Author: John Serian

  • Health Insurance When You’re Self-Employed or a 1099 Contractor

    Health Insurance When You’re Self-Employed or a 1099 Contractor

    Being your own boss has real perks, but a built-in company health plan isn’t one of them. If you’re a freelancer, gig worker, consultant, or small-business owner, finding coverage is on you — and the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down self-employed health insurance options in plain language so you can pick what fits your health needs and your budget.

    This article is educational and not tax advice; confirm tax questions with a professional.

    Why Self-Employed Coverage Is Different

    When you work for a company, your employer usually picks the plans and pays part of the premium. On your own, you choose the plan and pay the full premium yourself — but you may also qualify for financial help that employees don’t get. Understanding your options is the difference between overpaying and getting solid coverage at a fair price.

    Option 1: The ACA Marketplace (Where Most People Start)

    For most self-employed people, the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is the main path to comprehensive coverage. Marketplace plans must cover essential health benefits, can’t deny you for pre-existing conditions, and come in tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) that trade off monthly premium against out-of-pocket costs.

    The big advantage for the self-employed: premium tax credits. These subsidies are based on your estimated annual income, not your employment type, and they can significantly lower your monthly premium. Because 1099 income often varies, estimating your yearly income as accurately as you can is one of the most important steps.

    Option 2: A Spouse or Partner’s Employer Plan

    If your spouse or partner has job-based coverage, joining their plan is often the simplest and most affordable route. It’s worth comparing the total cost of adding you to their plan against a subsidized Marketplace plan — sometimes one clearly wins, and it’s specific to your household.

    Option 3: Short-Term and Other Stopgaps

    If you’re between plans or waiting for coverage to start, short-term health insurance can bridge a gap. Just know the trade-offs: short-term plans aren’t required to cover essential benefits or pre-existing conditions, and they aren’t a long-term substitute for comprehensive coverage. Health care sharing arrangements are another option some people consider, though they aren’t insurance and work differently. Read the fine print carefully on either.

    Don’t Forget the Tax Angle

    Many self-employed people can deduct their health insurance premiums through the self-employed health insurance deduction, which can soften the cost of paying premiums yourself. The rules and limits are specific, so loop in a tax professional — but it’s a real benefit worth asking about.

    Watch Your Income Estimate All Year

    Because your subsidy is tied to estimated annual income, a strong year or a slow stretch can change what you qualify for. If your income shifts meaningfully, update it with the Marketplace during the year. That keeps your subsidy accurate and helps you avoid a surprise at tax time.

    A Simple Way to Decide

    • Estimate your annual income as honestly as you can — it drives your subsidy.
    • Check a spouse’s plan if that’s an option, and compare total cost.
    • Compare Marketplace tiers on premium vs. out-of-pocket, and confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
    • Use short-term coverage only as a bridge, not a permanent plan.

    Get Free Help Comparing Your Options

    You don’t have to sort this out alone. A licensed agent can compare health insurance plans and subsidies for your income and household at no cost — call Maher Insurance Group at (855) 238-7947 or fill out our short questionnaire and we’ll reach out. We’re a licensed independent brokerage in Fort Lauderdale with more than 1,199 five-star Google reviews, and helping you costs nothing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are my health insurance options if I’m self-employed?

    If you’re self-employed with no employees, your main options are an ACA Marketplace plan (often with income-based subsidies), coverage through a spouse’s employer plan, a health care sharing arrangement, or short-term coverage as a stopgap. The Marketplace is where most self-employed people find comprehensive, subsidy-eligible coverage.

    Can a 1099 contractor get subsidies on the Marketplace?

    Yes. Marketplace premium tax credits are based on your estimated annual household income, not on whether you’re a W-2 employee or 1099 contractor. Many self-employed people qualify for meaningful subsidies. Because your income can vary, estimate it as accurately as possible when you apply.

    Is health insurance tax-deductible for the self-employed?

    Often, yes. Many self-employed people can deduct their health insurance premiums through the self-employed health insurance deduction, subject to IRS rules and limits. This is a tax question, so confirm the specifics with a tax professional for your situation.

    What happens if my self-employment income changes during the year?

    Report income changes to the Marketplace when they happen. Your subsidy is based on estimated annual income, so a big swing up or down can change the help you qualify for. Updating your estimate during the year helps you avoid owing money back or missing out on savings at tax time.

    Do I have to wait for Open Enrollment to get covered?

