Key facts
County seat: LaBelle; population approximately 42,000
Southwest Florida agricultural county — sugar cane, citrus, vegetables
Clewiston: 'America's Sweetest Town,' home of U.S. Sugar Corporation
Primary hospital: Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston
ACA carriers: Florida Blue, Ambetter, Molina Healthcare
Large Hispanic farmworker population; Caloosahatchee River in LaBelle
Hendry County is defined by two distinct communities: LaBelle, the historic county seat along the Caloosahatchee River, and Clewiston, the sugar cane capital of Florida located on Lake Okeechobee's northern shore. Clewiston's identity is inseparable from U.S. Sugar Corporation — the county's largest private employer and the engine of the local economy. The surrounding landscape of sugar cane fields, citrus groves, and vegetable farms extends across the flat, canal-lined terrain of South Florida's agricultural interior.
The county's agricultural economy employs a large workforce of sugar cane harvesters, packing house workers, citrus laborers, and farm equipment operators. A significant portion of this workforce is Hispanic and Latino, and many are seasonal or contract workers without access to employer-sponsored health benefits. ACA marketplace enrollment is the primary insurance pathway for a large segment of Hendry County's working population.
Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston provides emergency and basic inpatient services. For advanced specialty care — cardiac, oncology, orthopedic surgery — Hendry County residents typically travel to Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers or Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Understanding which facilities are in-network before enrolling in an ACA plan is critical for residents who anticipate needing specialty care.
Hendry County residents have access to ACA marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov. Compare all available carriers using your LaBelle zip code to find the best Silver plan for your household income and coverage needs.
Health insurance in Hendry County
The following income thresholds govern 2026 ACA subsidy eligibility (based on 2025 FPL figures). Florida has not expanded Medicaid — adults earning below 100% FPL without dependent children fall into the coverage gap and receive neither Medicaid nor ACA subsidies.
| 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 |
U.S. Sugar Corporation, as a large employer, provides group health benefits to its full-time workforce. However, the sugar cane harvest employs a large number of seasonal and contract workers who do not receive employer benefits. These seasonal workers — many of whom spend 6 to 9 months annually in Hendry County — may qualify for ACA Special Enrollment Periods when coverage begins or ends with the season.
LaBelle's Caloosahatchee River community includes a growing number of retirees, small business owners, and remote workers attracted by the town's historic character and low cost of living. Many of these residents are in the pre-Medicare age range (55 to 64) and rely on ACA marketplace coverage. LaBelle's lower property values compared to coastal Lee County make it an attractive destination for budget-conscious early retirees.
The county's citrus and vegetable farming sector — alongside sugar — employs many year-round workers. Citrus grove operators and vegetable farm managers with income between $30,000 and $80,000 often qualify for ACA premium tax credits on a sliding scale. Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions are particularly valuable for households in the $22,000 to $40,000 income range.
Explore ACA coverage across Florida: Health Insurance by County — Gulf Coast Health Insurance — Florida Small Business Health Insurance