As of April 2026, approximately 3.4 million Floridians were enrolled in Medicaid and 171,606 in CHIP, for a total of roughly 3.57 million, down from approximately 3.65 million as of October 2025. Florida’s adult Medicaid enrollment declined during this period, consistent with a national trend that saw Medicaid enrollment fall by 5 million people, or 6 percent, between April 2025 and April 2026, according to the KFF Medicaid and CHIP Monthly Enrollment Tracker updated August 26, 2026 using CMS data.
For Florida residents, these numbers carry consequences that residents of most other states do not face. Florida has not expanded Medicaid. Adults who lose Medicaid here have narrower fallback options than in the 40 states that adopted expansion. Additionally, with the 2025 federal reconciliation law introducing new Medicaid requirements in January 2027, further enrollment changes are ahead.
This guide explains what the KFF 2026 Medicaid data shows for Florida specifically, why the state’s situation is more complicated than the national picture, and what health insurance options exist for Floridians who do not qualify for Medicaid. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can review your specific situation and identify your options at no cost.
Key Facts: Florida Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment 2026
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Florida Medicaid enrollment: approximately 3.4 million (April 2026, CMS data via KFF)
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Florida CHIP enrollment: approximately 171,606 (April 2026, CMS data via KFF)
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Florida total Medicaid and CHIP enrollment: approximately 3.57 million (April 2026), down from 3.65 million in October 2025
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National Medicaid and CHIP enrollment: 73.9 million (April 2026, KFF)
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National Medicaid enrollment declined by 5 million, or 6 percent, from April 2025 to April 2026 (KFF)
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Medicaid enrollment decreased in all 50 states from April 2025 to April 2026 (KFF)
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Florida CHIP enrollment increased from April 2025 to April 2026, one of 18 states to see CHIP growth (KFF)
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Adult Medicaid enrollment declined in Florida from April 2025 to April 2026 (KFF)
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Florida has not expanded Medicaid; approximately 1.46 million additional Floridians would gain coverage under expansion
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New Medicaid work requirements under the 2025 reconciliation law take effect January 2027 for Medicaid expansion states
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2027 ACA open enrollment: November 1 through December 15, 2026
What Does the National Medicaid Enrollment Decline Mean?
The 6% decline in national Medicaid enrollment from April 2025 to April 2026 reflects a meaningful shift in public health coverage across the United States. According to the KFF Medicaid and CHIP Monthly Enrollment Tracker, which draws from CMS data, total national Medicaid and CHIP enrollment stood at 73.9 million as of April 2026, down from approximately 78.9 million a year earlier.
The decline continues the trajectory set in motion by the end of pandemic-era continuous enrollment provisions in 2023. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, states could not remove people from Medicaid regardless of eligibility changes. When those provisions ended, a process known as the Medicaid unwinding began. More than 25 million people were disenrolled nationally during the unwinding period. Approximately 69% were disenrolled for procedural reasons, such as outdated contact information or incomplete renewal paperwork, rather than confirmed ineligibility, per KFF analysis.
The enrollment decline visible in 2026 reflects both the lingering effects of that unwinding and new policy pressures from the 2025 reconciliation law. For Floridians who lost Medicaid coverage during the unwinding or in 2026 and have not yet found replacement coverage, a licensed YourMedPlan advisor can evaluate whether ACA marketplace Obamacare coverage is available and what it would cost at your income level.
What Is Happening to Florida Medicaid Enrollment Specifically?
Florida’s 2026 Medicaid data shows two trends running simultaneously.
Adult Medicaid enrollment in Florida declined. The KFF tracker confirms that adult Medicaid enrollment decreased in Florida from April 2025 to April 2026. This is particularly significant because Florida’s adult Medicaid population is already narrower than in most states. Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so the adults who do qualify are a smaller, more restricted group. Losses in this population leave those individuals without coverage and, in most cases, without a Medicaid safety net below the ACA marketplace.
