Press Release: Floridians Raise Alarm Over Soaring Health Insurance Premiums and Looming Expiration of Tax Credits
- Admin
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Florida – Today, Floridians from across the state gathered at a virtual press conference (watch full recording here) to call attention to recently published federal data revealing proposed premium increases between 18% and 41% for most insurers offering plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The double-digit rate hikes will mean Floridians will either pay more out of pocket or take the risk of living uninsured. The proposed increases (individual market) include:
The various insurers shared their justifications with the regulatory agencies in their rate filings. It’s clear that the double-digit increases are due, in large part, to the end-of-year expiration of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs). The enhanced tax credits, passed by Congress in 2021, made Affordable Care Act plans more affordable for families and drove the nation’s uninsured rate to the lowest level ever.
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After the introduction of the enhanced tax credits, the number of Floridians enrolled in the Marketplace grew to a record 4.7 million people. The tax credits mean access to care for hardworking individuals and families, small business owners, seniors, people with disabilities, and more. New estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimates that with the expiration of the EPTCs, more than 1.4 million Floridians will be priced out of health coverage, nearly doubling the state’s uninsured rate.
As a state that has failed to expand Medicaid eligibility to include more low-income Floridians, the tax credits have helped to plug a significant hole in our health care system. 2.4 million Floridians with ACA Marketplace plans (51%) in 2025 earn under 138% of the federal poverty limit. Medicaid expansion would cover any Floridian earning below 138% FPL ($36,777/year for an adult in a family of 3).
This new reality will impact Floridians like Millie Haas, an Okeechobee resident who has had several cancers and neurological disorders diagnosed, uses tax credits offered through the Affordable Care Act. “My doctors told me that the main reason I am still here is because I never miss annual appointments, so keeping coverage is critical for life. With our fixed income and my disability, ending these tax credits would force us to make some tough choices. These credits are everything for us.”
Valamere Mikler works as adjunct faculty teaching college-level courses in Broward county. The job doesn’t come with health benefits, and with a constantly changing salary dependent on class enrollment, she was able to qualify for subsidies. “Having insurance allows me to have consistent health care and now I can afford the preventative care, routine screenings, and prescriptions for treating my hypertension and diabetes. If the ACA premiums increase I'm afraid I will go back to skipping my medical visits, I won’t be able to afford my meds, and most of all I will gain medical bills that will add to Florida's billions of dollars of medical debt.”
Crystal Sexton has rheumatoid arthritis and works full-time as a cleaning professional in Lake City. “I’ve had terrible flare-ups that have set me back in my work and daily life. These tax credits give me the opportunity to afford health insurance. If I can’t afford to drive to Gainesville, see my doctor, and get my medication, I wouldn’t be able to work at all.”
“I can only imagine the shock that Floridians will feel this November as they’re considering health insurance plans for 2026 and find out just how much they will be paying out of pocket,” said Scott Darius, Executive Director of Florida Voices for Health. “These proposed rate increases are the realization of fears held by advocates for the last few months. While rates have climbed for years, this massive single year jump is due in large part to federal rule changes. Making matters worse, Congress's decision to not extend the enhanced premium tax credits means hardworking Floridians will bear the brunt of these increases. If Congress fails to act, Floridians can take matters into their own hands and sign the petition to add Medicaid expansion to the 2026 ballot.”
Erica Li, Health Policy Analyst at the Florida Policy Institute, emphasized other measures Floridians can take while Congress considers whether to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, "Florida is facing a healthcare cliff that threatens not only access to care for families and small business owners, but our healthcare providers and economy. 1.4 to 1.9 million Floridians are projected to lose coverage, placing Florida among the very worst in the nation for health coverage. In the face of these projected coverage losses, expanding Medicaid is the clearest, most immediate step Florida can take to protect families’ health and stability."
You can find a recording of today's press conference at the link here. If you would like to interview Scott or our storytellers, please contact Jossie Barroso, Florida Voices for Health Communications Director, at jossie@healthyfla.org.
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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. |