rates in Florida underwent changes from 2022 to 2023. On average, there was an increase of 5% in the cost of health insurance plans, leading to a rise of around $27 in monthly payments.
Among the different categories of healthcare insurance plans, Bronze plans experienced the most significant price hike, with a 10% increase in cost for 2023 compared to the previous year. On the other hand, Silver plans saw a relatively smaller increase of 2% in their rates. Notably, the cost for a Gold plan remained unchanged between the two years.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rate changes:
- Catastrophic plans went from $312 per month in 2022 to $330 in 2023, marking a 6% increase.
- Bronze plans witnessed a jump from $436 to $480, amounting to a 10% hike.
- Silver plans experienced a minor increase from $585 to $599, which represents a 2% rise.
- Gold plans stayed stable at $655 per month.
- Platinum plans saw their rates go from $901 to $964, which is a 7% increase.
Note: These monthly premiums apply to a 40-year-old adult.
The rates for health insurance, along with deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, are determined annually by health insurance companies. Following their internal decision-making, these plans are submitted to the federal exchange for approval for the subsequent plan year.
Frequently asked questions About Health Insurance in Florida
What are the different tiers of health insurance plans in Florida?
Florida’s different tiers of health insurance plans are Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers represent different levels of coverage, with Catastrophic offering the least coverage (and lowest premiums) and Platinum offering the most (with the highest premiums).
What is the average cost of health insurance in Florida?
In Florida, a 40-year-old purchasing a Silver plan can expect an average monthly health insurance cost of around $599. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the exact price may vary depending on various factors, such as the individual’s age and the specific coverage level they opt for.
To illustrate, a younger person, say a 21-year-old opting for a Bronze plan, would have a lower average monthly payment of approximately $376. On the other hand, an older individual, like a 60-year-old, would typically face a higher average cost, exceeding $1,000 monthly.
How do I get cheap health insurance in Florida?
To get cheap health insurance in Florida, follow these steps:
- Know your healthcare needs.
- Compare insurance plans from different medical providers.
- Review company ratings
- Look for income-based discounts or subsidies.
- Choose a plan that meets your needs and budget.
Where can I apply for health insurance plans in Florida?
Floridians can apply for health insurance plans through the federal health insurance marketplace at HealthCare.gov during the open enrollment period. Outside of this period, you can only apply if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like marriage, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.
Conclusion
Health Insurance in Florida is indeed an ever-changing landscape, and it’s important to navigate it with careful analysis. In 2023, we witnessed changes in the market as Bright Health and Oscar Health Insurance ceased offering coverage. When it comes to health coverage, making an informed decision is crucial. Simply opting for a low-cost plan doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best cheap health insurance option for individuals and families. It’s essential to consider factors such as the ability to make payments conveniently, provisions for disability coverage, and accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments through TTY (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).
You may qualify for various health insurance plans, and we aim to assist you in finding coverage that meets your unique needs, enabling you to stay healthy. If you need help navigating the complex landscape of health insurance, our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the process.
You will want to consider out-of-pocket maximums, federal guidelines, the federal poverty line, and national committees. At FHI, we are experts on Florida health coverage. For quality insurance quotes, call us at 954-282-6891 or contact us here. We are the authority on Health Insurance in Florida and are eager to speak with you.
