Per year of service
$7.50
a month.
Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS); F.S. 112.363(3)(f)1.Minimum
$45
a month.
Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS); F.S. 112.363(3)(f)1.Maximum
$225
a month.
Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS); F.S. 112.363(3)(f)1.A monthly supplemental payment, added to your benefit check, to help pay for health insurance (including Medicare, Tricare or Cover Florida coverage). You must apply. Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS)
Our example: 25 years × $7.50 = $187.50 a month. Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS); F.S. 112.363(3)(f)1.
| Years of service | HIS a month |
|---|---|
| 5 | $45.00 |
| 10 | $75.00 |
| 20 | $150.00 |
| 25 | $187.50 |
| 30 | $225.00 |
| 35 | $225.00 |
The handbook says $7.50 'for each year of service'. Neither it nor s. 112.363(3)(f)1. says whether a partial year counts for Pension Plan retirees (the Investment Plan paragraph says 'or fraction thereof').
We multiply your service as entered, including any fraction, between the $45 minimum and $225 maximum.
What would settle it: An HIS calculation from the Division for a retiree with a partial year.
Applying
The HIS certification form (HIS-1) is sent automatically once you are on the retired payroll; the retiree (or joint annuitant after the retiree's death) must apply. Handbook (2026), p. 58; Seminar slides (Sept. 24, 2025), slide 36
HIS is paid only after your health insurance coverage is certified in writing. Payments are retroactive up to six months. Handbook (2026), p. 58; F.S. 112.363(2)(d); DROP Guide (2026), p. 25; Investment Plan SPD (2026), p. 48, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) Benefit; F.S. 112.363(9)
Retirees in DROP are not eligible for HIS until they terminate and begin monthly benefits. Handbook (2026), p. 58
A refund of contributions gives up HIS credit for the refunded service. Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 3, Contributions
HIS amounts are set by the Legislature, are not guaranteed, and depend on annual appropriation. Investment Plan SPD (2026), p. 48; F.S. 112.363(5)
How the amount has changed
| From | Per year | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2001F.S. 112.363(3)(e)1. | $5.00 | $30 | $150 |
| July 1, 2023F.S. 112.363(3)(f)1. | $7.50 | $45 | $225 |
Staying on your employer's plan
Florida public employers with group insurance must let retiring employees continue in the group plans; premiums may not exceed the active-employee total. Dropping out, or deferring retirement, may end that eligibility. Handbook (2026), p. 59, Insurance Coverage after Retirement
Investment Plan retirees get the same HIS ($7.50 per year, $45 to $225) once retired and meeting the Pension Plan's vesting and normal retirement requirements. Investment Plan SPD (2026), p. 48, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) Benefit
The facts
- The Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) is a monthly payment added to your benefit to help pay for health insurance, including Medicare, Tricare or Cover Florida coverage. You must apply.Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS)
- HIS pays $7.50 a month for each year of service at retirement, at least $45 and at most $225 (30 or more years).Handbook (2026), p. 58, Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS)
- Check with FRSWhether a partial year of service counts toward HIS is not spelled out; we multiply your service as entered.Neither the handbook nor s. 112.363(3)(f)1. says whether fractional years count for Pension Plan retirees.Handbook (2026), p. 58
- The HIS form (HIS-1) is sent once you are on the retired payroll. Payments are retroactive up to six months.Handbook (2026), p. 58; DROP Guide (2026), p. 25
- HIS amounts are set by the Legislature and are not guaranteed.Investment Plan SPD (2026), p. 48
- Your public employer must let you stay in its group health plan at retirement, at no more than the active-employee premium. Dropping out or deferring retirement can end that right.Handbook (2026), p. 59, Insurance Coverage after Retirement
- Investment Plan retirees can get the same HIS once they meet the Pension Plan's vesting and normal retirement requirements.Investment Plan SPD (2026), p. 48
Next: the COLA or Social Security.
Questions
What is the FRS health insurance subsidy?
A monthly supplemental payment, added to your benefit check, to help pay for health insurance (including Medicare, Tricare or Cover Florida coverage). You must apply.
How much is the HIS?
$7.50 for each year of service at retirement; minimum $45 a month; maximum $225 a month (30 or more years).
Do I get HIS in DROP?
Retirees in DROP are not eligible for HIS until they terminate and begin monthly benefits.
Source: FRS Pension Plan Member Handbook, 2026 Edition, pp. 58, 59. Also: Seminar slides (Sept. 24, 2025), slide 36; DROP Guide (2026), p. 25; Investment Plan SPD (2026), p. 48; Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 3; F.S. 112.363. Last reviewed .