The end of enhanced federal premium tax credits in late 2025 has sent health care costs soaring, leaving millions of Americans struggling to afford coverage. According to KFF, ACA Marketplace premium payments more than doubled on average this year, rising about 114% from roughly $888 to nearly $1,904 a month. An estimated 7.3 million people lost coverage, with 4.8 million becoming uninsured. Florida, with an uninsured rate near 13.2%, and Texas, which has the highest uninsured rate in the nation, were among the hardest hit.
In response, Sun Health & Dental, a discount medical plan serving Florida and Texas, reports growing interest from households priced out of traditional insurance. With memberships starting at $40 a month for individuals, $45 for couples, and $50 for families of up to five, the plan provides access to a national network of more than 600,000 providers at pre-negotiated rates. This flat-fee model offers a predictable cost structure that many families are seeking as premiums become unaffordable.
“The families calling us are looking for a price they can plan around,” said Jennifer Mor, Finance Manager and Promotional Contributor of 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, this plan involves no premiums to an insurer and no claims; members pay providers directly at discounted rates. Benefits include primary care, specialists, dental, vision, labs, 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 reduced members' total claims by an aggregate average of 93% in 2026, and prescription assistance through which most qualifying members pay $0. Individual results vary.
This alternative comes at a critical time. The sharp premium increases have forced many to make difficult choices between health care and other necessities. For those who have lost coverage, discount medical plans offer a bridge to essential services without the high cost of insurance. While not a substitute for comprehensive coverage, they provide a viable option for routine and preventive care, which can help mitigate the long-term health and financial consequences of going without care.
Sun Health & Dental holds an A+ BBB rating and serves more than 50,000 members. It is licensed and regulated by the Florida and Texas Departments of Insurance, providing a layer of legitimacy and consumer protection. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, such plans may play an increasingly important role in helping families maintain access to care.
