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🆕 June 2026 — Two more carriers exiting
2 NEW carriers join Cigna in the 2027 ACA exit list.
Baylor Scott & White is exiting the Texas ACA marketplace for 2027 (about 100,000 enrollees affected). CareSource is exiting Indiana (about 60,000 enrollees). Combined with the Cigna 369K-member exit across 11 states, more than 600,000 ACA enrollees will need new plans during 2027 Open Enrollment (Nov 1, 2026 – Dec 15, 2026). Texas is the only state losing two carriers simultaneously.
Cigna ACA Exit 2026: What 369,000 Americans Need to Do Now
On April 30, 2026, Cigna announced it will exit the ACA Individual Marketplace by end of 2026. This affects 369,000 enrollees across 11 states. Here's exactly what to do, key deadlines, and the best replacement plans.
⚠️ Critical Dates
- 📅 Now – Dec 31, 2026: Your current Cigna ACA plan continues normally. No immediate action needed.
- 📅 Nov 1, 2026: Open Enrollment opens for 2027 coverage
- 📅 Dec 15, 2026: Deadline for coverage starting Jan 1, 2027
- 📅 Jan 15, 2027: Final deadline for 2027 ACA enrollment
- 🚨 After Jan 15, 2027: No coverage unless you have a Special Enrollment Period qualifying event
🚨 Just Announced: May 19, 2026
2026 ACA Rate Filings: 18% Median Increase Nationally
Insurers nationwide have filed for 18% median rate increases for 2026 (range 12-27%). This is DOUBLE the 2025 increase of 9%. Three factors driving it:
- 📉 Cigna + Aetna exits — 1.37M displaced enrollees concentrating risk on remaining insurers
- 💸 Enhanced ACA subsidies expiring — American Rescue Plan tax credits sunset end of 2026
- 🏥 Healthcare inflation — Medical costs up 5.8%/year, drugs up 8.2%
Impact on you: Cigna replacement plans will likely cost 15-25% more than your current Cigna premium. Budget accordingly when comparing 2027 options during Open Enrollment.
11 States Affected by Cigna Exit
🌵 Arizona
🏔️ Colorado
🌴 Florida
🍑 Georgia
🌽 Illinois
🌻 Kansas
🎷 Missouri
🏖️ North Carolina
🎸 Tennessee
🤠 Texas
🦀 Virginia
If you live in one of these states and have Cigna ACA coverage, you'll need to find a replacement during Open Enrollment 2026.
Best Cigna ACA Replacement Plans by State
Major remaining ACA marketplace insurers (after Cigna + Aetna exits):
🏆 Blue Cross Blue Shield (state affiliates)
Largest remaining ACA insurer. Available in all 11 affected states. Strong provider networks, broad coverage. Recommended for most Cigna replacements.
Anthem
Available in CO, GA, IN, KY, MO, NV, NY, OH, VA, WI. Often partnered with major hospital systems.
Centene/Ambetter
Largest ACA-focused insurer. Strong in TX, FL, MO, GA, NC, IL — covers 8 of 11 Cigna exit states. Lower premiums but narrower networks.
Oscar Health
Tech-first insurer. Available in FL, GA, TX, TN, AZ. Best mobile app experience. Younger doctor networks.
Molina Healthcare
Best for low-income / subsidy-eligible enrollees. Available in CA, FL, GA, IL, KS, MS, NM, NY, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI.
3-Step Action Plan for Cigna Enrollees
- Step 1 (Do Now): Confirm your 2026 Cigna coverage details. Save your card, plan documents, prescription list, and current provider names. You'll need this when comparing replacement plans.
- Step 2 (October 2026): Get cost estimates for replacement plans. Use Healthcare.gov, Stride Health (free), or talk to a licensed broker. Estimate subsidies based on 2026 income.
- Step 3 (November 1, 2026): Enroll in new plan as soon as Open Enrollment opens. Earlier = better selection + less risk of plan running out of capacity. Confirm new card arrives before Dec 31, 2026.
Why Are Insurers Exiting ACA?
Three main reasons cited by Cigna and Aetna in their exit announcements:
- 📉 Loss of enhanced subsidies — Enhanced ACA tax credits (American Rescue Plan) expire end of 2026, dropping enrollment and increasing per-member costs
- 💰 Healthcare cost inflation — Median ACA premium increase for 2026 was 18% (vs 9% in 2025), but ACA plans can't price-discriminate as freely
- 🏥 Negative risk selection — Sicker enrollees stayed, healthier enrollees left as subsidies decreased
Industry analysts expect 2-3 more major insurer exits announced before Open Enrollment 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cigna announced April 30, 2026 that it will exit the ACA Individual Marketplace at the end of 2026. Coverage continues through December 31, 2026. Affected enrollees must select a new ACA plan during Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Cigna currently operates ACA plans in 11 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. All 369,000 enrollees in these states must find replacement coverage for 2027.
Three steps: Confirm your 2026 coverage is unaffected (Cigna continues current plans through 12/31/2026), Mark Open Enrollment dates (Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027), Compare replacement plans during enrollment using Healthcare.gov or Stride Health.
Yes — if you actively enroll in a new plan during Open Enrollment 2026. If you do NOT enroll, you will have NO coverage starting January 1, 2027. Healthcare.gov will send notification letters but you must take action.
No. Aetna exited the ACA marketplace at the end of 2025, affecting approximately 1 million enrollees. Combined with Cigna's exit, the ACA marketplace lost two major insurers in two years — 1.37 million affected Americans total.
Need Help Comparing Replacement Plans?
Free tools to find your best Cigna replacement: