Are you young and healthy, or are you nearing your golden years? Are you single, or do you have a spouse and children? Do you have ongoing medical issues? Each of these situations factor into where you can find affordable health insurance in Florida and how much you pay for it. The fact is that finding cheap health insurance in Florida can seem nearly impossible, especially if you don’t understand all the terms. The reality is that locating an affordable option is very possible. This guide will help you learn more about what you can expect from Florida insurance and how to find a plan that meets your family’s needs and budget.
The Affordable Care Act in Florida
The state of Florida is a part of the Affordable Care Act voted on in 2010 and enacted in 2014. Commonly referred to as Florida ACA, the act makes it easier for low-income individuals and families to get health insurance. Eligibility criteria is expanded, tax credits are available, and subsidies are offered to ensure this happens.
The program is highly successful, having enrolled more than 1.7 million Floridians since 2014. People who seek out health plans through the Florida Affordable Care Act’s Marketplace can expect to find plans that cover both inpatient and outpatient care, regular doctor visits, preventative services, prescription drugs, dental, vision, mental health services, and much more. Not all plans will cover each service, though, so be sure to research and read thoroughly to get what you need.
Medicaid in Florida
Florida offers Medicaid services for low-income families, individuals who are at least 65 years old, or individuals with certain disabilities that qualify them for Supplemental Security Income. Qualified recipients can enroll in a Managed Medical Assistance Program for many health services except long-term care.
The type of services available depends on the age of the insured and the types of services they need. For example, children receive access to pediatricians, while parents can obtain birth control or care during pregnancy. Home health nurses, nursing homes, hospice, and other programs are available as well. Florida also provides Medicaid options for refugees in the assistance program as well as for legal aliens.
Other Affordable FL Plans
Health insurance in Florida is divided into metal tiers. The lowest tier, which is catastrophic, offers only the most basic of insurance and is typically for emergencies only. This type of insurance is best for young, healthy people who don’t need to see the doctor often but who need coverage in case of unexpected circumstances. Tiers work their way up to platinum, which is the best of the best in terms of insurance, with middle tiers including bronze and expanded bronze, silver, and gold.
Average Costs of Medical Plans in Florida
When it comes to the cost of these plans, numbers vary depending on the age of the person who is insured. Typically, the younger someone is, the less he or she will need to pay for insurance costs. To put it into perspective, someone who is 21 years old can expect to pay a monthly premium ranging from $189 to $665, depending on the tier. Someone who is in the middle of his or her life at age 40 will pay between $241 and $850 per month. Finally, a person who is 60 years old and entering his or her golden years can expect to pay $512 per month for catastrophic coverage or as much as $1805 per month for platinum coverage.
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Needs
Choosing the right Florida health insurance is essential to ensure your family’s medical needs are met. Unless you are a young, single individual, it is probably best to avoid the catastrophic plan. On the other hand, if you aren’t someone who has severe and ongoing illness, you can probably skip the platinum plan as well. Health insurance experts typically agree that bronze or silver plans are the best bet for average families of average health. These plans offer the most for your money and are an excellent “middle of the road” choice. In addition, silver plans are the only ones in the state that offer cost-sharing reductions to reduce copays, deductibles, and more. Short-term insurance is available as well.
When it comes to learning about healthcare costs in Florida and finding plans that meet your needs, you don’t need to do it alone. Contact FirstQuote Health instead. We’ll work with you to help you learn about your options and how to find the best plan for your family!