Press Release: Florida Insurance Regulators Approve Health Insurance Premium Hikes as Tax Credits Set to Expire
- Admin
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Florida – Today, the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) published the finalized rates for marketplace insurance premiums, confirming fears voiced by Floridians and health advocates in recent weeks, with average premium hikes between 23% and 40% are set to take effect for enrollment plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 2026.
After the introduction of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), the number of Floridians enrolled in the Marketplace grew to a record 4.7 million people. With the end-of-year expiration looming, insurance companies increased their premium rates, pointing to the end of the EPTCs as part of the justification in their rate filings.
On average, the differences in pricing between last year and this year are staggering. In data tables provided by OIR from 2025 and 2026, the average silver plan premium for low to moderate-income single individuals doubles or nearly doubles in a majority of counties. Families also face steep premium hikes.
“Floridians’ pocketbooks and health care access will suffer as they decide whether or not to re-enroll in the marketplace this upcoming year based on these double-digit rate increases,” said Scott Darius, Executive Director of Florida Voices for Health. “If Congress fails to listen to the people they represent and extend these tax credits, Floridians can take matters into their own hands and sign the petition to add Medicaid expansion to the 2026 ballot.”
The rate hikes will affect hardworking Floridians like Millie Haas, Valamere Mikler, Crystal Sexton, Marquis Moore, Francois Cham, and more individuals whose stories FVH has highlighted over the past few weeks. Like millions of other Floridians, they have been able to obtain affordable, quality health insurance with the help of these enhanced tax credits.
If you would like to interview Scott Darius or Floridians directly impacted by this issue, please contact Jossie Barroso, Florida Voices for Health Communications Director, at jossie@healthyfla.org.
About Florida Voices for Health
Florida Voices for Health is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to improve health care outcomes for all Floridians. We are a coalition of community organizations, businesses, and individuals working to create a health care system that works for every Floridian. Our partners work together to bring the latest resources and information into our communities. We also make sure that the stories and the interests of hard working, low and moderate income Floridians are represented in the health reform debate.