Aetna Will Leave Florida Effective End of 2025: What Marketplace Customers Must Know

There are going to be notable changes in Florida health insurance beginning in 2025. Aetna’s exit from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace in Florida after December 31, 2025 will have direct implications for customers who are enrolled in Aetna ACA plans. As a customer enrolled in the coverage, you would now need to select new coverage effective for 2026 during Open Enrollment next year. Aetna pulled out of the Florida ACA marketplace, therefore, affecting customers who use their ACA plans by having to determine new insurance options, impacting their coverage options and costs.

At SWFL Insurance, we’re here to make that transition smooth. As a local, independent agency serving Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte for 40+ years, we’ll walk you through your options—including Florida Blue and other trusted carriers—so you don’t lose coverage or benefits. Aetna’s decision is a business move in response to market pressures and changing conditions in the healthcare industry.

Understanding the ACA Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is the central hub where individuals and families can search for health insurance coverage that fit their needs and budget. Developed to make health care coverage more accessible and affordable, the ACA marketplace—sometimes called the exchange—offers a variety of plan options from trusted insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Molina Healthcare. Plans are organized into multiple tiers (bronze, silver, gold, and platinum), each option offering different levels of coverage and monthly premiums to suit a range of healthcare needs and financial situations.

The ACA marketplace offers one of the best advantages of being able to apply for tax credits and subsidies which can greatly reduce your health insurance costs. There are many Floridians who qualify for enhanced subsidies making health insurance more accessible than ever. The Marketplace offers a transparent way to compare plans, review benefits, and make the right choice for either individual or family coverage. Revisit how the ACA marketplace works to help you prepare for Aetna’s exit so you can make informed choices about your next health insurance plan.

Why Is Aetna Leaving Florida’s ACA Marketplace?

Aetna’s decision comes down to financial pressure. Recently, CVS reported earnings that highlighted ongoing challenges in the ACA marketplace, which contributed to the decision to exit. Rising medical costs and ongoing losses made it unsustainable for them to stay in the ACA market. While this may sound alarming, the good news is that other insurers remain active in Florida, and many offer plans with strong networks and affordable premiums.

Parent Company and Implications

CVS Health, Aetna’s parent company, has decided to leave the ACA marketplace. This impacts roughly one million Aetna members across the country. CVS Health is able to invest its energy elsewhere, as its more profitable pharmacy services and new treatments (i.e., weight-loss medication) provide the basis for the Aetna exit. As consumers are faced with higher costs and fewer plan options in the ACA marketplace, opportunity also opens for other insurance companies—such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Molina Healthcare—to replace existing plans from Aetna.

This will require Aetna members to undergo another thorough assessment of any alternative health insurance coverage for 2026. While this exit may create some interruption in case, the marketplace under the ACA was created to provide a valve for continuing access to health care. There are other companies to continue engaging with competitive plans. CVS Health’s exit mirrors social trends in many sectors of the health insurance industry. Rest assured there are still viable resources for your health and budget needs.

When Does Aetna Coverage End?

• Your Aetna ACA Marketplace plan is expected to end on December 31, 2025.
• Open enrollment is scheduled to begin in the fall, specifically in November 2025. You will need to enroll in a new plan between November 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
• If you do nothing, you’ll lose health coverage starting January 1, 2026.

What Should I Do If My Aetna ACA Plan Is Ending?

Here are the steps to take:

1. Review your Aetna notice — you’ll get official mail explaining when your plan ends.
2. Compare new health plans available on ACA exchanges — Florida Blue, Ambetter, Oscar, and other carriers will still be on the Marketplace.
3. Check your doctors and prescriptions — make sure they’re covered under your new plan.
4. Apply for subsidies — your income will determine your eligibility for subsidies, and your current subsidy (if you qualify) will transfer to your new plan.
5. Get help enrolling — working with a licensed local agent or broker can help you compare health plans and save money, making the process faster and less stressful.

Policy Management and Customer Experience During the Transition

As Aetna approaches its departure from the ACA marketplace, Aetna members will need to take an active role in paying attention to their health insurance policies and getting new coverage for 2026. Aetna is providing Aetna members with various methods to help facilitate this transition, including various online tools and the Aetna Health app, which allow you to access your plan information, review coverage information, and pay claims. These digital services are meant to empower members to stay informed and organized throughout the process of transitioning to another health plan.

In addition to Aetna’s assistance, health insurance brokers and the federal government will provide assistance and outreach to help you through this process. Licensed brokers will be able to answer questions, perform apples-to-apples plan comparisons, and facilitate enrollment so that you can have the coverage that suits your needs. Aetna will closely monitor the customer experience throughout this newly established process and ensure high standards in service, complaint resolution, and ratings for quality in Medicare plans. The goal is to guide you through the transition to another ACA plan with as little disruption and stress as possible.

Will My Subsidy Carry Over?