    Usually you enroll during the yearly Open Enrollment Period, but a qualifying life event — like losing other coverage or moving — can open a Special Enrollment Period. If your income is low enough, you may also qualify for year-round enrollment or Medicaid.


  • Missed Open Enrollment? Special Enrollment Periods That Still Get You Covered in 2026

    Missed Open Enrollment? Special Enrollment Periods That Still Get You Covered in 2026

    If you missed the Open Enrollment Period for 2026 health coverage, you may feel like you’re stuck without insurance until next year. The good news: for many people, that’s not the case. A Special Enrollment Period can open a second door to Marketplace coverage after a major life change, and this guide walks through how a special enrollment period 2026 works, who qualifies, and how to avoid missing your window.

    This article is educational. Your exact eligibility depends on your situation, and a licensed agent can confirm it with you at no cost.

    What Is a Special Enrollment Period?

    Most people can only sign up for an ACA Marketplace plan during the yearly Open Enrollment Period. A Special Enrollment Period, or SEP, is an exception: a limited window, triggered by a qualifying life event, when you can enroll or switch plans outside that yearly window. In most cases the window is 60 days from the date of the event.

    Which Life Events Open a Special Enrollment Period?

    Not every change qualifies, but many of the biggest ones do. The most common qualifying life events include:

    • Losing other health coverage — losing a job-based plan, aging off a parent’s plan at 26, or losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility. (Voluntarily dropping coverage or losing it for not paying premiums usually does not count.)
    • Changes in your household — getting married, getting divorced or legally separated, having or adopting a child, or a death in the family that affects your coverage.
    • Changes in where you live — moving to a new ZIP code or county with different plan options, moving to or from the U.S., or a student moving for school.
    • Other qualifying changes — becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, or certain income changes that affect your subsidy eligibility.

    Most of these require documentation — a letter showing your coverage ended, a marriage certificate, proof of a move — so it helps to gather paperwork early.

    The 60-Day Rule: Don’t Let It Close

    For most qualifying events, you have 60 days from the date of the event to enroll. For a few, like knowing in advance that you’ll lose coverage, you can apply up to 60 days before as well, which helps you avoid a gap. Once the 60 days pass, you generally have to wait for the next Open Enrollment Period, so acting quickly matters.

    What About Medicaid and Low-Income Enrollment?

    Two situations don’t follow the usual deadline at all. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment is open year-round — if your income qualifies, you can apply any time. And people with income below a certain level relative to the federal poverty guidelines may qualify for a low-income Special Enrollment Period that allows Marketplace enrollment throughout the year. If money is tight, it’s worth checking both.

    Will I Still Get Financial Help?

    Yes. Enrolling through a Special Enrollment Period does not change your eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing help, and it does not make plans more expensive. Your subsidy is based on your income and household size, the same as it would be during Open Enrollment. You’re not penalized for enrolling off-cycle.

    How to Enroll During a Special Enrollment Period

    The process is straightforward, but the clock is ticking, so it helps to move deliberately:

    • Confirm your qualifying event and its date — this sets your 60-day window.
    • Gather documentation — proof of the event is usually required to activate the SEP.
    • Compare plans for your household and budget — including which doctors and medications are covered.
    • Apply before the window closes — and check whether you qualify for subsidies while you’re at it.

    Get Free Help Sorting Out Your Options

    Special Enrollment Periods have real deadlines and paperwork, and it’s easy to second-guess whether you qualify. If you’d like a licensed agent to check your eligibility and compare Marketplace plans and subsidies with you, Maher Insurance Group can help at no cost — call our team at (855) 238-7947 or fill out our short questionnaire and we’ll reach out. Our clients have left us more than 1,199 five-star reviews on Google.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a Special Enrollment Period?

    A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for or change a Marketplace health plan after a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, marrying, or having a baby. Most SEPs last 60 days from the date of the event.

    What counts as a qualifying life event?

    Common qualifying life events include losing health coverage (job loss, aging off a parent’s plan at 26, losing Medicaid or CHIP), getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, moving to a new area with different plan options, and certain changes in income or household size. Documentation is usually required.

    How long do I have to enroll after a qualifying event?

    In most cases you have 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event to enroll in or change a plan. Some events, like losing coverage, also let you apply up to 60 days beforehand. Missing the 60-day window usually means waiting for the next Open Enrollment Period.

    Can I get a Special Enrollment Period if my income is low?

    Possibly. People with household income at or below a certain level relative to the federal poverty guidelines may qualify for a low-income SEP that allows enrollment year-round, and may also qualify for Medicaid, which has no enrollment deadline. A licensed agent can help you check.

