Yes. If your job doesn’t offer health insurance, you can buy an ACA marketplace plan at HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period, and you may qualify for premium tax credits if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Other options include a spouse’s employer plan, Medicaid for eligible groups, and off-exchange ACA plans.
Part-time workers, freelancers, contractors, gig workers, and employees at companies that simply don’t offer coverage often assume health insurance is out of reach. It isn’t — here’s a practical rundown of every option available to Florida residents who need to find their own coverage.
The ACA Marketplace: Your Best Starting Point
If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, the ACA (Affordable Care Act) marketplace — accessible at HealthCare.gov — is almost always the first place to look. The marketplace offers a range of plans from major insurers, organized into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on how costs are split between you and the insurer.
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1. Outside of that window, you can only enroll if you have a qualifying life event (like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby).
Premium Tax Credits: You Might Pay Much Less Than You Think
The single most important thing to know about the ACA marketplace is the premium tax credits (also called subsidies). If your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level — roughly $15,960 to $63,840 for a single person, or up to $132,000 for a family of four — you qualify for credits that directly reduce your monthly premium. The enhanced subsidies that once extended help above 400% FPL expired at the end of 2025, so the “subsidy cliff” is back for 2026 and 2027.
A single adult in Florida earning around $35,000, or a family of four earning $70,000, is well within the subsidy range and can expect a meaningful credit. The lower your income, the larger the credit. These aren’t loans — they’re credits applied directly to your premiums.
You can get a quick estimate of your subsidies using the calculator at HealthCare.gov, or I can walk you through it for free. Our guide to health insurance subsidies and tax credits explains the math.
Medicaid: Free or Very Low-Cost Coverage
If your income is low, Medicaid may provide free or nearly free coverage. Florida’s Medicaid program covers children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and low-income parents with dependent children.
One important note for Floridians: Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, which means many low-income adults without dependent children don’t qualify, even if they would in another state. If your income is below the poverty line and you don’t have children, you may fall into what’s called the coverage gap. It’s an unfortunate reality in our state, but there are still resources available — including federally qualified health centers that offer care on a sliding-scale fee basis. See free and low-cost health insurance options in Florida.
Coverage Through a Spouse or Domestic Partner
If your spouse or domestic partner has employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to join their plan as a dependent. This is often one of the most cost-effective options available, since employers typically subsidize the premium — even for spouses.
Check with your partner’s HR department about adding a dependent. There’s typically an annual open enrollment period, but getting married or entering a domestic partnership (where recognized) is a qualifying event that lets you enroll mid-year.
Short-Term Health Plans: Proceed With Caution
Short-term health plans are inexpensive policies that provide temporary coverage. A 2024 federal rule caps them at 3 months initially and 4 months total, although federal agencies announced in August 2025 that they would not prioritize enforcing that limit. They’re available year-round, have no income requirements, and often have low monthly premiums.
But there are major trade-offs you need to understand before choosing one:
- Short-term plans are not ACA-compliant, which means they can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions and don’t have to cover essential health benefits like maternity care, mental health, or prescription drugs.
- Coverage limits and exclusions are common. You may find out after a serious illness that your plan covers far less than you expected.
- Short-term plans do not qualify you for a premium tax credit.
Short-term plans can make sense as a bridge — say, you’re between jobs for 60 days — but they’re a risky long-term solution. I always make sure my clients understand exactly what they’re getting before recommending one.
COBRA From a Previous Job
If you recently left a job that offered health insurance, COBRA lets you continue that coverage for up to 18 months. You pay the full premium (what you and your employer were paying combined), which can be expensive — but it gives you continuity of coverage and keeps your existing doctors in-network.
COBRA is worth considering if you’re mid-treatment or expect to start a new job with benefits in the near future. For long-term coverage, a marketplace plan with subsidies is usually the more affordable path.
Freelancer and Association Plans
If you’re self-employed or part of a professional community, some professional associations and trade groups advertise health plans or discounts for members.
The quality and cost of these plans vary widely. Some offer genuine value; others are short-term plans, fixed indemnity policies, or health-sharing arrangements that may exclude pre-existing conditions and lack ACA protections. Before enrolling in any association plan, have a licensed broker review the coverage details with you.
Self-Employed? Don’t Forget the Tax Deduction
If you’re self-employed — a freelancer, independent contractor, sole proprietor, or small business owner — you can generally deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your federal income taxes, even if you don’t itemize. This deduction applies to premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, and it comes off your adjusted gross income. It won’t make the premium free, but it meaningfully reduces the after-tax cost. Details: can I write off health insurance as self-employed?
And if your employer is open to it, point them to low-cost ways small businesses can help with health coverage, such as a QSEHRA or ICHRA that reimburses individual premiums tax-free.
The Bottom Line
Not having employer health insurance doesn’t mean you have to go without coverage or pay full price. Between ACA marketplace plans with subsidies, Medicaid, spouse coverage, and other options, there’s almost always a path to affordable health insurance — you just need to know where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy health insurance on my own if my employer doesn’t offer it?
Yes. You can buy an individual ACA plan at HealthCare.gov or off-exchange through a licensed broker. If your employer doesn’t offer affordable coverage, you may qualify for premium tax credits based on household income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. You’ll need Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event to enroll.
When can I enroll in a marketplace plan for 2027?
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1. Outside that window, you need a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby to use a Special Enrollment Period.
Are short-term health plans a good substitute for real insurance?
For most people, no. Short-term plans aren’t ACA-compliant, can exclude pre-existing conditions, and often skip benefits like maternity and mental health care. They don’t qualify for premium tax credits. They can work as a brief bridge between coverage, but they’re not a replacement for major medical insurance.
Not having employer coverage doesn’t mean you have to go without or pay full price. Whether you’re in DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach, or anywhere else in Florida, I’ll compare every option available to you. I’m Michael McAllister, owner of Choice Health Insurance Brokers in DeLand, FL — a licensed broker appointed with 200 carriers (NPN 18229135). My help costs you nothing; I’m paid by the carriers. Call or text me at 321-230-9536 or visit choice.healthcare for a free quote and a plan comparison built around your situation.