As the enhanced federal premium tax credits expired in late 2025, millions of Americans faced drastically higher health insurance costs in 2026. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), average monthly ACA Marketplace premiums more than doubled from roughly $888 to nearly $1,904—a 114% increase. This surge has pushed an estimated 7.3 million people out of coverage, with 4.8 million becoming uninsured. Florida and Texas were among the hardest hit, with uninsured rates of 13.2% and the highest in the nation, respectively.
In response, Sun Health & Dental, a discount medical plan serving Florida and Texas, is seeing a growing number of families seeking affordable alternatives. The company offers memberships starting at $40 per month for individuals, $45 for couples, and $50 for families of up to five. These memberships provide access to a national network of over 600,000 providers at pre-negotiated rates.
“The families calling us are looking for a price they can plan around,” said Jennifer Mor, Finance Manager and Promotional Contributor at Sun Health & Dental. “A low flat membership that lets you see a doctor, dentist, or specialist the next day at a known price is often the more practical choice. It’s not insurance—but for everyday care, it fills a real gap.”
Unlike traditional insurance, Sun Health & Dental does not involve premiums to an insurer or claims processing. Instead, members pay providers directly at discounted rates. Benefits include primary care, specialist visits, dental, vision, lab work, pharmacy savings, and free telemedicine, with no waiting periods and guaranteed acceptance regardless of pre-existing conditions. The plan also includes member advocacy services such as hospital bill negotiation, which reportedly reduced members’ total claims by an aggregate average of 93% in 2026, and prescription assistance, through which most qualifying members pay $0. Individual results may vary.
For many families in Florida and Texas, the sharp premium increases have made traditional insurance unattainable. Sun Health & Dental offers a predictable monthly cost and immediate access to care, making it an attractive option for those who need routine medical and dental services but cannot afford skyrocketing premiums. While it is not insurance, the plan is licensed and regulated by the Florida and Texas Departments of Insurance and holds an A+ BBB rating.
As the 2026 coverage landscape continues to shift, discount medical plans like Sun Health & Dental are stepping in to provide a safety net for those priced out of the market. With memberships starting at just $40 a month, the company aims to offer a practical solution for families seeking affordable healthcare options.