Florida CHIP enrollment increased. Florida is specifically named among the 18 states where Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollment grew from April 2025 to April 2026, a positive development for children’s coverage in the state. CHIP covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
Despite the CHIP growth, total Florida Medicaid and CHIP enrollment declined from approximately 3.65 million in October 2025 to approximately 3.57 million by April 2026. Children’s Medicaid enrollment decreased in Florida as well, consistent with national trends in which child enrollment fell in all states except Hawaii during this period. Florida adults who lost Medicaid coverage and are unsure what comes next should speak with a licensed YourMedPlan advisor before assuming they have no affordable alternative.
Why Is Florida’s Medicaid Situation Different From Most States?
Florida’s Medicaid program operates under more restrictive eligibility rules than in the 40 states that adopted Medicaid expansion. That difference fundamentally shapes what losing Medicaid means for a Florida resident compared to someone in most other states.
Florida has not expanded Medicaid. Medicaid expansion extends eligibility to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Florida has not adopted it. Adults without dependent children are generally ineligible for Florida Medicaid regardless of income. The Florida Medicaid income limit for parents is approximately 27% of the federal poverty level. Approximately 1.46 million additional Floridians would gain coverage if the state adopted expansion, according to healthinsurance.org.
The Florida Medicaid coverage gap is one of the largest in the country. Floridians who earn too much for Florida Medicaid but too little to qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies, which begin at 100% of the federal poverty level, fall into a coverage gap with no subsidized option. Only Texas has more people in this gap than Florida, according to recent KFF estimates. Unlike expansion states, where Medicaid catches people at income levels Florida’s program does not reach, residents in Florida’s coverage gap have no public insurance pathway available under current state law.
Florida’s Medicaid enrollment has barely grown since 2013. Total Medicaid and CHIP enrollment in Florida has increased only about 1% since late 2013, far below the national average. The ACA marketplace has functionally served the role that Medicaid expansion plays in other states for a large portion of Florida’s working-age population. Floridians who fall outside Florida’s narrow Medicaid eligibility and are uncertain what marketplace options exist should connect with a licensed YourMedPlan advisor for a county-level review of available plans and subsidy eligibility.
What Does the 2025 Reconciliation Law Mean for Florida Medicaid in 2027?
The 2025 federal reconciliation law, signed July 2025, introduced significant Medicaid changes that KFF flags as a driver of expected future enrollment declines nationally.
New work requirements begin January 2027. The law requires adults in the Medicaid expansion group and in certain Section 1115 waiver programs to meet new work and community engagement requirements starting January 2027. Because Florida has not expanded Medicaid, these expansion-group work requirements do not directly apply to most Florida Medicaid enrollees. However, the law also introduced broader eligibility verification and renewal requirements that apply more widely across all Medicaid programs, including non-expansion states.
Medicaid enrollment is expected to decline further. KFF notes that the reconciliation law’s changes will reduce Medicaid enrollment over the next 10 years relative to what would have been expected under prior law. As people lose Medicaid in expansion states due to work requirements in 2027, demand for ACA marketplace coverage will rise nationally.
What Florida Medicaid enrollees should do now. Respond promptly to any renewal notices from the Florida Department of Children and Families. The majority of people disenrolled nationally during the Medicaid unwinding lost coverage for procedural reasons, not because they were ineligible. Missing a renewal packet or not updating your contact information can trigger a termination that a timely response would have prevented. If you do lose coverage regardless of the reason, contact a licensed YourMedPlan advisor immediately to evaluate whether a Special Enrollment Period applies and what ACA marketplace options are available before that 60-day window closes.
What Are the Health Insurance Options for Floridians Who Do Not Qualify for Medicaid?
For the large share of Florida residents outside Florida’s narrow Medicaid eligibility, the ACA marketplace is the primary source of subsidized health coverage. What that costs depends on income, household size, and county. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can calculate this precisely at no cost to you.
ACA marketplace subsidies remain available. Floridians earning between 100 and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for income-based premium tax credits through the ACA marketplace. The enhanced credits that reduced or eliminated premiums from 2021 through 2025 expired December 31, 2025, and have not been renewed as of August 2026. Standard credits remain in place. Many Floridians who believe they cannot afford marketplace coverage could qualify for a subsidized plan if they ran the actual numbers with a licensed advisor from YourMedPlan.
