Losing Medicaid: What to Do in the Next 60 Days
Florida does not expand Medicaid, so a raise, a new job or a kid turning 19 can end coverage fast. The good news is that losing Medicaid is a qualifying event, and most people coming off it qualify for serious marketplace help.
The 60-day window
Losing Medicaid or CHIP opens a special enrollment period on the marketplace. You generally have 60 days from the loss, and in some cases the window is longer during unwinding periods. Do not wait for the letter to sink in. Call the same week.
Most people get a subsidy
If your income rose enough to lose Medicaid, it is very likely still inside the marketplace subsidy range. For many households that means a plan with a low premium and reduced deductibles through cost-sharing reductions. We run the exact numbers with your projected income for the year.
When a private plan fits instead
If your income jumped well above the subsidy range, for example a new job plus a spouse's income, and you are in good health, a private medically underwritten plan may cost less than an unsubsidized marketplace plan. I quote both.
Kids who age out
Children lose Florida KidCare or Medicaid at certain ages and income levels. They can usually go on a parent's marketplace plan, often with a subsidy, or on a private family plan where child rates are low.
Do not let a gap happen
Claims that happen between the Medicaid end date and the new plan's start date are yours to pay. Pick a start date that touches the end date.
What I need from you
The Medicaid end date on your notice, your household size, projected income for the year, zip code, and any medications.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Medicaid back if I appeal?
You can appeal a denial through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Enroll in a marketplace plan in the meantime so you are not uninsured while you wait.
Will I owe anything for a marketplace plan if my income is low?
Possibly very little. Households just above the Medicaid line often qualify for the largest subsidies and reduced deductibles.
My kids still have KidCare but I lost Medicaid. Can I get a plan just for me?
Yes. You can enroll alone on the marketplace or a private plan while the kids stay on KidCare.
Is there a fee for help enrolling?
No. Brokers are paid by the carrier and are certified to enroll you on the marketplace at no cost.
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Written by Frank Caballero, licensed insurance producer, NPN 21032307. Last updated 2026-10-17. General information, not tax or legal advice.