Coverage gap: Florida has not expanded Medicaid. Adults earning below $15,960/year (100% FPL) who don't fit traditional categories may have no affordable coverage option. Those above 100% FPL qualify for marketplace subsidies.
Florida Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for Florida in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | N/A | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | N/A | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | N/A | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | N/A | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | N/A | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | N/A | $177,440 |
Because Florida has not expanded Medicaid, the 138% FPL threshold does not apply for adult eligibility. Adults earning between 0-100% FPL may fall into the coverage gap. Those earning between 100-400% FPL can access marketplace subsidies.
About Florida Medicaid
Who Qualifies in Florida
If you're in Florida and trying to understand your health coverage options, it's important to know that Florida has not expanded its Medicaid program. This means that most adults, particularly those without children, will not qualify for Florida Medicaid, regardless of how low their income is. The program is primarily available to specific groups: children up to one year old with household incomes up to 211% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), children ages 1-18 up to 138% FPL, pregnant women up to 196% FPL (with coverage continuing for 12 months post-birth), and parents with very low incomes, specifically around 26% of the FPL. Individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also automatically eligible. If you are a childless adult with an income below 100% FPL, you will unfortunately fall into what is known as the "coverage gap," meaning you won't qualify for Medicaid or for marketplace subsidies.
If You're Near the Income Line
If your income is near the Medicaid cutoff, or if you recently lost Medicaid coverage during redeterminations, you might be eligible for subsidized coverage through HealthCare.gov, Florida's federal marketplace. For instance, the benchmark Silver plan in Florida costs around $585 per month. The amount you'd actually pay for a marketplace plan with subsidies depends on your income, with assistance designed to make premiums more affordable as your income decreases. It's crucial to remember that even small changes in your household income can shift your eligibility between Medicaid and marketplace subsidies, so if your financial situation changes, recheck your options. Florida's Medicaid enrollment has seen a decline, with 4,155,487 residents enrolled as of May 30, 2025, a decrease of over 643,000 from January 2024. This means many people who may have lost coverage during the unwinding of continuous enrollment provisions can reapply if they believe they are now eligible.
What Florida Medicaid Covers
Florida Medicaid offers comprehensive benefits for those who qualify, typically with little to no cost-sharing. The program covers essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more. For seniors and individuals with disabilities, there are specific long-term care Medicaid programs that can help cover the costs of nursing home care, home health care, or assisted living facilities. For example, as of January 2025, the monthly income limit for a single individual for these long-term care programs increased to $2,991, with an asset limit of $2,000. However, for married couples where both are applying, the asset limit is $3,000, and for couples where only one spouse applies, the applicant still has a $2,000 asset limit, but the non-applicant spouse can retain up to $157,920 in assets as of 2025.
Options in the Coverage Gap
If you find yourself in the coverage gap, with an income too high for Florida Medicaid but too low for marketplace subsidies, you still have practical healthcare options. Florida's uninsured rate remains higher than the national average, at 10.9% in 2024 compared to the U.S. average of 8.2%. You can seek care at community health centers, which often provide services on a sliding scale based on your income. Many hospitals in Florida also offer charity care programs for uninsured patients who meet certain income requirements; for example, Baptist Health provides free care for those with household incomes up to 300% of the FPL. Additionally, county indigent programs and free clinics can provide vital services. If your income increases and crosses the 100% FPL threshold, remember to revisit HealthCare.gov, as you would then become eligible for significant marketplace subsidies, making a private health plan much more affordable. There have been ongoing efforts to expand Medicaid in Florida, with a ballot initiative aiming for the 2028 ballot to extend coverage to individuals under 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the FPL.
Marketplace Insurance in Florida
Florida residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in Florida costs approximately $585/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in Florida might pay for a Silver plan after subsidies, based on the $585/month benchmark:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Your Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,940 | ~$80/mo | $505/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,920 | ~$173/mo | $412/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,900 | ~$277/mo | $308/mo |
| 300% FPL | $47,880 | ~$392/mo | $193/mo |
| 400% FPL | $63,840 | ~$523/mo | $62/mo |
These estimates are for a 40-year-old individual on a benchmark Silver plan in Florida. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and plan choice. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays. Florida uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
How to Get Coverage in Florida
Your path depends on your income:
- Income above $15,960/year (100% FPL): You qualify for marketplace subsidies. Apply through HealthCare.gov during open enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event.
- Income below $15,960/year: Check if you qualify for traditional Medicaid (children, pregnant women, disabled). Apply through Florida Medicaid.
- Children: Florida's CHIP program covers kids in families up to 200-300% FPL regardless of expansion status.
Calculate Your Subsidy in Florida
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Florida's Medicaid eligibility requirements?
Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so there is no standard income limit for adults. Traditional Medicaid covers specific groups (children, pregnant women, disabled, very low-income parents). Income limits for these groups vary. Children are generally covered up to 200-300% FPL through CHIP.
Has Florida expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
No, Florida has not expanded Medicaid. This creates a coverage gap for adults earning below 100% FPL who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid categories.
Can I get ACA subsidies in Florida?
Florida residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through HealthCare.gov.
What is the Florida Medicaid program called?
Florida's Medicaid program is known as Florida Medicaid. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and certain other qualifying groups.
What happens if I lose Medicaid coverage in Florida?
If your Florida Medicaid coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through HealthCare.gov. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
I don't qualify for Medicaid or subsidies in Florida — what can I do?
If you're in the coverage gap (earning below $15,960/year but not qualifying for traditional Medicaid), look into community health centers in Florida that offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Many hospitals have charity care programs for uninsured patients. Free clinics and the 211 helpline can connect you with local resources. If your income changes, reapply — even small income increases could qualify you for marketplace subsidies.
What's stopping Medicaid expansion in Florida?
Medicaid expansion has been a politically contentious issue in Florida. The state legislature has not passed expansion legislation, leaving an estimated coverage gap for adults earning below 100% FPL. Advocacy groups continue to push for expansion, and several neighboring states have recently adopted it. Check with Florida's legislative updates for the latest status.