Alachua County small group health insurance costs in 2026 range from approximately $360–$460 per employee per month for a Bronze HMO to $520–$655 for a Gold HMO — before employer contribution. The employer's share depends on their chosen contribution level; most Alachua County businesses contribute 60–70% of the employee-only premium. The county's market is anchored by Florida Blue and Aetna, with rates that are competitive for North/North-Central Florida.
| Plan Tier | Total Monthly Premium | Employer Cost (65%) | Employee Cost (35%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze HMO | $360–$460 | $234–$299 | $126–$161 |
| Silver HMO | $430–$545 | $280–$354 | $151–$191 |
| Gold HMO | $520–$655 | $338–$426 | $182–$229 |
| Business Size | Silver HMO — Annual Employer Cost (65% contribution) |
|---|---|
| 2 employees | $6,720–$8,496/year |
| 5 employees | $16,800–$21,240/year |
| 10 employees | $33,600–$42,480/year |
| 20 employees | $67,200–$84,960/year |
Bronze HMO plans from Florida Blue or Aetna are the lowest-premium small group options in Alachua County. At the carrier minimum contribution (50%), a Bronze HMO costs an employer approximately $180–$230 per employee per month. The trade-off is higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for employees — typically $7,000–$8,700 individual deductible for Bronze tier plans.
Small group premiums statewide increased 5–10% on average for 2026 renewals. Alachua County experienced similar trends. The best way to manage renewal increases is to work with a broker to get competing carrier quotes at renewal — switching carriers or adjusting plan tiers often achieves better rates than automatic renewal on the same plan.
Yes — 100% of employer-paid premiums are deductible as a business expense under IRC §162. Employee pre-tax contributions through a Section 125 plan also reduce payroll taxes (FICA) for both the employer and employee by 7.65% of the contributed amount.
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