Florida will be the “hardest hit” state if Obamacare expires

Health insurance costs are spiking again. In Florida, which leads the nation in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollments, millions are bracing for premium increases of up to 30% in 2026 and potential subsidy losses that could make coverage unaffordable for many families. Politico reports that Florida’s 4.7 million marketplace enrollees face the steepest impact if Congress fails to renew enhanced ACA subsidies. The Washington Post confirms that average Obamacare premiums nationwide are expected to rise about 30% next year.Because Florida didn’t expand Medicaid, ACA plans are the main option for lower-income residents — making the state uniquely vulnerable.

Why this matters to you

If you rely on ACA coverage, you could soon be paying hundreds more per month just to keep the same plan. Those premiums don’t even include deductibles, surprise bills, or out-of-network fees.Even if you’re healthy and just need routine blood work, you’re still paying inflated insurance prices for basic tests. With political uncertainty and a healthcare system that’s not getting cheaper, it’s becoming harder to separate essential care from unnecessary costs.

The good news

One area where you can take control is lab testing. It doesn’t need to go through insurance at all. Services like Private MD Labs let you order blood tests directly online. Then it's simple: visit a certified local lab, and get results explained in plain English, no doctor’s appointment, no hidden fees, no waiting for approval. The price you see is the price you pay, often far less than one month of insurance premiums.

You can even start with a $1 trial test and pay the rest only when your results are ready. So while insurance rates climb, you can at least stop overpaying for basic blood work and know exactly what you’re paying before you pay it.