Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Manatee County cost about $705 a month for 2026, and the Florida average for 2027 is $738 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 6 insurers offered marketplace plans in Manatee County for 2026.
If you want someone to shop the Florida market for you, a broker is the usual route. The 8 offices below sit closest to Longboat Key and list themselves as brokers or independent agencies, which typically means access to more than one insurer.
Health Insurance Brokers near Longboat Key
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Manatee County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Florida.
Carriers a Longboat Key broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in Florida come from 10 insurers: Florida Blue (BCBS of Florida / Health Options), AmeriHealth Caritas, AvMed, Capital Health Plan, Ambetter (Centene Venture; Sunshine State members transition in), Florida Health Care Plans, Health First, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthcare and Wellpoint (Simply Healthcare). Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
Before you call an agent
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
Checking an agent's license in Florida
- Florida's Department of Financial Services runs a free online Licensee Search. It shows an agent's contact details, valid licenses, active appointments and the insurers the agent can write with. Source
- The Florida Department of Financial Services is the state agency that licenses insurance agents, including health agents, in Florida. Source
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Bayshore Gardens, FL 4 miles
- South Bradenton, FL 6 miles
- Sarasota, FL 7 miles
- West Samoset, FL 7 miles
- North Sarasota, FL 7 miles
- Bradenton, FL 8 miles
- Siesta Key, FL 9 miles
- Southgate, FL 10 miles
- South Sarasota, FL 10 miles
- Palmetto, FL 10 miles