Who this guide is for
This guide is for you if you live in Orlando, Winter Park, Orange County, or another part of Florida. It helps if you need a plan for yourself or your family from the ACA Marketplace for 2027. For example:
- You are self-employed or a 1099 worker with no job-based plan.
- You want to renew or change your HealthCare.gov plan.
- You are leaving a job-based plan. You may also need a Special Enrollment Period.
- You are comparing Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans, or you have questions about tax credits.
We mainly serve Orlando and Orange County: see Orlando / Orange County health insurance. We also help people across Florida enroll on HealthCare.gov when a Marketplace plan fits.
How HealthCare.gov works in Florida
Florida does not have its own state exchange. For ACA plans for people and families, you apply, see your tax credit estimate, and enroll on HealthCare.gov.
When you need a Marketplace plan, you still use HealthCare.gov, even if you work with us. We help you:
- Fill in your household and income details the right way.
- Compare the plans sold in your ZIP code. Orange County plans are not the same as plans in other counties.
- Check doctors, deductibles, and drug lists before you pick.
- Stay away from copycat “Florida marketplace” sites that are not HealthCare.gov.
2027 ACA Open Enrollment dates (Florida / HealthCare.gov)
| Milestone | Date | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Open Enrollment starts | November 1, 2026 | First day to enroll, renew, or change Marketplace plans for 2027 coverage |
| Deadline for Jan 1 start | December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| January 1 coverage begins | January 1, 2027 | For people who enroll by Dec 15 and pay the first premium when required |
| Open Enrollment ends | January 15, 2027 | Last day to enroll or change for the 2027 plan year (without an SEP) |
| Later OEP start date | February 1, 2027 | Typical start for enrollments completed Dec 16, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 |
As of October 2, 2026, these are the dates for 2027 coverage. A court case about these dates is still on appeal, so check HealthCare.gov. Source: HealthCare.gov, “Dates and deadlines,” and the CMS statement of July 27, 2026 (checked October 2, 2026). You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time.
Tax credits and lower costs (APTC & CSR)
APTC (advance premium tax credit) can lower your monthly Marketplace price. It is based on your household size and income. HealthCare.gov estimates it when you apply. Then you settle it on your federal tax return.
CSR (cost-sharing reductions) can lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket max if you qualify. To get it, you usually need to pick a Silver plan.
- The Marketplace decides if you qualify and how much you get, based on your application. No agent can promise a number.
- If your income changes during the year, your credit can change too. Report changes on HealthCare.gov.
As of October 2, 2026, under current law, the tax credit is generally for incomes from 100% to 400% of the poverty line. The bigger credits that helped some people above 400% ended after 2025. If you get more tax credit during the year than you qualify for, you pay back all of the extra, starting with 2026 taxes.
Self-employed? See also self-employed health insurance in Orlando.
Bronze vs silver (quick pointer)
Bronze plans often cost less each month but have higher deductibles. Silver plans often cost more each month. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan can have a lower deductible and copays. Gold plans often cost more each month, but you pay less when you get care.
No metal level is right for everyone. Compare plans with your Orange County doctors, your drugs, and the care you expect to need.
Open Enrollment checklist
- Make sure a Marketplace plan is what you need, not Medicare, Medicaid only, or a plan from a current job. On Medicare or turning 65? We help with Medicare too.
- Gather the names of everyone in your household, Social Security numbers (if you have them), your income estimate, and the date your current coverage ends.
- List the Orlando-area doctors, hospitals, and drugs you want to keep.
- Make or sign in to your HealthCare.gov account before the rush.
- Compare plans for your exact ZIP code. Networks are different in each county.
- If you need coverage to start January 1, try to finish by December 15, 2026.
- Pay your first premium when the insurance company asks, so your coverage starts.
- Save your confirmation emails and plan IDs. Tell us if your income or address changes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing December 15 when you need coverage to start January 1.
- Picking by monthly price alone without checking Orange County doctors and drug lists.
- Thinking Florida has its own exchange. ACA tax credits come through HealthCare.gov.
- Skipping the CSR check. A Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions can change your total cost.
- Using copycat sites. Use HealthCare.gov and check your agent’s license (NPN).
- Not checking for changes each year. Insurance companies and networks can change. Check the 2027 plans for your ZIP code.
Live in Central Florida? Start with health insurance in Orlando or the Orange County FL guide to learn about plans in your ZIP code. Then come back here for the Open Enrollment dates.