FLORIDA – On Sept. 4, 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% 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 their 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 would pay doubles or almost 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 we’ve 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.