If you are searching for an Aetna versus Ambetter comparison for 2026, there is an important fact to know first: Aetna / CVS Health exited the individual ACA marketplace nationwide — including Florida — at the end of 2025, affecting roughly one million members across 17 states. The company cited continued underperformance and recorded a $448 million premium deficiency reserve on its exchange business. So for the 2026 plan year, you cannot buy an Aetna individual marketplace plan in Florida.
Aetna is still very much active in Florida for employer/group health insurance and Medicare Advantage, so the realistic 2026 comparison is usually an Aetna employer plan versus a Ambetter individual marketplace plan — or, if your Aetna ACA plan ended, how Ambetter stacks up as a replacement. Ambetter, sold by Centene's Florida entity, carries one of the largest marketplace enrollments in the state but also one of 2026's steepest approved increases at 37.9%. This guide covers both.
Aetna left the individual marketplace for 2026. A licensed Florida agent can compare Ambetter and the other 2026 carriers in your ZIP — and check your doctors — at no cost to you.
A licensed Florida agent will reach out shortly with your 2026 Ambetter and marketplace options.
Aetna / CVS Health exited the individual ACA exchanges: At the end of 2025 CVS Health withdrew Aetna from the individual ACA marketplace in all 17 states where it operated, including Florida, ending coverage for about one million members. CVS leadership cited continued underperformance of the exchange book and booked a $448 million premium deficiency reserve. Aetna had also briefly left the exchanges in 2017–2018 before returning in 2021.
Aetna still sells employer and Medicare coverage in Florida: The exit applies only to individual/family ACA plans. Aetna remains a major Florida carrier for employer/group health insurance and Medicare Advantage, which is why many Floridians still hold an Aetna card — just through work or Medicare, not the marketplace.
Low premiums and broad footprint: Ambetter is consistently among the lowest-cost options in Florida's most populous counties and has long carried one of the largest marketplace enrollments in the state. For subsidy-eligible shoppers who choose by price, Ambetter's Silver plans are frequently at or near the benchmark.
My Health Pays rewards: Ambetter members can earn My Health Pays reward dollars for completing a wellness visit, annual checkup, or health survey — funds that can offset premiums or be spent on everyday health items. It is one of the more generous wellness-incentive programs on the Florida exchange.
Centene scale and managed-care roots: Ambetter is backed by Centene, the country's largest Medicaid managed-care organization, which gives it deep experience serving lower-income and subsidy-eligible members transitioning between Medicaid and marketplace coverage.
For most people the real 2026 decision is whether to keep an Aetna plan offered through an employer or buy a Ambetter plan on the marketplace. The pivot point is the subsidy: if your employer's Aetna coverage is deemed affordable under ACA rules, you generally cannot get a marketplace subsidy, which usually makes the employer plan cheaper. If you lack affordable employer coverage, a subsidized Ambetter marketplace plan may win on cost.
Ambetter manages cost through value-tiered networks that are broad in major metros but narrower than Florida Blue's. Its 37.9% approved increase for 2026 is among the highest in the state, so its historic price edge narrows in some counties — always confirm your doctors are in the specific Ambetter network for your plan.
Aetna no longer publishes individual marketplace premiums in Florida, so the figures below show approximate 2026 unsubsidized Silver premiums for Ambetter. Most enrollees pay far less after subsidies.
| County (35-yr-old, non-smoker, Silver) | Ambetter |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | ~$470/mo |
| Orange (Orlando) County | ~$445/mo |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) County | ~$435/mo |
Approximate 2026 unsubsidized premiums for a 35-year-old non-smoker, before APTC subsidies. As a reference point, Florida regulators reported a 28-year-old in Duval County on a Silver plan going from about $149 to roughly $281 per month for 2026 after subsidy changes. Your actual cost depends on the benchmark Silver plan in your rating area.
Is Aetna available on the Florida ACA marketplace for 2026?
No. Aetna / CVS Health exited the individual ACA exchange business nationwide for 2026, affecting roughly one million members across 17 states including Florida. Aetna individual/family marketplace plans ended after December 31, 2025. Aetna still sells employer/group coverage and Medicare Advantage in Florida, but you cannot buy an Aetna individual marketplace plan for 2026.
I have Aetna through my employer — should I switch to a Ambetter marketplace plan?
It depends on cost and eligibility. If your employer's Aetna plan is considered affordable under ACA rules, you generally will not qualify for a marketplace subsidy, which usually makes the employer plan the better deal. If you do not have access to affordable employer coverage, a Ambetter marketplace plan with a subsidy may cost less. Compare your share of the Aetna employer premium against the subsidized Ambetter premium for your ZIP code.
What is Ambetter's My Health Pays program?
My Health Pays is Ambetter's rewards program. Members earn reward dollars for completing healthy activities such as an annual wellness visit, a yearly checkup, or a health risk screening. Those dollars can be applied toward monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, or everyday items at participating retailers. It is one of the most generous wellness-incentive programs offered on the Florida marketplace.
My Aetna ACA plan ended — is Ambetter a good replacement in Florida?
It can be, if Ambetter is sold in your county and your doctors are in its network. Ambetter, sold through Centene's Florida company, is available across most of Florida's populous counties for 2026 and carries one of the largest marketplace enrollments in the state. It offers HMO and EPO plans — there is no Ambetter PPO. Losing your Aetna plan because the carrier left the market is a qualifying life event, so you may have a Special Enrollment Period to pick a 2026 plan. Compare Ambetter against the other carriers in your county on network and net premium before enrolling.
A licensed Florida health insurance agent can compare your 2026 options county by county and check whether your providers are in-network — at no cost to you.
Compare Plans in Your CountyRelated reading: Florida ACA Guide Hub | Florida Blue vs. Ambetter | 2026 Open Enrollment Guide | SunState Coverage