Healthcare premiums in Florida could rise sharply if federal tax credits supporting Affordable Care Act coverage expire, according to recent statements from U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The potential increase in healthcare premiums has raised concerns among advocates, policy experts, and residents across Florida.
Healthcare Premiums in Florida Face Uncertainty
According to U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, nearly 5 million Floridians who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may see their healthcare premiums surge if Congress does not extend COVID-19 era tax credits. Speaking at a news conference in Sunrise on September 25, 2025, Wasserman Schultz warned that the expiration of these federal subsidies could make healthcare insurance unaffordable for many residents.
Florida has the highest number of ACA enrollees in the United States, with one in five coming from Miami-Dade County, according to official enrollment data. The impact of premium increases would be felt statewide, affecting both ACA participants and those with private insurance plans.
Potential Impact on Florida Residents
Advocates and insurance professionals report that health insurance premiums in Florida could rise between 15% and 41% if the federal tax credits are not renewed. According to Carolina Zerpa, an insurance broker and ACA beneficiary, her own monthly premium could increase from $220 to $550 without the credits. Zerpa stated that she has observed other members’ policies nearly double in cost for the next year. For a detailed look at how this situation could threaten millions of Floridians if tax credits expire, visit our in-depth analysis.
Joseph Mustipher, a South Florida insurance agent, noted that there are limited options for ACA enrollees who cannot afford the premium hikes. Mustipher explained that stricter plans may disqualify applicants with pre-existing conditions, and some shared ministry programs only serve people of specific faiths. He emphasized the lack of viable alternatives for those facing higher costs.
Concerns for Low-Income Families
Camilo Mejia, director of policy and research at the nonprofit Catalyst Miami, said many low-income families in South Florida are “very afraid” of losing the subsidies. Mejia explained that any significant increase in monthly health insurance premiums could threaten both the health and financial security of these families. Southwest Florida families are especially vulnerable, as outlined in this report on SWFL families facing health insurance tax credit expiration.
Federal Tax Credits and the Affordable Care Act
The federal tax credits in question were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to make ACA marketplace plans more affordable. These subsidies help reduce monthly premiums for millions of Americans who purchase insurance through the ACA exchanges. If the credits expire, many Floridians could face higher out-of-pocket costs or lose coverage entirely.
According to Wasserman Schultz, “Everybody else’s premiums will go up, whether you have an Obamacare policy or not, because it’s fewer people going to hospitals and fewer people seeing doctors. Those costs all get shifted to all of us.”
Broader Effects on Private Insurance
Experts warn that the expiration of subsidies could also lead to higher premiums for private insurance customers. As fewer people are able to afford coverage, hospitals and healthcare providers may face increased uncompensated care costs, which can result in higher prices for all insured individuals.
Congressional Debate and Potential Government Shutdown
The debate over extending federal tax credits comes as United States Congress faces the possibility of a government shutdown. According to official sources, Congressional Republicans have proposed a short-term funding measure through November 21, but Democrats are demanding that the legislation address healthcare concerns, including the extension of ACA tax credits and reversal of Medicaid cuts.
Neither party has indicated willingness to compromise, and the House is not expected to be in session before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2025. Wasserman Schultz cited a lack of collaboration with Republicans as a key factor in the ongoing stalemate.
Statements from Officials
“This is a financial cliff that we are going to,” Wasserman Schultz said during the news conference. “Republicans will push people who can least afford it off of [it], and they’ll lose their health care, and everyone’s health care prices will go up. It’s so unnecessary.”
Officials stated that details may be updated as the situation develops and as negotiations continue in Washington.
What Happens If Federal Tax Credits Expire?
If Congress does not act to renew the expanded federal tax credits, many Floridians could see their healthcare premiums increase significantly in 2026. According to a preliminary report from advocacy groups, some ACA participants may face monthly premium hikes of several hundred dollars. Insurance agents report that options for affordable coverage would become limited, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or low incomes. For more information on the broader implications, see our coverage of the potential expiration of Florida health insurance tax credits.
Healthcare advocates urge affected individuals to stay informed and monitor updates from official sources, as the situation remains fluid and subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Premiums in Florida
What is causing healthcare premiums in Florida to potentially increase?
Healthcare premiums in Florida may rise if federal tax credits that help lower costs for Affordable Care Act plans expire. Without these subsidies, monthly insurance costs could become much higher for many residents.
How much could health insurance premiums increase in Florida?
Advocates report that health insurance premiums in Florida could rise between 15% and 41% if federal tax credits are not renewed. Some individuals may see their monthly payments double.
Are there alternatives for Floridians if ACA premiums become unaffordable?
Insurance agents say there are few affordable alternatives for those who lose ACA subsidies. Some stricter plans may not accept people with pre-existing conditions, and other options may be limited or not widely available.
Can you still get health coverage in Florida if you lose the tax credits?
You can still apply for health insurance, but without the federal tax credits, the cost may be much higher. Some people may qualify for Medicaid or employer-based insurance, but options may be limited for others.
Where are most ACA enrollees located in Florida?
Florida has the highest number of ACA enrollees in the country, with nearly 5 million participants. One in five of these enrollees lives in Miami-Dade County.
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