Key facts
~565,000
Population — one of Florida's fastest-growing counties
County seat: Dade City; major cities: Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel
ACA carriers: Florida Blue, Ambetter, Molina, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar
Gulf coast western edge meets the Nature Coast beginning
Wesley Chapel: major suburban growth corridor north of Tampa
Zephyrhills: known as Florida's skydiving and spring water capital
Pasco County sits at the intersection of Tampa Bay's suburban sprawl and Florida's Nature Coast — a geographic position that gives it a dual identity. The western portion, including New Port Richey and Holiday, is a dense suburban extension of the Tampa Bay metro, connected to Pinellas County by bridges and to Hillsborough by I-275. The eastern portions — Dade City, Zephyrhills, and the agricultural interior — feel much more rural and Old Florida.
Wesley Chapel, in Pasco County's southern quadrant, is one of the fastest-growing suburban communities in the entire United States. The area has seen explosive residential development, new hospital construction, and retail expansion driven by Tampa Bay metro spillover. This growth brings a wave of new residents — many of whom moved from out of state and need to establish Florida health insurance for the first time.
Pasco County's Gulf Coast access point — the western shore along the Gulf of Mexico in Hudson and New Port Richey — offers waterfront living that attracts both retirees and working families. The county's Nature Coast character increases northward, where the Anclote River and coastal wetlands define the landscape. Health insurance needs span from Medicaid-eligible low-income households in western Pasco to full-price ACA shoppers in Wesley Chapel's higher-income demographics.
Pasco County has five ACA marketplace carriers in 2026: Florida Blue, Ambetter, Molina, UnitedHealthcare, and Oscar. Wesley Chapel and New Port Richey residents benefit from Tampa Bay metro carrier competition. Compare at HealthCare.gov using your specific zip code.
Health insurance in Pasco County
The following income thresholds govern 2026 ACA subsidy eligibility (using 2025 FPL). Florida has not expanded Medicaid — adults in Pasco County below 100% FPL without dependent children fall into the coverage gap.
| 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 |
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital (Hudson), BayCare Dade City Hospital, and the rapidly growing AdventHealth Wesley Chapel serve Pasco County's hospital needs. Florida Blue covers all three systems. Wesley Chapel's newer facilities reflect the area's recent growth — residents should verify their chosen plan covers the specific hospital campus nearest to them.
New Port Richey and Holiday on Pasco County's Gulf Coast shore have a significant retiree and fixed-income population. Many residents in this area qualify for ACA premium tax credits — particularly those in the Social Security income range of $15,000–$30,000/year for a single adult. Molina Healthcare often offers the lowest-premium options in this income band.
Pasco County's rapid population growth means many residents are new Florida arrivals who moved here from other states or other parts of Florida. New arrivals have a 60-day Special Enrollment Period from their move date. If you moved to Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, or New Port Richey within the last 60 days, you can enroll now — call for help.
Explore ACA coverage across the region: Southern Plan Finder — Florida Gulf Coast Health Insurance — Hernando County Health Insurance.