If your income falls below 100% of the federal poverty level. Floridians in this range face the most limited options. They earn too little for ACA marketplace subsidies but do not qualify for Florida Medicaid. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can review your full situation for any alternative options, including circumstances that might affect eligibility.
2027 open enrollment: November 1 through December 15, 2026. Per CMS’s 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule, the ACA open enrollment window for plan year 2027 ends December 15, 2026, not January 15 as in prior years. This shorter window makes preparing before November 1 especially important. Working with a YourMedPlan advisor before open enrollment begins means you walk in knowing your subsidy eligibility, your county’s available plans, and which plan fits your doctors and medications.
Loss of Medicaid triggers a Special Enrollment Period. Floridians who lost Medicaid coverage have 60 days from the date of loss to enroll in a marketplace plan outside of open enrollment. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can confirm whether your qualifying event is still active and help you enroll before the window closes.
How Does a Licensed YourMedPlan Advisor Help Florida Residents Find Coverage?
Florida’s health coverage landscape in 2026 is more complex than at any point in recent years. Medicaid enrollment is declining. ACA premiums are higher. Open enrollment is shorter. And Florida’s non-expansion status means there is no Medicaid backstop for working-age adults who lose marketplace coverage. For Floridians navigating this environment, a licensed YourMedPlan advisor provides guidance that HealthCare.gov alone cannot replicate.
Accurate subsidy calculation. Subsidy eligibility depends on income, household size, and the benchmark plan premium in your specific county. Getting this number right is the difference between coverage you can afford and going without. A YourMedPlan advisor calculates it precisely before you commit to a plan.
County-level plan comparison. Florida has 67 counties. Plan availability, premiums, and networks vary significantly across them. A YourMedPlan advisor compares what is actually available at your address and filters plans against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Special Enrollment Period navigation. If you lost Medicaid in 2025 or 2026, a qualifying life event window may still be available. A YourMedPlan advisor can confirm your eligibility and move quickly to get you enrolled before that window closes.
No cost to you. YourMedPlan advisors are compensated by the insurance carriers they represent. The guidance costs you nothing.
YourMedPlan is a licensed health insurance agency headquartered in Florida and serving clients across 43 states. Whether you lost Medicaid coverage, do not qualify for Florida Medicaid, or are preparing for the November 1 open enrollment window, a YourMedPlan advisor provides a no-cost, no-obligation review of your options.
Reach out to YourMedPlan today to speak with a licensed Florida health insurance advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Medicaid and Health Insurance 2026
How many Floridians are enrolled in Medicaid in 2026?
According to CMS data analyzed by KFF, approximately 3.4 million Floridians were enrolled in Medicaid and approximately 171,606 in CHIP as of April 2026, for a total of roughly 3.57 million. This represents a decline from approximately 3.65 million total Medicaid and CHIP enrollees in October 2025.
Did Florida Medicaid enrollment increase or decrease in 2026?
Total Florida Medicaid enrollment declined from April 2025 to April 2026. Adult Medicaid enrollment decreased in Florida. Florida CHIP enrollment increased, making Florida one of 18 states where CHIP enrollment grew during this period, per the KFF Medicaid and CHIP Monthly Enrollment Tracker.
Has Florida expanded Medicaid?
No. Florida has not adopted Medicaid expansion and is one of 10 remaining non-expansion states as of August 2026. Adults without dependent children are generally ineligible for Florida Medicaid regardless of income. Approximately 1.46 million additional Floridians would gain coverage if the state expanded.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Florida in 2026?
Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so income limits are significantly lower than in expansion states. Adults without dependent children are generally ineligible regardless of income. Parents qualify at approximately 27% of the federal poverty level. Children and pregnant women qualify at higher income thresholds. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can help you evaluate whether you or a family member qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, or whether an ACA marketplace plan is the right fit.
What is CHIP and who qualifies in Florida?
CHIP stands for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. It provides health coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Florida’s CHIP enrollment increased from April 2025 to April 2026. Eligibility depends on household income and family size. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can help determine whether your child qualifies for CHIP or whether a marketplace plan is the better fit.
