When Aetna announced it would stop offering individual and family health plans on Florida’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace at the end of 2025, many Floridians worried about losing health coverage. Because Aetna’s departure coincides with the regular Open Enrollment Period, members must select a new plan between November 1 and December 15, 2025, to ensure seamless coverage beginning January 1, 2026. Failing to act by the deadline could leave you uninsured until at least February 1, 2026.
Key Dates for 2026 Florida Marketplace Coverage
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November 1 – December 15, 2025: Open Enrollment period for 2026 ACA On & Off-Market plans. This is your window to renew, change or enroll in a new plan.
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December 31 , 2025: Final day Aetna individual and family plans remain active in Florida.
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January 1, 2026: New coverage begins for plans selected during Open Enrollment.
Because Aetna is leaving the marketplace at year’s end, you will not be automatically reassigned to a new plan. Enroll during Open Enrollment to avoid coverage gaps.
Steps to Choose Your New Plan
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Confirm your plan status. Look for a termination letter from Aetna explaining that your coverage will end on December 31. If you’re unsure, log into your marketplace account or call Aetna.
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Assess your needs. Make a list of your preferred doctors, hospitals and any prescriptions you take regularly.
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Compare available plans. Florida’s marketplace will include options from carriers such as Florida Blue, Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and more. Compare network size, metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), monthly premium and deductible. Subsidies and cost‑sharing reductions may still apply to eligible enrollees.
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Check provider and drug coverage. Verify that your doctors and medications are covered; networks vary widely and picking the wrong plan could mean losing access to your physician.
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Enroll by December 15. Submit your application before the deadline to ensure your new plan starts January 1, 2026. Waiting until after December 15 may delay your coverage start date to February 1.
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Get help from a licensed agent. Independent advisors like YourMedPlan can confirm subsidy eligibility, verify your doctors are still in-network, review your options and complete your enrollment at no extra cost.
Understanding Metal Tiers and Networks
Plans are grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories. Bronze plans often have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles; Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums and lower out‑of‑pocket costs. Also, decide whether you prefer an HMO (usually lower cost but requires referrals) or a PPO (higher premium with broader provider access). Carriers like Florida Blue offer a range of plan types and network sizes, so evaluate which network best matches your current providers.
Why Acting During Open Enrollment Matters
There will be no separate Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Aetna members because the carrier’s exit aligns with Open Enrollment. If you miss the December 15 deadline, you may have to wait until the next enrollment window or qualify for a SEP due to a different life event. Late enrollment could leave you uninsured for a month or more.
How YourMedPlan Helps
YourMedPlan’s licensed agents specialize in Florida health insurance. We review your doctors, prescriptions and budget to recommend plans that align with your needs. Our independence allows us to compare multiple carriers, including Florida Blue, and explain how different networks and premiums will affect you. Best of all, our services are at no additional cost to you—the insurance carriers pay us, not you.
Ensure Continuous Coverage
Aetna’s departure from Florida’s marketplace is significant, but by acting during the Open Enrollment Period, you can maintain uninterrupted health coverage. Start preparing now: gather your documents, research new plans and seek professional guidance with YourMedPlan at no additional cost to you before December 15.
Disclaimer: SandStone Partners Health, dba YourMedPlan, is a licensed health insurance agency and an authorized agency of Florida Blue. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Aetna, the U.S. government, or HealthCare.gov.
We do not offer every Medicare plan available in every area. Currently, we represent multiple organizations that offer a variety of products in your area. For information on all available options, please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
