Florida Blue Replacing Aetna: Why It’s the Top Alternative in Florida
With Aetna leaving Florida’s ACA Marketplace after December 31, 2025, and reducing certain Medicare Advantage plans, many Floridians are wondering: “What’s the best replacement for my Aetna plan?”
Major life events—such as losing a job, getting married, or having a child—can qualify you for a special enrollment period, allowing you to change your health plan outside of open enrollment.
For most, the answer is clear—Florida Blue. As the state’s largest and most stable health insurer, Florida Blue offers a wide range of ACA and Medicare Advantage plans, strong local networks, and the stability Aetna members are looking for. If you experience a qualifying life event, such as a change in family status or job loss, you may be eligible to switch plans before the standard enrollment window.
At SWFL Insurance, we’re licensed, independent agents in Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte. We’ll help you with changing your plan if you end up losing coverage due to a life event, such as welcoming a new child or other family changes, and transition from your ending Aetna plan to the best Florida Blue option—or another carrier if it fits you better.
Why Florida Blue?
Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida) is the leading health insurer in Florida, serving nearly one-third of the state’s health insurance market. Here’s why so many Aetna members are expected to switch:
- Stability: Florida Blue has been in the Florida market for decades and continues to expand coverage.
- Large Networks: They partner with major hospitals, primary care doctors, and specialists across the state. Florida Blue’s service area is among the largest in Florida, ensuring broad access to doctors and hospitals.
- Plan Variety: From ACA Marketplace bronze-to-platinum tiers to Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans, Florida Blue has options for every budget. Florida Blue plans generally offer a range of monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs to fit different budgets and help manage overall costs.
- Extra Benefits: Many Florida Blue plans include wellness perks like dental, vision, fitness memberships, and telehealth. Members can enjoy savings on wellness services, fitness memberships, and even discounts on items like jerseys and other items.
Florida Blue covers a wide array of healthcare services, and members can review plan details, shop for plans, and pay premiums easily online.
ACA Marketplace Members: Switching from Aetna to Florida Blue
If you’re under 65 and enrolled in an Aetna ACA plan, here’s what switching to Florida Blue looks like:
- Coverage Ends: Your Aetna plan ends December 31, 2025. You will need to cancel your current Marketplace plan and sign up for a new plan during the open enrollment period.
- Switch Window: If you want to select a Florida Blue ACA plan, you will have the opportunity to do so when the open enrollment period is open. For the 2026 plan year, the open enrollment period is from November 1, 2025, until January 15, 2026. If you experience a qualifying event (for example, getting married, having a baby, moving, or losing other coverage) you may enroll outside of the open enrollment period.
- Subsidy Transfer: Any Marketplace subsidy you currently qualify for automatically applies to your new Florida Blue plan. If you experience changes, such as losing Medicaid or another qualifying event, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period.
- Plan Options: Florida Blue offers broad networks and coverage that works for individuals, families, and early retirees. You can contact SWFL Insurance for help with plan changes, to review your eligibility, or to get assistance with the enrollment process.
If you previously managed your plan through Aetna Health, you will need to transition to Florida Blue’s member portal for your new plan.
Medicare Advantage Members: Why Florida Blue Is a Strong Choice
For seniors losing an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, Florida Blue offers:
- Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO plans with broad networks. Florida Blue also offers Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and options for those transitioning from Original Medicare.
- Extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs. These services can help with emergencies and routine care alike.
- Local support: Florida Blue’s Medicare plans are designed specifically for Floridians.
Visit the Florida Blue website or contact SWFL Insurance for details about plan services, eligibility, and out-of-pocket costs.
SWFL Insurance can help you review your age and eligibility, compare plan details, and understand how much you may need to pay out of pocket.
Policy Management and Customer Support
When you’re dealing with health insurance, having dependable policy management tools and proactive customer support can be a game changer. When stacked up against other health insurance companies, Florida Blue is the best health insurance company in Florida to assist members’ efforts to manage their health plan and understand plan benefits. Their valuable online portals and mobile applications allow members to view their coverage, investigate claims, and find important documents at any time; making it easy to maximize access to health care sources.
Another area that Florida Blue stands out is customer support. If you have general questions about your health plan, questions about your bill detail, or even just if you have an understanding of something on your coverage and you want clarification, the different support teams are there to assist. The representatives also receive training specific to how to and teach members how to use plan benefit packages, and to find solutions quickly, while supporting the ability to get care when needed. Comparatively, unlike other companies (including Aetna), Florida Blue has a walk-in presence, there are different representatives dedicated to member care, and so it is nice that you never feel lost in your insurance.
Choosing a health plan isn’t just about the coverage—it’s about knowing you have a partner in your health. With Florida Blue, you can expect top-tier policy management and customer support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Florida Blue automatically replace my Aetna plan?
No. You must actively enroll in a Florida Blue plan during Open Enrollment or Medicare AEP. You may be eligible for a special enrollment period if you experience qualifying life events such as getting married, having a baby, or losing coverage.
Can I keep my subsidy if I switch to Florida Blue?
Yes. If you qualify for ACA subsidies, they transfer to your new Florida Blue plan automatically. Changes in family status, such as adding a child or welcoming a new baby, can affect your eligibility for subsidies.
Are Florida Blue plans more expensive than Aetna?
Not necessarily. Many members find Florida Blue premiums comparable, and subsidies often keep your monthly premium as low as $0–$20 per month. Be sure to compare costs, deductibles, and potential savings when reviewing your options.
How do I make sure my doctor is in Florida Blue’s network?
We’ll check your doctors and prescriptions before you enroll to make sure you keep the care you need. You can also contact SWFL Insurance or visit the Florida Blue website for details about in-network providers.
Can SWFL Insurance enroll me in Florida Blue?
Yes. As licensed, independent agents, we help you compare Florida Blue alongside other carriers and handle enrollment for free. You can sign up for a new plan, cancel your old plan, and SWFL Insurance can help you with any changes or events that affect your coverage.
Why Work With SWFL Insurance Instead of Going Direct?
You could go straight to Florida Blue—but you’d only see their plans. As an independent agency, SWFL Insurance shows you Florida Blue and all other options in your county.
We encourage you to shop and compare plan details, and to contact or visit SWFL Insurance for help finding the best savings and lowest cost options. SWFL Insurance can also help determine if you are eligible for additional savings or special enrollment opportunities.
That way, you’re confident you’re making the best choice for your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Get Replacement Health Insurance
Don’t wait until your Aetna coverage ends. Whether you need a new ACA or Medicare plan, SWFL Insurance is ready to help you transition to Florida Blue or another top carrier.
