Posted on November 11, 2025
Shaan Kunwar DO
With Florida health insurance premiums projected to rise 50–100%+ in 2026 after ACA subsidies expire, thousands in Manatee and Sarasota counties are turning to predictable, transparent cash-based primary care that costs less than most monthly premiums.
East County Internal Medicine
Florida families are facing the largest health insurance premium shock in state history. The enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that have shielded millions of Floridians from true premium costs are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. Insurance carriers have already submitted their 2026 rate filings to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, and the numbers are staggering:
- Average requested premium increases across marketplace plans exceed 75%
- Many individual and family plans will see effective increases of 100% or more once subsidies disappear
- Over 4 million Floridians currently enrolled in marketplace coverage will be directly affected
- Employer-sponsored plans and Medicare Advantage supplemental policies are simultaneously raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
For residents of Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding communities, the financial impact will be immediate and severe. East County Internal Medicine anticipated this exact scenario years ago. The practice is operated completely independent of insurance contracts, prior authorizations, and corporate healthcare systems. This model was designed to remain stable and affordable regardless of legislative changes, subsidy expirations, or insurance industry consolidation. The practice’s fee schedule remains unchanged and fully transparent:
- New Patient Comprehensive Visit: $175
- Established Patient Follow-Up Visit: $125
- Same-day or next-day appointments available (in-person or telehealth)
- No facility fees, no copays, no surprise billing
For most healthy adults who require 2–4 visits per year, total annual primary care costs range from $300–$550 — significantly less than a single month of projected 2026 insurance premiums for many Florida residents. This structure provides complete immunity from:
- Annual premium increases
- Network restrictions
- Deductible resets
- Referral requirements
- Balance billing
Patients throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties continue to receive unhurried, evidence-based primary care with direct physician access while avoiding the financial uncertainty now facing the insured population. The practice welcomes individuals and families from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Sarasota, and all of Florida who seek a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance-dependent care.
Medicare beneficiaries may use the practice for all primary care services (annual wellness visits, chronic disease management, preventive care) while preserving full Medicare coverage for hospitalizations, specialists, and emergencies.
To schedule an appointment or discuss how this model can reduce healthcare expenses in 2026 and beyond, please call (941) 727-7771 or contact us through eastcountyim.com.
East County Internal Medicine
11009 Gatewood Drive, Suite 104
Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 727-7771