Newsletter

FLORIDA’S SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE IS EXPANDING: WHAT THE AUGUST 7 RULE MEANS FOR 2026

On August 7, 2025, federal agencies announced they will not prioritize enforcement of the 2024 rule that capped short-term health insurance (STM) plans at just four months. This decision effectively reinstates the policy originally introduced during the first Trump Administration, which had expanded STM coverage durations to up to three years. For Floridians navigating temporary coverage gaps, this marks a major shift in flexibility and access.

️ What Changed on August 7?

The 2024 rule—issued under the Biden Administration—limited STM plans to:

• 3 months of coverage, with
• 1 optional renewal month, totaling 4 months maximum

But as of August 7, 2025, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury announced they will not enforce those limits while new rulemaking is under consideration. This move reopens the door to state-level flexibility, echoing the 2018 rule from the first Trump Administration, which allowed STM plans to last up to 364 days,  renewable for up to a total of 36 months.

Florida’s Response: Up To 3 Years Of Coverage

Florida regulators have confirmed that STM plans may now offer coverage for up to 36 months—a full three years. This makes Florida one of the most flexible states in the country for short-term health insurance.

For clients who:

• Are between jobs
• Missed ACA enrollment
• Are waiting for Medicare eligibility
• Or simply need temporary, lower-cost coverage

…this extended duration could be a game-changer.

How Allstate Is Adapting

Allstate, a major STM carrier in Florida, is already responding to the regulatory shift:

• New plan designs are being rolled out to reflect Florida’s 36-month allowance
• Expect multi-year options with tiered benefits and renewal flexibility
• Allstate is also enhancing disclosure language to help clients understand coverage limits, exclusions, and cancellation terms

This is part of a broader trend: carriers are re-entering the STM space with longer durations, more customization, and clearer consumer protections.

What You Need To Know

While longer durations offer convenience, STM plans still come with limitations:

• No coverage for pre-existing conditions (however, a person with a pre-existing condition that would be excluded the first year of coverage would not be excluded during the following years of an Allstate policy with either 2 one-year terms or 3 one-year terms)
• Limited preventive care, maternity, mental health, or prescription benefits
• Useful for temporary gaps—but not a substitute for comprehensive ACA coverage

Short-term plans can be a bridge—but they’re not designed to be permanent shelter. The key is knowing when and how to use them.

How I Help



As your advisor, I stay ahead of regulatory shifts and carrier changes—so you don’t have to. Whether you’re navigating ACA options, Medicare transitions, or temporary coverage gaps, I’ll help you make informed, confident decisions and empower your choices with clarity, confidence, and care.

ACA AND PRECISION MEDICINE—PERSONALIZED CARE FOR EVERY FAMILY

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) opened doors to coverage. Now, precision medicine is opening doors to care that fits. For individuals and families navigating ACA plans, this means treatments that are not just covered—but customized.

Precision medicine uses data from your genes, habits, and health history to guide decisions. Whether it’s choosing the right asthma medication for your child or managing diabetes with digital tools, ACA plans are increasingly embracing this smarter approach.

ACA Plans Are Evolving:

• Preventive Screenings: Many ACA plans now include coverage for genetic screenings and wellness programs that align with precision care.
• Digital Health Tools: From wearable devices to AI-based apps, ACA enrollees are gaining access to technologies that personalize care and track progress.
• Cost Transparency: Precision medicine helps avoid ineffective treatments, reducing long-term costs and improving outcomes—especially for chronic conditions.

Your Role, My Mission:

With ACA and precision medicine, your care isn’t just covered—it’s crafted.



I help families find ACA plans that support personalized care, explain how subsidies work, and ensure you’re not just insured—but informed. Because when care is precise, your choices become powerful.

2026 ACA OPEN ENROLLMENT: WHAT FLORIDIANS NEED TO KNOW

As we approach the 2026 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment period, Floridians should brace for significant changes in premiums, plan availability, and subsidy rules. Whether you're renewing coverage or exploring new options, here's what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Enrollment Dates

Open Enrollment for 2026 runs from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. Mark your calendar with these critical deadlines:

Starting in 2027, the enrollment window will shorten to just six weeks, so this year’s extended period is especially valuable.

What To Expect With 2026 Premiums

Premiums are projected to rise sharply—by a median of 18% nationwide, with some enrollees facing increases of up to 75% in out-of-pocket costs if enhanced subsidies expire. In Florida, the shock is even greater:

• Florida’s average rate increase: +24.2%
• Some plans: Up to +38.2% depending on carrier and plan tier

These hikes are driven by:

• The anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits
• Rising healthcare costs and inflation
• Increased utilization of high-cost drugs
• Shifts in the risk pool as healthier enrollees exit the market

If Congress does not extend the enhanced subsidies, many Floridians could see their monthly premiums double.

What Florida Plans Will Look Like

Despite the premium surge, Florida’s ACA marketplace will still offer a range of plan options:

• Metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans remain available
• Networks: Most plans will use HMO networks with limited out-of-network coverage
• Cost-sharing: Deductibles range from $0 to $10,600; coinsurance from 0% to 50%; out-of-pocket maximums up to $10,600 for individuals (family maximums are 2x the individual maximum)
• Extras: Some plans include perks like Weight Watchers vouchers and reloadable gift cards for preventive care

Notably, Aetna/CVS is exiting the individual market in Florida, so affected members will need to select new coverage during Open Enrollment.

What You Can Do

Review your current plan: Check for changes in premiums, networks, and covered services.

• Update your income: Accurate income estimates based on the family’s projected income for 2026 are essential to maximize subsidies. As healthcare.gov will require more applicants than previously to provide proof of income to justify their tax subsidy, you should collect proof (e.g., 1099’s, W-2’s, tax returns, income and expense statements, etc.) in case you’re asked to provide substantiation of your projected income figure. If such proof is requested you’ll have 90 days to submit such proof, and the former additional 60-day grace period that was granted automatically will no longer be available.

• Compare options early: Don’t wait until January—action before December 15 gives you more choices.

City of Columbus Vs. Kennedy

On August 22, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a nationwide injunction against several provisions of CMS’s Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule. The court found that CMS violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by failing to provide adequate justification and public input for certain rule changes that would have restricted access to ACA coverage.

Read this document to learn what rules were blocked by the Court and which rules were permitted to remain in place.

Alternative Offerings

Note: we'll be offering a variety of options that will make lower cost alternative coverage available to those concerned about cost of their ACA plans. These alternatives include short-term health insurance (see first article), Association plans that offer full PPO major medical coverage as well as limited day benefit plans, hospital and accident indemnity insurance, and medical cost sharing. In general these alternatives require answering health questions and applicants can either be denied coverage or be subject to waiting conditions for pre-existing conditions.

If you’re in Florida and feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Let’s make this transition smooth, strategic, and stress-free. I’m here to help you navigate the changes, compare plans, and ensure your coverage aligns with your health and financial goals.

You can contact me on my cell phone at 786-970-0740 for additional information and to review alternatives.

About Paul Cholak

Paul has over forty years of benefits experience and has been Director of Employee Benefits for large companies, as well as a benefits consultant with major consulting firms. He understands the health and life insurance needs of individuals and families of all ages. He also has considerable experience in selling health and life insurance to employer groups.

He guides you through the steps of getting health and/or life insurance and is available to help you both BEFORE and AFTER you've made your purchase decision.