Introduction to 22 Health

Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System are launching their own insurer, 22 Health, which will debut on November 1. This new insurer will provide access to physicians and specialists at the county’s two largest public health systems, which include 11 hospitals.

Competitive Advantage

22 Health will directly compete with Florida Blue’s ACA plans in Broward County, as well as other insurers. The new insurer has a competitive hook: access to a wide range of healthcare providers at Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System. This move gives the hospital systems another piece of the healthcare business and allows them to expand their services to more patients.

Contract Dispute with Florida Blue

The two health systems are currently in a contract dispute with Florida Blue, the state’s largest health insurer. The dispute has put Broward Health and Memorial out-of-network for Florida Blue members. While negotiations are ongoing, the health systems are not allowing patients with Florida Blue to make appointments, even if they agree to pay out-of-network prices. However, Broward Health spokeswoman Jennifer Smith said the hospital system has made significant progress with Florida Blue over the past few weeks.

22 Health Plans and Services

For 2026, 22 Health will offer bronze, silver, and gold health plans, with access to retail and mail-order pharmacies, at varying costs based on an individual’s income and medical needs. The insurer will also offer special programs, including case management, maternity care, and disease management for chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.

“By creating 22 Health, we are able to extend direct, streamlined access to an extensive network of high-quality providers and exceptional health care services to individuals and families that are self-employed, are between jobs, or their employers don’t offer health insurance,” Jessica Lerner, president and CEO of 22 Health, said in a written statement.

ACA Enrollment in Florida

Florida is a hot market for ACA enrollment, with 4.7 million people signing up for health insurance in 2025. The number of Floridians who depend on marketplace health insurance coverage has more than doubled since 2020. In 2026, 16 carriers will offer plans in Florida, including Cigna Healthcare of Florida, which is offering five new plans in Broward County.

Changes in the ACA Marketplace

Aetna has announced that it will withdraw all ACA individual and family plans at the end of 2025, including those in Florida. This means that Aetna enrollees will need to switch to a new insurer for 2026. In Broward County, 196 plans are available on the ACA Marketplace for 2026, compared to 178 in 2025. Florida Blue offers the most choices, with 65 different plans.

Challenges and Opportunities

The 22 Health plan enters the ACA marketplace at a chaotic time, with several factors at play. Subsidies in the form of tax credits that help most people with coverage pay their premiums are set to expire on December 31. A congressional fight over whether and when to extend them is the main reason for the ongoing government shutdown. Nationally, the amount health insurers charge for coverage on ACA marketplaces in 2026 is rising 26%, on average.

Expert Insights

Healthcare consultant Allan Baumgarten said that this is not the first time U.S. hospital systems have offered plans on the ACA marketplace. However, the situation in Broward County may be a good business opportunity for 22 Health. “If they don’t come to terms with Blue Cross Blue Shield [Florida Blue], then you might have a lot of those enrollees who are using Memorial and Broward Health providers who say, ‘Well, if I can’t get directly to my Broward Health providers, I’m going to sign up for this new plan,’” Baumgarten said.

Conclusion

The launch of 22 Health is a significant development in the ACA marketplace in Broward County. With its competitive advantage and range of services, 22 Health is well-positioned to attract new customers. However, the insurer will face challenges in the form of rising premiums and uncertainty over subsidies. As the ACA marketplace continues to evolve, it is essential for consumers to shop around and compare plans to find the best option for their needs.

FAQs

• Q: What is 22 Health?
  A: 22 Health is a new insurer launched by Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, offering access to physicians and specialists at the county’s two largest public health systems.
• Q: What plans will 22 Health offer?
  A: 22 Health will offer bronze, silver, and gold health plans, with access to retail and mail-order pharmacies, at varying costs based on an individual’s income and medical needs.
• Q: How will 22 Health compete with other insurers?
  A: 22 Health will compete with other insurers, including Florida Blue, by offering a range of services and a strong network of healthcare providers.
• Q: What is the significance of the contract dispute between Broward Health and Florida Blue?
  A: The contract dispute has put Broward Health and Memorial out-of-network for Florida Blue members, which may drive customers to 22 Health.
• Q: How can I enroll in 22 Health?
  A: Open enrollment for the ACA marketplace plans begins November 1 and runs through January 15. Consumers can shop around and compare plans to find the best option for their needs.