    Does a Special Enrollment Period cost more than Open Enrollment?

    No. Enrolling during a Special Enrollment Period does not change the price of a plan or your eligibility for premium subsidies. You pay the same premiums and qualify for the same financial help you would during Open Enrollment, based on your income and household.


  • Turning 65 in Florida: Your Medicare Enrollment Timeline, Step by Step

    Turning 65 in Florida: Your Medicare Enrollment Timeline, Step by Step

    If you’re turning 65 in Florida, Medicare enrollment is probably the biggest piece of paperwork on your calendar this year — and the timeline matters more than most people expect. Sign up late without a valid reason, and you can end up with a penalty that follows your premium for as long as you have coverage. This guide walks through the turning 65 Medicare enrollment timeline step by step, including how it applies to Fort Lauderdale and Broward County residents.

    This article is educational only. It doesn’t describe the benefits of any specific plan or suggest one plan is “best” — Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE are always the definitive official source.

    What Is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?

    Your Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP, is a fixed 7-month window built around your 65th birthday:

    • The 3 months before the month you turn 65
    • The month you turn 65
    • The 3 months after the month you turn 65

    That 7-month structure is a federal rule, and it doesn’t change based on where you live — it applies the same way whether you’re turning 65 in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere else in the country. During this window you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance, covering doctor visits and outpatient care). Enrolling earlier in the window generally works in your favor, since it affects when your coverage actually starts.

    Your Medicare Enrollment Timeline, Step by Step

    • 3 months before your birthday month: Your IEP opens — the earliest you can enroll, with coverage typically starting the first of your birthday month.
    • 1–2 months before your birthday month: Still ideal — avoids a coverage gap and leaves time to sort out a Part D drug plan if you want one.
    • Your birthday month: You’re still on time, but your start date pushes out a bit rather than landing exactly on your birthday.
    • 1–3 months after your birthday month: Still inside your IEP with no late penalty, but coverage starts later, and a gap without other creditable coverage is worth avoiding.

    Enrolling anywhere in the 7-month window is fine, but the first three months generally get coverage started sooner with less to track.

    Are You Enrolled Automatically, or Do You Need to Apply?

    • Already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits? You’re generally enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically — your Medicare card simply arrives, no application needed.
    • Not yet collecting those benefits? Common for people still working past 65 — you’ll generally need to actively apply through the Social Security Administration, online, by phone, or in person.

    If you’re not sure which situation applies to you, confirm it directly with Social Security before assuming either way. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons people miss their window.

    Still Working at 65? The Employer Coverage Exception

    Many people turning 65 are still covered under a group health plan through their own job or a spouse’s job. Depending on employer size, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty and enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period tied to when that coverage or the employment ends, rather than being locked into the standard 7-month IEP. The rules around employer size and “creditable coverage” are detailed enough to be worth confirming with Social Security or a licensed agent before assuming you’re covered. Guessing here is exactly how people accidentally trigger a penalty they didn’t need.

    What Happens If You Miss Your Window

    If your IEP closes without a valid exception, two things happen. First, a late enrollment penalty: your monthly Part B premium can rise by an extra 10% for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll, added for as long as you have Part B. The dollar amount depends on the current year’s premium, but the 10%-per-12-months structure is a fixed federal rule.

    Second, you’ll generally wait for the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage starting the first day of the month after you sign up. This is separate from Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, October 15–December 7), which is for people who already have Medicare and want to change existing coverage, not for first-time sign-ups.

    After Part A and B: Medigap or Medicare Advantage Comes Next

    Once Part A and Part B are in place, most people face a second decision: how to fill the gaps Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Broadly, that means either staying on Original Medicare and adding a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy plus a standalone Part D drug plan, or switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, which typically bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage through a private insurer. Both paths are valid, and which one fits depends on your health needs, budget, and preferred doctors — there’s no single “best” choice for everyone, and it’s worth comparing carefully once Part A/B is settled.

    A Note for Fort Lauderdale and Broward County Readers

    South Florida has one of the largest Medicare-eligible populations in the country, so you’re in good company navigating this. The federal rules above apply exactly the same here as anywhere else — what changes locally is which plans are actually offered in your ZIP code, which is where a licensed local Medicare resource can help you sort through what’s genuinely available rather than guessing from a national list.

    Maher Insurance Group is a licensed independent insurance brokerage based in Fort Lauderdale, and helping you understand this timeline costs nothing — we’re paid by insurance carriers, not by you. We’re not the government and we’re not Medicare itself; we’re local, licensed, and available if you’d rather talk it through with a person. Our clients have left us more than 1,199 five-star reviews on Google.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

    The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window built around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month itself, and the 3 months after. It’s the standard window for signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time.

    What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

    You’ll generally need to wait for the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year, and you may face a late enrollment penalty added to your Part B premium for as long as you have Part B — unless you had a valid exception, such as active employer coverage.

    Do I need to sign up for Medicare if I’m still working at 65?

    It depends on your employer coverage. If you have group health coverage through a qualifying employer, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty until that coverage or your employment ends. Confirm your specific situation with Social Security or a licensed agent before assuming you’re covered.

    When does Medicare coverage start if I enroll in Florida?

    Enrollment rules are federal and apply the same in Florida as anywhere else. Enrolling in the 3 months before your birthday month typically starts coverage the first of your birthday month; enrolling later in your 7-month IEP generally pushes the start date out further.

    Is the Initial Enrollment Period the same as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

    No. The Initial Enrollment Period is a one-time, 7-month window tied to turning 65. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 through December 7 every year, is a separate, recurring window for people who already have Medicare and want to change their existing plan.

    Getting Help With Your Medicare Timeline

    Turning 65 comes with a lot of dates to track, but the core rule is simple: you have a 7-month window, check whether you’re enrolled automatically, and know that delaying without a valid exception carries a real, permanent cost. If you’d like a licensed agent to walk through your timeline at no cost, call Maher Insurance Group’s Medicare team at (866) 220-2834, or fill out our short online questionnaire and we’ll reach out.

    Maher Insurance Group is a licensed independent insurance brokerage and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.

  • Medicare Plans in Florida: How to Choose the Right Coverage in 2026

    We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

    Sorting out Medicare in Florida can feel like learning a new language — Parts A, B, C, and D, Advantage vs. Supplement, enrollment windows with real deadlines and penalties. This guide breaks down your options as a Florida resident and how a licensed independent broker can walk you through the choices at no cost to you.

    Note: Maher Insurance Group is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but we’re a national independent agency licensed in 40+ states. Whether you’re in Broward County or elsewhere in our coverage area, the guidance below applies — and a licensed agent can help you wherever you live.

    Key takeaways

    • Two main paths: Original Medicare + a Supplement + Part D (broad access, higher premium), or Medicare Advantage (lower premium, network rules).
    • Deadlines carry penalties. Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday; the Annual Enrollment Period is Oct 15 – Dec 7.
    • Florida has one of the largest Medicare Advantage markets in the country, so plan choices vary a lot by county.
    • A licensed broker’s help is at no cost to you — carrier-paid, so it doesn’t raise your premium.

    The building blocks: Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D

    • Part A (hospital insurance) — inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.
    • Part B (medical insurance) — doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services. Part B carries a standard monthly premium that Medicare sets each year (see Medicare.gov for the current amount).
    • Part C (Medicare Advantage) — an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private carriers, often bundling hospital, medical, and drug coverage, sometimes with extras like dental or vision.
    • Part D (prescription drug coverage) — drug coverage from private plans. Under recent federal changes, Part D now includes an annual out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs — $2,000 in 2025, indexed for inflation in later years — which can meaningfully lower costs for Floridians on expensive medications. Check Medicare.gov for the current-year figure.

    For a quick overview of how we help, see our Medicare coverage page.

    The big decision: Original Medicare + Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage

    Most Floridians choose between two paths. Here’s how they compare:

    Original Medicare + Supplement + Part DMedicare Advantage (Part C)
    Provider accessAny provider that accepts Medicare (widest)Plan network; referrals/prior auth common
    Monthly premiumHigher (Supplement premium on top of Part B)Often lower, sometimes $0 plan premium
    Out-of-pocket predictabilityVery predictable with a SupplementCopays vary; has a yearly out-of-pocket max
    Drug coverageSeparate Part D planUsually bundled in
    Extra benefits (dental/vision)Not includedFrequently included
    Best forTravelers, those who want maximum doctor choiceBudget-focused, those OK with a network

    Neither is “better” universally — the right fit depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, how often you travel, and your budget. That’s exactly what a licensed broker helps you compare. A supplemental plan can also help fill gaps in your coverage.

    Enrollment windows that matter in Florida

    • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): the 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after). Missing it can mean lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
    • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year — switch between Advantage and Original Medicare, change drug plans, or join/drop coverage for the following year.
    • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31, when Advantage members can make a one-time change.
    • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): triggered by events like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help.

    Deadlines here carry real consequences (penalties, coverage gaps), so mark your window and review options before it opens. See the official Medicare enrollment periods for details.

    Still working at 65?

    If you (or your spouse) have qualifying employer coverage past 65, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period. The rules depend on your employer’s size and plan — a common place people trip into penalties, and worth a quick check with a licensed agent before you decide.

    Help paying for Medicare in Florida

    • Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): helps pay Part D drug costs for those who qualify by income and resources.
    • Medicare Savings Programs / dual eligibility: Floridians who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligible”) may get help with premiums and cost-sharing, and there are Advantage plans (D-SNPs) built specifically for them.

    If money is a concern, don’t assume you won’t qualify — eligibility is worth checking, and an agent can point you to the right program.

    What to compare beyond the monthly premium

    • Your doctors and hospitals: Are they in the plan’s network? In South Florida that means checking systems like Broward Health, Holy Cross Health, and Memorial Healthcare — Original Medicare with a Supplement offers the widest access.
    • Your prescriptions: Check each plan’s drug formulary and pharmacy tiers — the same medication can cost very differently across plans.
    • Total yearly cost, not just premium: factor in deductibles, copays, and the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.
    • Extra benefits: many Florida Advantage plans include dental, vision, or hearing — confirm what’s actually covered.

    Why work with a licensed independent broker?

    An independent broker compares plans across many carriers and works for you, not a single insurer — at no cost to you, since broker compensation is built into the plans either way. A local broker also knows the Florida carriers, the South Florida provider networks, and the enrollment deadlines that matter here. Instead of navigating dozens of plans alone, you get a licensed agent who narrows it to the options that fit your doctors, drugs, and budget. Here’s why clients choose Maher.

    How to get started

    The simplest path is a short conversation with a licensed agent who can review your situation and explain the trade-offs in plain language. There’s no cost and no obligation, and you’ll understand your real options before any deadline.

    Ready to talk it through? Call (855) 238-7947 to speak with a licensed agent, or start your quote online. You can also compare our full range of health insurance options.

    Frequently asked questions

    When should I sign up for Medicare in Florida?

    Most people enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window around their 65th birthday. If you miss it and don’t have other qualifying coverage, you may face lifelong late-enrollment penalties. A licensed agent can confirm your specific window.

    What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?

    Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan, often at a lower premium but with network rules. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs, usually with broader provider access at a higher premium. The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

    How much does Medicare cost in Florida?

    It depends on your parts and plan. Most people pay no premium for Part A; Part B has a standard monthly premium Medicare sets each year; and Advantage, Supplement, and Part D premiums vary by plan. A licensed agent can show you real numbers side by side, and Medicare.gov lists the current standard costs.

    Do I have to pay a broker to help with Medicare?

    No. Independent brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers, so their guidance is at no cost to you and doesn’t raise your plan premium.

    Can I keep my current doctor on a Medicare plan?

    Often yes — but confirm your doctor and hospital participate before enrolling. Original Medicare with a Supplement offers the widest access; Medicare Advantage plans use networks. A broker can check this for you.

    When can I change my Medicare plan?

    Most changes happen during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, for coverage the following year. Medicare Advantage members also have a January 1 – March 31 window to make one change. Certain life events can trigger a Special Enrollment Period.

    Last updated: July 1, 2026. Medicare figures change annually — confirm current-year amounts at Medicare.gov.

  • Small Business Health Insurance in Florida: What Employers Need to Know

    Offering health benefits is one of the most effective ways to attract and keep good employees — but for a small business in Florida, the options can be confusing. This guide breaks down how group health insurance works, what it typically costs, and how a local broker can set it up for you.

    Note: Maher Insurance Group is based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but we’re a national independent agency licensed in 40+ states. We set up group health coverage for employers across our coverage area, so the guidance below applies whether your business is in Florida or beyond.

    What counts as a “group” in Florida?

    • Small group: generally 2–50 employees. Plans are community-rated and can’t turn you down for your employees’ health history.
    • Large group: 51+ employees, with more flexibility in plan design and funding.

    Most Fort Lauderdale small businesses fall into the small-group category, which comes with built-in protections and predictable pricing. Learn more about group health insurance.

    What does small business health insurance cost?

    Costs vary based on the number of employees, their ages, the plan design, and how much of the premium you choose to cover. In Florida, employers commonly pay 50–100% of the employee premium. Rather than guess, the most accurate path is a free quote across multiple carriers — a broker can show you real numbers side by side.