What is the Florida Medicaid coverage gap?
The Florida Medicaid coverage gap refers to adults who earn too little to qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies, which begin at 100% of the federal poverty level, but too much for Florida Medicaid. In Medicaid expansion states, this group would qualify for Medicaid. In Florida, they have no subsidized insurance option under current state law. Only Texas has more people in this gap than Florida, according to KFF estimates.
What is the Medicaid unwinding and how does it affect Florida residents?
The Medicaid unwinding refers to the process that began in 2023 when pandemic-era continuous enrollment protections ended and states resumed regular Medicaid eligibility reviews. More than 25 million people were disenrolled nationally, approximately 69% of them for procedural reasons such as outdated contact information rather than confirmed ineligibility, per KFF. Floridians who lost Medicaid during the unwinding and have not found replacement coverage may still qualify for an ACA marketplace plan. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can evaluate your situation and identify available options.
What are the new Medicaid work requirements starting in 2027?
The 2025 federal reconciliation law requires adults in the Medicaid expansion group and in certain Section 1115 waiver programs to meet work and community engagement requirements beginning January 2027. Because Florida has not expanded Medicaid, these specific requirements do not directly apply to most Florida Medicaid enrollees. However, broader eligibility changes in the law are expected to reduce national Medicaid enrollment further. Florida Medicaid enrollees should respond promptly to renewal notices to avoid losing coverage for procedural reasons.
Can I get health insurance in Florida if I do not qualify for Medicaid?
Yes. The ACA marketplace is the primary option for Floridians who do not qualify for Medicaid. Floridians earning between 100 and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for income-based premium tax credits that reduce monthly costs. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can calculate your specific eligibility and compare plans in your county at no cost to you.
What happens if I lose Florida Medicaid coverage?
Loss of Medicaid is a qualifying life event that triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period on the ACA marketplace. During that window, you can enroll in a marketplace plan outside of open enrollment. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can confirm your eligibility and help you enroll in coverage that fits your budget before that window closes.
When is Florida ACA open enrollment for 2027?
The 2027 ACA open enrollment period runs November 1 through December 15, 2026, per CMS’s 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule. This is a shorter window than in prior years. Coverage takes effect January 1, 2027.
How do I find out if I qualify for Florida Medicaid?
Florida Medicaid eligibility depends on income, household size, age, and family status. You can check eligibility through the Florida Department of Children and Families ACCESS Florida system or by speaking with a licensed YourMedPlan advisor who can evaluate your full situation and identify whether Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA marketplace coverage is the right fit.
Take the Next Step Before November 1
Medicaid enrollment is declining in Florida and nationally. The 2025 reconciliation law will drive further changes in 2027. Florida’s non-expansion status leaves hundreds of thousands of residents without a Medicaid option. And ACA open enrollment runs for just 45 days starting November 1.
Floridians who do not qualify for Medicaid, who recently lost Medicaid, or who need health insurance before the December 15 deadline have options. A licensed YourMedPlan advisor can identify those options, calculate what coverage would cost at your income level, and help you make a confident decision before the window closes.
Reach out to YourMedPlan today for a free review of your Florida health insurance options.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general educational information about Medicaid and CHIP enrollment trends in Florida and does not constitute legal, medical, or enrollment advice for any specific individual. Medicaid eligibility, ACA marketplace subsidy eligibility, plan availability, premiums, and coverage details vary based on income, household size, age, and county of residence. Enrollment data referenced in this post reflects CMS data as analyzed and published by KFF in the Medicaid and CHIP Monthly Enrollment Tracker, updated August 26, 2026, with data through April 2026 based on CMS reports last updated July 31, 2026. April 2026 data are preliminary and subject to change. Floridians should contact the Florida Department of Children and Families for Medicaid eligibility questions and consult a licensed health insurance advisor for marketplace coverage options.
SandStone Partners Health, LLC dba YourMedPlan is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. Not all carriers or plans are available in every state or region. Plan availability, benefits, and costs may vary by location. Limitations and exclusions apply.
