Two of Broward County's largest public health systems, Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, are jointly launching a new health insurance company. The new insurer, named 22 Health, will offer plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace starting November 1, directly entering one of the nation's most active and competitive insurance markets.
The move introduces a new provider-led option for consumers at a time of significant change, including the withdrawal of a major national carrier and uncertainty over federal subsidies that help millions of Floridians afford coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System have created a new insurance company, 22 Health.
- The insurer will offer ACA plans exclusively in Broward County, Florida, beginning November 1.
- The launch coincides with an ongoing contract dispute between the two hospital systems and Florida Blue, the state's largest insurer.
- Florida leads the nation in ACA enrollment, with 4.7 million residents signed up for marketplace plans in 2025.
A New Player Enters the Market
Broward County residents will have a new choice for health coverage during the upcoming open enrollment period. The joint venture, 22 Health, leverages the extensive network of its parent organizations, which collectively operate 11 hospitals and numerous specialty care centers in the region.
This new entity aims to provide a streamlined connection between patients and providers. Jessica Lerner, president and CEO of 22 Health, stated the goal is to offer direct access to a comprehensive network of healthcare services for individuals who are self-employed, between jobs, or work for companies that do not offer health insurance.
The insurer will offer bronze, silver, and gold tiered plans, each with varying costs and coverage levels. These plans will include access to both retail and mail-order pharmacies. Additionally, 22 Health will provide specialized programs for members, including case management, maternity care, and disease management services for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.
Background on the Florida ACA Market
Florida has become the epicenter of the ACA marketplace. Enrollment has more than doubled since 2020, growing from 2 million to 4.7 million people in 2025. This makes it the state with the highest number of marketplace plan sign-ups in the country. For 2026, 16 different insurance carriers will offer plans in Florida, creating a highly competitive environment.
Strategic Timing and Market Dynamics
The launch of 22 Health comes at a pivotal moment. The two hospital systems are currently in a contract dispute with Florida Blue, the state's dominant insurer. This dispute has left Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System out-of-network for Florida Blue's members, creating a potential opening for a new competitor.
Healthcare consultant Allan Baumgarten noted that while hospital systems have a mixed record of success in launching their own insurance plans, this situation presents a unique business opportunity. He suggested that patients loyal to their doctors at Broward Health and Memorial might switch to 22 Health to maintain in-network access.
"It’s an opportunity to test the notion that people have warmer feelings about their providers than they do about their insurance company," Baumgarten said.
The market is also seeing other shifts. Aetna has announced it will withdraw all of its individual and family ACA plans in Florida at the end of 2025 due to financial underperformance. This will require all Aetna enrollees to select a new insurer for the 2026 plan year, potentially driving more consumers to explore new options like 22 Health.
Broward County by the Numbers
- 196: The number of ACA plans available in Broward County for 2026, up from 178 in 2025.
- 65: The number of different plans offered by Florida Blue alone.
- 5: The number of new plans being offered in the county by Cigna Healthcare of Florida.
Navigating an Uncertain Landscape
While the market is ripe with opportunity, it is also fraught with challenges. A major concern for consumers nationwide is the potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits on December 31. These federal subsidies are critical for making premiums affordable for the majority of ACA enrollees.
If Congress does not extend these subsidies, many Floridians could see their monthly premiums increase substantially in 2026. This financial pressure coincides with a national trend of rising insurance costs, with average premiums on ACA marketplaces set to increase by 26% in the coming year.
Despite these headwinds, some analysts believe a provider-led plan like 22 Health could be well-positioned to succeed. Louise Norris, a health policy analyst with healthinsurance.org, pointed out that strong provider relationships are a key asset.
"If a carrier has a strong relationship with providers and has created a strong network, they might be able to be more profitable than another carrier that doesn’t have that network strength," Norris explained. She emphasized the importance for consumers to carefully compare all their options during open enrollment.
What This Means for Consumers
The introduction of 22 Health provides another option for Broward County residents, particularly those who regularly use the services of Broward Health or Memorial Healthcare System. The plan is a new division of Community Care Plan, which has managed Medicaid for the two public health systems since 2000 and currently serves over 100,000 members.
For consumers, the key will be to evaluate the new plans based on cost, network access, and specific health needs. The ACA open enrollment period begins on November 1 and runs through January 15, giving residents a window to compare the new offerings from 22 Health against established insurers like Florida Blue and Cigna.
