Let's Make Health Insurance Easy
ACA Marketplace Health Insurance
Rising Tides Benefits Group is a family-owned health insurance broker in St. Augustine, helping Florida individuals, families and self-employed workers find the right ACA Marketplace plan. We compare plans from multiple carriers, check what tax credit you qualify for and handle your enrollment, at no cost to you.
2027 Open Enrollment: Nov 1 - Jan 15
November 1: 2027 plans and prices go live
December 15: Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1
January 15: Last day to enroll; coverage starts February 1
Missed it, or had a major life change? You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Call us and we'll check
Free, Local Help With Your Marketplace Plan
Shopping on HealthCare.gov alone means sorting through dozens of plans, networks and drug lists on your own. With Rising Tides, you get a licensed local agent who does that work with you and stays with you after you enroll. Our help is free: plan prices are the same whether you enroll on your own or through us.
What you can expect:
A side-by-side comparison of plans from multiple carriers
A check that your doctors and prescriptions are covered
An accurate estimate of your premium tax credit
Help with enrollment, paperwork and document requests
Year-round support for claims questions, income changes and renewals
Health Insurance Options We Help With
ACA Marketplace Plans (On-Exchange)
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans through HealthCare.gov, Florida's marketplace. Every plan covers essential benefits, including preventive care, prescriptions, hospital stays and maternity, and none can deny you for a pre-existing condition. On-exchange is the only way to receive a premium tax credit.
Off-Exchange Plans
Some ACA-compliant plans are sold directly by carriers, outside HealthCare.gov. If you don't qualify for a tax credit, an off-exchange plan can sometimes offer a better network or price. We compare both so you see every option.
HSA-Eligible Bronze and Catastrophic Plans
Starting in 2026, Bronze and Catastrophic Marketplace plans are treated as high-deductible health plans, so enrollees can open and fund a Health Savings Account. It's a tax-advantaged way to save for medical costs while keeping premiums low.
Coverage for the Self-Employed and Early Retirees
Freelancers, gig workers, small business owners and people retiring before 65 make up a big share of our clients. We help you estimate your income accurately, which is especially important now that tax credit repayment caps are gone, and we bridge you to Medicare when the time comes.
Dental and Vision
Add stand-alone dental and vision coverage to your health plan for the whole family.
What's Changing for 2027
If you had a Marketplace plan last year, don't just let it auto-renew. Several changes could raise what you pay:
Smaller tax credits
The enhanced federal subsidies of recent years have expired. Tax credits are generally available again only to households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, and many families will see smaller credits than before.
No cap on repaying extra tax credits
If your income ends up higher than you estimated, you now repay the full difference at tax time. An accurate income estimate matters more than ever, and we walk you through it.
Higher premiums and carrier changes
Premiums are up again, and some carriers have changed their plans or networks. The plan that worked last year may not be your best value for 2027. Re-shopping with us is quick and free, and could lower what you pay.
Getting Covered Is Simple
1. A quick call or online quote
Tell us who needs coverage, your estimated 2027 income, your doctors and your prescriptions.
2. Compare plans side by side
We show you your best options in plain English, with monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum and whether your doctors are in network.
3. We enroll you, then stay with you
We complete your enrollment, help with any document requests and remain your point of contact all year for questions, income changes and next year's renewal.
Why Florida Families Choose Rising Tides
Local and family-owned
We're based in St. Augustine and know Florida's carriers and networks.
Award-winning
Business Rate named us Best Health Insurance Agency in St. Augustine for 2024.
Here after enrollment
We answer claims and billing questions year-round, not just during open enrollment.
Serving Northeast Florida and beyond
We help clients in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast and across Florida.
"He is easy to talk to, knowledgeable and intelligent, always makes sure I understand everything and double checks before we hang up the phone. I feel like he really has my back."
- Laura W.
Meet the Founder & CEO
Hey, I'm Brian Sesniak
I've helped Florida families and businesses with their insurance since 2019. After my son's 81-day NICU stay brought more than $4 million in medical bills, my mission became simple: no family or business should face a health crisis without the right coverage and someone in their corner. That's why I'm here for every client I serve.
ACA Marketplace FAQs
Does it cost more to use a health insurance broker?
No. Plan prices are the same whether you enroll on your own or with us. Insurance carriers pay brokers, so our help is free to you.
When is open enrollment for 2027?
In Florida, open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
Will I qualify for a tax credit in 2027?
Generally, you may qualify if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level and you don't have access to affordable job-based coverage, Medicare or Medicaid. We'll estimate your exact credit for free.
What if I miss open enrollment?
You can enroll outside open enrollment only with a Special Enrollment Period, usually within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing job-based coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby.
Can I keep my doctor?
It depends on the plan's network. Before you enroll, we check that your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are covered.
What happens if my income changes during the year?
Report it as soon as possible so your tax credit can be adjusted. Because there's no longer a cap on repaying excess credits, updating your income early can prevent a large tax bill. We'll help you make the change.
Does Florida have its own health insurance marketplace?
No. Florida uses the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov. We're certified to enroll you there directly.
Ready to Find the Right Plan?
Book a free consultation with our St. Augustine team, or get an instant quote online. We'll make sure you have the right coverage at the best price for 2027.
© 2026 Rising Tides Benefits Group. All rights reserved.
Not a government website. Rising Tides Benefits Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or any federal or state government agency. We do not offer every product available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. We are licensed, independent insurance broker. We represent multiple insurance carriers and may receive compensation from the carriers whose plans we sell. This does not affect the cost of your plan.