⚠️ 60-Day Deadline: Spirit Airlines employees who lost coverage when the airline shut down have exactly 60 days from the date coverage ended to enroll in a new health plan through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). After that window closes, you must wait until ACA open enrollment (November 1). Don't wait.
Medicaid Expansion: The Key Dividing Line
Whether you qualify for free or near-free Medicaid as a former Spirit employee depends almost entirely on what state you live in and whether that state expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
- Expansion states: Adults earning up to 138% FPL (~$20,783/year for an individual) qualify for Medicaid regardless of other factors.
- Non-expansion states: Most working-age adults without children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income — you must use ACA marketplace plans.
Spirit Airlines Hub States: Medicaid Status
| State | Medicaid Expanded? | Income Limit (Individual) | What Spirit Employees Should Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | ❌ No | Very limited for adults | ACA marketplace plan (subsidies available 100%+ FPL) |
| Texas | ❌ No | Very limited for adults | ACA marketplace plan |
| Georgia | ❌ No (limited) | Very limited | ACA marketplace plan |
| Nevada | ✅ Yes | ~$20,783/yr | Apply for Medicaid at NevadaHealthLink.com |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | ~$20,783/yr | Apply via GetCoveredIllinois.gov |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes | ~$20,783/yr | Apply via MarylandHealthConnection.gov |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | ~$20,783/yr | Apply via MIBridges.mi.gov |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes | ~$20,783/yr | Apply via ConnectForHealthCO.com |
How to Check if You Qualify for Medicaid
- Determine your projected 2025 income (wages from Spirit + unemployment benefits + any other income)
- Check if your state expanded Medicaid (see table above)
- If you may qualify, apply directly through your state Medicaid agency — there's no enrollment period for Medicaid; you can apply any time
- If you don't qualify for Medicaid, check your ACA subsidy eligibility — many Spirit employees will still pay very little
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your state and income. Former Spirit employees in Medicaid expansion states (Nevada, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Colorado) may qualify for free Medicaid if projected 2025 income is below $20,783/year. In non-expansion states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia, most working-age adults without children do not qualify for Medicaid.
For Medicaid eligibility, income includes wages from Spirit (for the portion of 2025 you worked), unemployment compensation, any new job income, and other regular income sources. The Medicaid income test is based on current monthly income, not annual — if you're currently unemployed, you may qualify now even if you earned significant income earlier in 2025.
Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so most adult Spirit employees without children don't qualify. However, ACA marketplace plans are fully available with income-based subsidies for those earning above 100% FPL ($15,060/yr). A licensed broker can determine exactly what you qualify for and find the most affordable plan in your Florida county.
If you qualify for Medicaid, it is generally better — coverage is free or near-free with very low or no cost-sharing. However, Medicaid networks may be more limited than ACA Silver plans. If you're between Medicaid and ACA plan income ranges, an ACA Silver plan with Cost Sharing Reductions can provide nearly as rich coverage for a small premium.