What coverage looks like in Hillsborough
Hillsborough is one of Florida's more competitive counties for ACA coverage. Six carriers file plans on the exchange for 2026 — Florida Blue, Ambetter, Molina, Oscar, Aetna CVS Health, and UnitedHealthcare — offering 47 distinct plans across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and (limited) Catastrophic tiers.
The dominant plan types are HMO and EPO. There is one PPO option in the county (Florida Blue), which is meaningful if you want out-of-network flexibility or your preferred providers are outside Tampa.
Quick take for most Tampa families
A Silver plan with cost-sharing reduction (CSR) is usually the best value if your household income is between 150–250% of the federal poverty level. Above that, Bronze often wins on math — especially if you're mostly healthy and want a lower premium plus HSA compatibility.
Carriers filing in Hillsborough for 2026
- Florida Blue (BCBS-FL) — the broadest network in the county. Only carrier offering a true PPO. Higher premiums, but the safest choice if you have established doctors.
- Ambetter (Sunshine Health) — most aggressive pricing on Silver and Bronze. Narrower HMO network built around Sunshine Health providers.
- Molina Healthcare — 100% HMO. Solid Medicaid-transition pathway; lower premiums but restricted network.
- Oscar Health — EPO-based, strong virtual care and app. Good pick for younger digitally-inclined shoppers.
- Aetna CVS Health — returned to Florida marketplace in 2024; growing footprint. CVS MinuteClinic integration is a real perk for routine care.
- UnitedHealthcare — back on-exchange in Florida in 2026. HMO/EPO only. Premiums competitive on Gold tier.
2026 plans in Hillsborough County
Sample of lowest-cost plans at each tier for a 40-year-old non-smoker before subsidies. Real quotes vary by age, tobacco use, and household size.
| Plan | Carrier | Type | Tier | Premium /mo | Deductible | OOP max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambetter Value Bronze 7 | Ambetter | HMO | $262 | $7,500 | $9,200 | |
| Molina Constant Care Bronze | Molina | HMO | $271 | $7,000 | $9,200 | |
| Ambetter Balanced Silver 4 | Ambetter | HMO | $298 | $5,500 | $8,700 | |
| Florida Blue myBlue Silver 1611 | Florida Blue | HMO | $342 | $4,900 | $8,700 | |
| Oscar Silver Classic | Oscar | EPO | $351 | $5,200 | $8,700 | |
| Florida Blue BlueOptions Gold | Florida Blue | PPO | $487 | $1,500 | $7,200 | |
| Aetna CVS Gold Deductible Elect | Aetna | HMO | $449 | $1,800 | $7,200 |
*Premiums shown are pre-subsidy for a 40-year-old non-smoker in ZIP 33602. Actual costs after subsidy are typically 40–80% lower for eligible households. Source: CMS Marketplace PUF, Plan Year 2026.
Subsidies in Hillsborough
Florida did not expand Medicaid, which shapes what's available at the low end of the income spectrum. For a family of four in Hillsborough:
- Under 138% FPL (~$44K): in most states you'd qualify for Medicaid. In Florida, you fall into the "coverage gap" — but ACA marketplace subsidies are still available above 100% FPL, so most people qualify for $0 or near-$0 Silver plans.
- 138–250% FPL ($44K–$80K): best value zone. Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions dramatically lower your deductible and out-of-pocket max.
- 250–400% FPL ($80K–$128K): premium subsidies apply. Bronze often becomes the math winner here.
- Above 400% FPL: premium tax credits are still available under the extended ARPA rules through 2025 (and likely beyond). No one is fully priced out of subsidies unless benchmark cost is under 8.5% of income.
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By profession in Hillsborough
Coverage strategy varies a lot by how you earn. Situation-specific guides for Tampa-area workers: