Can I Buy a Catastrophic Health Plan in Florida If I'm Over 30?

By David Huff, licensed Florida health insurance agent #W371813 · Updated October 9, 2026

This rule could change again if the appeal succeeds. Until a later court order or CMS notice says otherwise, treat the July 16, 2026 stay as the 2027 starting point. Groom Law summarized that stay of the 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters provision that had expanded catastrophic eligibility.

Who can buy a catastrophic plan for 2027

healthinsurance.org’s 2027 open-enrollment explainer and catastrophic glossary say catastrophic plans are available to people under 30, or to people 30 and older who have a hardship or affordability exemption certificate. A premium tax credit cannot be used on a catastrophic plan.

What happened to the 2026 expansion

For 2026, a federal rule had expanded catastrophic eligibility to adults who were not eligible for a subsidy. On July 16, 2026, a court stayed that expanded hardship/catastrophic path for 2027 (Groom Law; healthinsurance.org). People 30 and older who bought catastrophic coverage for 2026 under the expansion need an exemption to keep a catastrophic plan for 2027, unless a later decision changes the rule.

Hardship and affordability exemptions

Apply on HealthCare.gov. Keep the certificate. Processing is not instant, so start before December 15 if you want a January 1 effective date. If the exemption is denied, compare Bronze and other metal-level plans during Open Enrollment. See how much income is used for a subsidy in Florida and what happens when income is too high for a subsidy.

What a catastrophic plan covers

healthinsurance.org reports that the 2027 out-of-pocket maximum is $12,000. Catastrophic plans generally cover three primary-care visits and preventive care before the deductible, then other covered services after you reach the deductible/out-of-pocket limit. Confirm the exact schedule on the 2027 plan documents. This is not a short-term medical policy; see what short-term health insurance does not cover.

HSA eligibility

healthinsurance.org’s catastrophic glossary says catastrophic plans are HSA-eligible starting in 2026. Other coverage, Medicare entitlement, or a spouse’s plan can still block HSA contributions. Ask a tax professional before you contribute. David is an insurance agent, not a tax advisor.

Alternatives if you are 30+ and over the subsidy line

Compare Bronze plans in your ZIP. Whether catastrophic is cheaper than Bronze depends on the plans in that ZIP; a 2026 Orlando example is not a Polk figure. Also look at employer coverage if it is offered, and at short-term rules in Florida if someone is considering a non-ACA gap policy. See Bronze vs Silver vs Gold and Marketplace coverage in Lakeland.

December 15 and January 15 deadlines

HealthCare.gov and healthinsurance.org state that Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. December 15 is the last day to pick a plan for a January 1 start. If your 2026 Marketplace plan is ending, see what happens when a Marketplace plan ends and the Florida ACA Open Enrollment dates.

Common questions

I had a catastrophic plan in 2026. Can I keep it?

Only if you are under 30 or you have a hardship or affordability exemption certificate for 2027. healthinsurance.org reports that the 2026 rule that let subsidy-ineligible adults 30 and older buy catastrophic coverage was paused by a court on July 16, 2026. Ask HealthCare.gov whether your 2026 plan can renew without that certificate.

How do I get a hardship exemption?

Apply through HealthCare.gov for a hardship or affordability exemption and wait for a certificate before you enroll. Exemptions take processing time, so start before December 15 if you want January 1 coverage. Confirm the current application path on HealthCare.gov.

Can I use a premium tax credit on a catastrophic plan?

No. Catastrophic plans are not eligible for the premium tax credit. If a credit is available to you, compare metal-level Marketplace plans before you choose catastrophic coverage.

Can I open an HSA with a catastrophic plan?

healthinsurance.org reports that catastrophic plans are HSA-eligible starting in 2026. Eligibility also depends on whether you have other disqualifying coverage. Confirm with the plan documents and a tax professional before you contribute.

Is a catastrophic plan cheaper than Bronze in Polk County?

It depends on the plans in your ZIP. Premium, deductible, and doctor networks vary by county and household. Compare the catastrophic option, if you can buy it, against Bronze plans in the same ZIP on HealthCare.gov before December 15.

Educational only. Plan availability, benefits, networks, and costs are subject to the applicable plan documents and HealthCare.gov. This page is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government.

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