Key facts
~19,000
Population — one of the smallest Panhandle counties
County seat: Bonifay
ACA carrier: Florida Blue (primary)
Rural agricultural economy; limited employer-sponsored insurance
High uninsured rate — ACA subsidies critical for working families
Borders Alabama — residents may commute across state lines
Holmes County is a rural agricultural county in Florida's central Panhandle, bordered by Washington County to the south and east, Jackson County to the north, and the state of Alabama to the north and west. Bonifay is the county seat and only incorporated city. With a population of approximately 19,000, Holmes County is one of the smallest counties in the Panhandle.
Rural Holmes County has a high rate of residents who lack employer-sponsored insurance. Agricultural workers, small business owners, and self-employed residents make up a significant portion of the workforce. These residents benefit most from ACA marketplace plans — particularly the enhanced subsidies available to households between 100% and 300% of the federal poverty level.
Access to healthcare services is a challenge in Holmes County. Residents typically travel to Chipley (Washington County), Marianna (Jackson County), Dothan, Alabama, or Pensacola for specialty care. When selecting an ACA plan, it is important to verify that your plan's network includes providers in adjacent counties, since Holmes County itself has limited healthcare infrastructure.
Holmes County is served primarily by Florida Blue in the ACA marketplace for 2026. Rural Panhandle counties often have limited carrier competition — compare all available plans at HealthCare.gov using your Bonifay zip code.
Health insurance in Holmes 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 Holmes 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 |
Holmes County residents rely on healthcare facilities in neighboring counties for most medical services beyond primary care. Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Marianna and North Okaloosa Medical Center to the south are common destinations. Chipley's Washington County health resources are also accessible. Your chosen plan must have network coverage in these adjacent counties.
Florida's failure to expand Medicaid hits rural counties like Holmes County especially hard. A significant portion of the adult population in Holmes County earns below 100% FPL — meaning they don't qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies (which start at 100% FPL) and don't qualify for expanded Medicaid (which Florida has not adopted). These residents fall into the coverage gap.
If your household income is between 100% and 200% of FPL ($15,060–$30,120 for a single adult in 2026), you are eligible for substantial premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans that make healthcare genuinely affordable. Call for help calculating your subsidy and choosing a plan.
Explore ACA coverage across the region: Southern Plan Finder — Florida Panhandle Health Insurance Guide — Washington County Health Insurance.