    Tax credits worth knowing about

    Businesses with fewer than 25 full-time-equivalent employees and average wages below a set threshold may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, worth up to 50% of premiums paid (when coverage is purchased through the SHOP marketplace). A broker can help you check eligibility.

    Plan types to compare

    • HMO — lower cost, in-network care, requires referrals.
    • PPO — more provider flexibility, higher premiums.
    • HDHP + HSA — lower premiums with tax-advantaged savings for employees.
    • Level-funded — a hybrid that can reward healthier groups with lower costs.

    Why use an independent broker for group coverage?

    Setting up group health involves carrier comparisons, compliance, enrollment, and yearly renewals. An independent broker handles all of it — comparing carriers on your behalf, managing the paperwork, and advocating for you at renewal so your rates don’t quietly creep up. There’s typically no added cost, since broker compensation is built into the plans. Get a free group health quote for your business or call (855) 238-7947.

    Frequently asked questions

    How many employees do I need to offer group health insurance in Florida?

    Generally at least two (including the owner in many cases). Small-group plans cover businesses with 2–50 employees.

    Do I have to pay the full premium for my employees?

    No. Most Florida small businesses contribute a portion — often 50% or more of the employee-only premium. The exact split is up to you, within carrier minimums.

    Can employees add their families?

    Yes, most group plans allow employees to add dependents, typically at the employee’s cost.

    When can I set up group coverage?

    Group health can usually be set up year-round, unlike individual ACA plans that have a set open-enrollment window.

  • Health Insurance in Fort Lauderdale: How to Find the Right Plan in 2026

    Finding health insurance in Fort Lauderdale can feel overwhelming. Between the ACA marketplace, private plans, short-term options, and employer coverage, it’s hard to know where to start — let alone which plan actually fits your budget and your doctors. This guide walks through your options as a Broward County resident and how an independent broker can do the shopping for you.

    Note: Maher Insurance Group is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but we’re a national independent agency licensed in 40+ states. So whether you’re here in South Florida or elsewhere in our coverage area, the guidance below applies — and a licensed agent can help you wherever you live.

    Your main health insurance options in Fort Lauderdale

    1. ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) plans. Sold through the federal marketplace, these plans can’t deny you for pre-existing conditions, and most Florida enrollees qualify for premium subsidies based on income. Open enrollment runs each fall, with special enrollment periods if you have a qualifying life event. Explore ACA Marketplace plans.

    2. Private and ACA-alternative plans. If you don’t qualify for a subsidy or want different networks, private options and health-sharing alternatives may fit. Compare the fine print with a licensed agent — see ACA alternatives.

    3. Short-term medical coverage. Between jobs or waiting for a plan to start? Short-term medical can bridge the gap, though it doesn’t carry the same protections as ACA plans.

    4. Group / employer coverage. If you own a small business in Fort Lauderdale, offering group health insurance is often more affordable per person than individual plans.

    Why work with a local independent broker?

    A captive agent sells one company’s products. An independent broker compares plans across many carriers and works for you, not the insurer — at no extra cost, since broker compensation is built into the plan either way. A local broker also knows the Florida carriers, the South Florida provider networks, and the enrollment deadlines that matter here.

    What to look at beyond the monthly premium

    • Network: Are your doctors and preferred hospitals (Broward Health, Holy Cross, Memorial) in-network?
    • Deductible and out-of-pocket max: A low premium with a high deductible can cost more if you use care often.
    • Prescriptions: Check that your medications are on the plan’s formulary.
    • Subsidy eligibility: Many Fort Lauderdale households qualify for ACA subsidies and don’t realize it.

    How to get started

    The simplest path is a short conversation with a licensed agent who can pull quotes across carriers and explain the trade-offs in plain language. There’s no obligation, and you’ll know your real options in minutes. Get your free Fort Lauderdale health insurance quote or call (855) 238-7947.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does health insurance cost in Fort Lauderdale?

    It depends on your age, household income, and the plan you choose. Many Florida residents qualify for ACA subsidies that significantly reduce the monthly premium — a licensed agent can check your eligibility for free.

    When can I enroll in a health plan in Florida?

    ACA open enrollment runs each fall for coverage starting January 1. Outside that window, you can enroll if you have a qualifying life event such as losing job-based coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.

    Do I have to pay a broker to help me find a plan?

    No. Independent brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers, so their guidance is typically free to you, and it doesn’t raise your premium.

    Can I keep my current doctor?

    Often yes — but you should confirm your doctor and hospital are in the plan’s network before enrolling. A broker can check this for you.