Key facts
~175,000
Population
County seat: Panama City — major Panhandle commercial center
ACA carriers: Florida Blue, Ambetter, Molina
Tyndall AFB: F-22 Raptor training — major military employer
Hurricane Michael (2018) recovery still shapes local economy
Panama City Beach: major tourism/hospitality workforce
Bay County is the commercial and population center of Florida's central Panhandle. Panama City serves as the county seat and the region's primary retail and healthcare hub, while Panama City Beach is one of the Gulf Coast's busiest resort destinations. Tyndall Air Force Base — home of F-22 Raptor pilot training — brings a significant military population to the county's eastern edge.
Hurricane Michael made catastrophic landfall in Bay County on October 10, 2018 as a Category 5 storm — one of the strongest hurricanes ever to hit the continental United States. The storm's impact on housing, employment, and healthcare infrastructure continues to shape the county's health insurance landscape. The rebuilding workforce, insurance gaps created by displacement, and ongoing economic recovery all contribute to elevated uninsured rates compared to pre-storm levels.
Tyndall AFB was severely damaged by Hurricane Michael and has undergone a multi-billion-dollar rebuilding effort. The base's active-duty population is covered by TRICARE, but civilian contractors supporting the rebuilding effort, plus the base's civilian workforce, often need marketplace coverage. If you are part of the Tyndall rebuilding community, call to review your options.
Bay County has three ACA marketplace carriers in 2026: Florida Blue, Ambetter, and Molina Healthcare. The presence of three carriers provides more competition than many rural Panhandle counties, reflecting Bay County's status as the Panhandle's commercial hub.
Health insurance in Bay County
These figures use the 2025 federal poverty level (FPL), which governs 2026 ACA marketplace subsidy eligibility. Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so adults below 100% FPL in Bay County fall into the coverage gap unless they qualify on another basis (dependent children, disability).
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $22,590 | $30,120 | $45,180 | $60,240 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $30,660 | $40,880 | $61,320 | $81,760 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $38,730 | $51,640 | $77,460 | $103,280 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 | $93,600 | $124,800 |
Bay Medical Center (now HCA Florida Bay Hospital) and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center are the primary hospitals serving Bay County. Both participate in Florida Blue networks. Ambetter and Molina have more limited in-county hospital participation — verify your preferred facility before enrolling.
Panama City Beach's tourism economy creates a large pool of uninsured hospitality workers. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues along the beach corridor employ thousands of workers, many of whom are not offered affordable employer-sponsored insurance. These workers are prime ACA marketplace candidates, particularly at income levels under 250% FPL where subsidies are most generous.
Hurricane Michael survivors who experienced displacement, job loss, or insurance gaps may have experienced complex enrollment situations. If you lost coverage as a result of the hurricane or related economic disruption and never re-enrolled, you can still get coverage during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15) or with a qualifying life event. A licensed agent can help navigate complex household situations.
Explore ACA coverage across the region: Southern Plan Finder — Florida Panhandle Health Insurance Guide — Washington County Health Insurance.