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%. Cigna expanded its Florida presence for 2026 by adding a new Cigna HMO entity alongside its existing Cigna Health & Life plans, though it still sells only in select metro counties. Both compete on Florida's 2026 ACA marketplace, where 16 insurers now participate and the statewide weighted-average rate rose roughly 31.5% before subsidies — but the two carriers take very different approaches to networks, plan types, and price.
This comparison breaks down how Ambetter and Cigna differ on county availability, provider networks, plan types, 2026 premiums, and member experience — and which type of Florida enrollee each one fits best.
Comparing ACA plans in Florida
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.
National network for travelers: Cigna's national network is an advantage for Floridians who travel frequently or split the year between states, giving access to contracted providers well beyond Florida.
MDLIVE telehealth: Cigna includes MDLIVE virtual care for urgent, primary, and behavioral health visits, a convenient option for routine needs without an office trip.
Expanding Florida footprint: For 2026 Cigna added a new HMO entity in Florida alongside its Cigna Health & Life plans, broadening the metro counties where it competes, and its 29.5% approved increase is roughly in line with the statewide average.
| Feature | Ambetter | Cigna |
|---|---|---|
| Founded / status | Centene's ACA brand; in FL since 2014 | National carrier; added a new Cigna HMO entity for 2026 |
| Plan types | HMO / EPO | EPO / HMO |
| Florida county availability | Broad — most populous FL counties | Select metro FL counties |
| Telehealth | Ambetter Telehealth included | MDLIVE virtual care |
| Provider network | Large but value-tiered | National Cigna network; selective FL participation |
| Out-of-network coverage | Emergency only | Emergency only |
| Signature feature | My Health Pays rewards | MDLIVE telehealth; Express Scripts pharmacy |
| 2026 approved rate change | +37.9% (one of the steepest in FL) | +29.5% |
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.
Cigna sells EPO and HMO plans in select Florida metros — primarily South Florida, Central Florida, and the Tampa Bay area — with out-of-network care covered for emergencies only. Its national network helps travelers, but its Florida county footprint is far smaller than Florida Blue's or Ambetter's.
The network gap between these two carriers is the single most important thing to check before you enroll, because an ACA plan only pays in full when you stay in its network.
Sticker premiums rose across the board for 2026 — Florida's statewide weighted average climbed about 31.5% before subsidies. The illustrative Silver-plan figures below show how Ambetter and Cigna compare in counties where both compete.
| County (35-yr-old, non-smoker, Silver) | Ambetter | Cigna |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | ~$470/mo | ~$515/mo |
| Orange (Orlando) County | ~$445/mo | ~$490/mo |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) County | ~$435/mo | ~$480/mo |
Approximate 2026 unsubsidized premiums for a 35-year-old non-smoker, before APTC subsidies. What you actually pay is set by the benchmark Silver plan in your rating area; more than 95% of Florida enrollees qualify for a subsidy. As a reference point, regulators cited a 28-year-old in Duval County on a Silver plan moving from about $149 to roughly $281 per month for 2026.
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 County