Aetna Exiting Florida 2025: What it Means For You And How To Stay Covered In 2026
Aetna Coverage in Florida Is Ending
Aetna has announced it will be exiting Florida’s ACA Marketplace after December 31, 2025, and scale back some Medicare Advantage plans in Florida for 2025. Aetna is exiting the ACA exchange in Florida, impacting Individual and Family plans.
If you are an Aetna member, your coverage will end before 2026 unless you take action.
At SWFL Insurance, we’re a local, independent agency that has served the Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte communities for more than 40 years. As a broker, we help Florida residents smoothly transition from ending Aetna plans to new coverage options—including Florida Blue and other trusted insurers, as well as alternative programs like Medicaid or CHIP—so you won’t lose access to doctors, prescriptions, or benefits. Our services are designed to help you navigate your choices and ensure you have the support you need.
The Facts About Aetna Leaving Florida
- ACA Marketplace: Aetna’s individual health plans end December 31, 2025. Members must select a new plan during Open Enrollment (November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026). There is concern about ongoing federal policy uncertainty, as decisions by the federal government—including Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services—continue to shape the ACA marketplace. Enhanced subsidies have significantly improved affordability, however the loss of subsidies can increase costs for enrollees and reduce insurers participation. As a consumer, a plan switch will incur consumer resources, time, and effort understanding the options and understanding your continuity of care. Changing policy can direct resources to patients and the healthcare system more efficiently and reduce costs.
- Medicare Advantage: Aetna is reducing availability in Florida for 2025, and some plans will no longer be offered.
- Why: Financial losses, rising costs, and ongoing regulatory hurdles were reasons for CVS’s decision. There have been substantial profit increases reported in other areas of the business, but Aetna’s ACA business was stagnant. There is potential for individuals to lose money transitioning from a lower-cost plan to a higher-cost plan. This exit will impact thousands of Floridians, particularly the patients that count on Aetna for coverage.
There are limitations to this analysis, as it focuses on specific plans and populations and may not capture the full impact on all affected individuals. The bottom line: Aetna’s exit will disrupt coverage, increase uncertainty, and require additional resources from consumers and the healthcare system.
Impact of Aetna’s Exit on Florida Residents
Aetna’s decision to leave the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in Florida means that thousands of individuals and families will need to find a new health insurance plan for 2026. If you currently rely on Aetna for your health coverage, please note that your current plan will no longer be available after the end of 2025. This change may reduce the number of insurance companies and plan options in the state, making it even more important to review your choices during the open enrollment period.
Although Aetna exiting Florida may seem troublesome, eating the competition Aetna leaves behind are other health insurance companies, like Ambetter or Oscar Health, that are entering Florida and offering new plans, both for individuals and families. Whether it is with HealthCare.gov or licensed agents who can help you explore and examine of all the plans available and help you identify the best new plan for you, if you act on the open enrollment period, you will be able to prevent a gap in coverage, and protect your family’s health safety and financial coverage.
Your Options After Aetna
We can help you transition to:
- Florida Blue: The largest and most stable health insurer in Florida.
- Individual coverage: Options available if you need a plan outside of employer-sponsored insurance.
- Personalized plan comparison: We match your doctors, prescriptions, and budget to the right plan.
- Shop for new plans: You can shop and compare plans during open enrollment.
If you have access to coverage through your employer, consider enrolling in an employer-sponsored plan.
Exploring the ACA Marketplace
The ACA marketplace, aka health insurance exchange, is your portal to affordable health insurance plans for individuals and families. Review plan options, including bronze, silver, gold, and platinum hospitals, each providing the same coverage but providing different costs based on your specific needs and budget. By visiting HealthCare.gov, you can start to compare plans, check which doctors and hospitals are in-network, and see if you qualify for valuable tax credits or other savings.
If you or your family are eligible, the ACA marketplace can also provide access to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). With Aetna’s departure, it’s a good time to check out the marketplace and learn about your new coverage. CVS Health, Aetna parent company, will continue supporting the members until 2025.Still, you’ll need to enroll in a new health insurance plan during the open enrollment period to maintain uninterrupted coverage in 2026. Take advantage of this opportunity to review your plan options, compare costs, and ensure you have the health benefits you need for the year ahead.
Qualifying Life Events and Special Enrollment
Life can change quickly, and certain events—known as qualifying life events—can make you eligible to enroll in a new health insurance plan or make changes to your current coverage outside the standard open enrollment period. Common qualifying life events include losing your job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new area. When one of these events occurs, you may qualify for a special enrollment period, giving you the chance to secure a new plan and maintain your health coverage without waiting for the next open enrollment window.
Understanding what counts as a qualifying life event and how to navigate the special enrollment process is key to protecting your health and plan benefits. If you experience a qualifying life event, visit HealthCare.gov or reach out to licensed agents for guidance on your plan options and the steps to enroll. By acting quickly, you can ensure you and your family continue to receive quality care and enjoy the full benefits of your health insurance plan throughout the year.
Why Work With SWFL Insurance
- Local, independent experts: Offices in Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte.
- Full-service agency: Medicare, health, home, auto, and business.
- Free enrollment help: No fees for our guidance—carriers pay us, not you.
- Personal touch: Real people, not a 1-800 call center.
Timeline to Act
- Summer 2025: Review your current Aetna coverage.
- Fall 2025: Attend a free workshop or book a one-on-one consultation.
- Oct–Dec 2025: Medicare Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7).
- Nov 2025 – Jan 2026: ACA Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15).
Don’t wait until the last minute—early enrollment ensures uninterrupted coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Aetna leaving Florida?
Aetna is leaving due to ongoing financial losses and rising healthcare costs.
2. When does Aetna coverage end in Florida?
ACA plans end December 31, 2025. Some Medicare Advantage plans will end earlier in 2025, depending on your county.
3. What happens if I do nothing?
If you take no action, your Aetna plan will terminate at the end of 2025, and you will be uninsured starting January 1, 2026.
4. What are my options after Aetna leaves?
You can choose a new ACA plan (Florida Blue, Ambetter, etc.) or a new Medicare Advantage/Supplement plan. We compare options based on your needs.
5. Can I keep my doctor after Aetna exits?
Yes—if your doctor is in-network with your new carrier. We help verify doctor networks so you don’t lose care continuity.
6. What is the deadline to switch plans?
- Medicare: October 15 – December 7, 2025
- ACA Marketplace: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
7. Will Florida Blue take the place of Aetna?
Florida Blue is the top alternative, and we anticipate a good number of displaced Aetna members to enroll with Florida Blue.
8. If I switch from Aetna, how do subsidies work?
If you qualify for ACA subsidies they will transfer to your new plan. Many Floridians are paying $0–$20 a month with subsidies.
9. What about Aetna Medicare Advantage members?
Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans will no longer be offered in 2025. If yours is ending, you’ll get a notice and must switch during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.
10. How can SWFL Insurance help me?
We are licensed, independent agents. We:
- Explain your Aetna termination notice.
- Compare Florida Blue and other options.
- Enroll you at no cost.
- Ensure coverage starts January 1, 2026, with no lapse.
Don’t face the Aetna transition alone. SWFL Insurance has been protecting Florida families for more than 40 years—we’ll make sure you stay covered through 2026 and beyond.