Yes. If you qualify for ACA subsidies, your eligibility is based on your income, and subsidies will be transferred to your new plan automatically. Many Floridians are eligible for $0 to $20 per month premiums thanks to subsidies, which can help you save money on your health insurance premiums. We’ll calculate your eligibility and make sure you maximize savings. If your income is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for Medicaid instead of an ACA plan.

Can I Keep My Doctor After Switching Plans?

It depends on which new health plan you choose. Different health plans have their own doctor networks. At SWFL Insurance, we’ll check whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are included to ensure continuity of care.

Exploring the ACA Exchange: How to Shop for New Coverage

If you’re affected by Aetna’s exit from the ACA marketplace, shopping for new health insurance coverage is a crucial next step. The ACA exchange—also known as HealthCare.gov—is your go-to platform for comparing and purchasing health insurance plans from a variety of companies. During open enrollment, which starts November 1, 2025, you’ll have the opportunity to review plan options, check monthly premiums, and apply for tax credits and subsidies that can lower your costs.

When looking for new coverage, you need to assess plan benefits, network availability, and the total out-of-pocket cost of the plan to ensure the plan you select meets your health care needs and fits your budget as well. When assessing your plan options, make sure that your doctors and hospitals are included in coverage and assess any additional benefits like prescription drug coverage or wellness plan. You can also reach out to health insurance brokers and navigators who can provide personalized assistance, support you along the way, answer your questions, and help you enroll in the plan that best fits your needs for you and your family. Invest some time when reviewing your options on the ACA exchange so that you can secure quality coverage for 2026 and beyond!

What Are the Best Alternatives to Aetna ACA Plans?

When Aetna exits Florida’s ACA marketplace at the end of 2025, thousands of residents will be required to choose a new health plan for 2026. This exit will impact all Aetna individual and family plans, making it essential for current policyholders to find alternative coverage. For those searching for stability and comprehensive coverage, Florida Blue is the strongest alternative. As the largest insurance company offering plans on state marketplaces in Florida, Florida Blue offers broad provider networks, competitive plan options, and the financial stability that many families and individuals depend on. SWFL Insurance is uniquely positioned to help with this transition. As an authorized Florida Blue agency, we provide hands-on, personalized guidance to compare plan benefits, confirm that your preferred doctors and hospitals remain in-network, and secure subsidies that can reduce monthly premiums—often to as low as $0 for qualifying households. Unlike call centers or direct sales, our local team in Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte will walk you through each step of enrollment, ensuring you replace your Aetna individual and family plan with the right Florida Blue coverage tailored to your needs. For Aetna members facing uncertainty, SWFL Insurance offers clarity, trusted local expertise, and seamless enrollment support into Florida Blue replacement plans.
You can also compare options from different insurance companies on state marketplaces to find the best individual and family plans for your situation.

Medicare Advantage Options for Eligible Members

You should consider Medicare Advantage plans as an option for 2026 if you are an eligible Medicare Aetna member. Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurers, mainly Blue Cross Blue Shield. These alternatives to Original Medicare are more integrated policies which include additional benefits such as prescriptions, dental, vision and wellness.

When you are researching options related to Medicare Advantage plans, be sure to investigate the benefits, the availability of a network and the costs, so you can identify a Medicare Advantage plan that meets your health care needs and your budget. The star rating system in Medicare is helpful as a handy guide for assessing quality and performance of the plan. Always compare more than one plan, verifying that your doctors and hospitals are in the network, and think about any other available services that could be applicable to you. With the appropriate research and a competent broker, you can transition into a Medicare Advantage plan that provides the coverage and the benefits that are suitable for your health care needs over the next several years.

Why Work With SWFL Insurance?

• Local expertise: Offices in Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte.
• Independent advice: We’re not tied to one carrier—we shop multiple plans for you.
• No-cost help: Our services are free. Carriers pay us, not you.
• Personal service: Speak with a real local agent, not a 1-800 call center.

Key Dates for ACA Members Losing Aetna

• October 2025: Aetna sends final notices.
• November 1, 2025: ACA Open Enrollment begins.
• December 15, 2025: Deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
• January 15, 2026: Final deadline for ACA enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Aetna leaving Florida’s ACA Marketplace?

Aetna is exiting due to financial losses and rising costs.

When does my Aetna ACA plan end?

Your plan ends December 31, 2025.

What happens if I do nothing?

Your coverage will end, and you’ll be uninsured starting January 1, 2026.

Can I switch to Florida Blue?

Yes. Florida Blue is a leading replacement option, and we can help enroll you.

How much will a new plan cost me?

With subsidies, many Floridians qualify for $0–$20 per month plans.

Don’t wait until the last minute to replace your Aetna plan. SWFL Insurance has been helping Floridians navigate health insurance for more than 40 years.
Schedule Your Free ACA Plan Review Today