Cigna Is Leaving the ACA Marketplace—Here's What You Need to Know
If you're a Cigna customer with an ACA Marketplace plan, you've likely heard the news: Cigna announced in late April 2026 that it will exit the individual health insurance marketplace at the end of this year. That means roughly 369,000 members across 11 states will need to select new coverage before January 1, 2027.
If that's you, take a breath. This isn't a surprise you need to panic about—it's a transition you can plan for. I've spent years helping people navigate exactly these kinds of changes, and there's a clear path forward.
Why Is Cigna Leaving?
Cigna's COO Brian Evanko was straightforward about the decision: the ACA marketplace, for Cigna, is small business that's been shrinking. The company reported 369,000 ACA members in 2026, down 17% from 446,000 in 2025. For a company focused on growing its employer-based business, specialty care services, and pharmacy benefits, that trend line simply doesn't pencil out.
This isn't unique to Cigna. Aetna (owned by CVS Health) exited the ACA marketplace at the end of 2025, affecting about 1 million members. The marketplace has been in transition since Congress allowed enhanced premium subsidies to expire at the end of 2025—a move that pushed many people off the rolls or into cheaper, higher-deductible plans.
What matters for you isn't why Cigna left. It's what you do next.
Your Coverage Through 2026
First, the reassuring part: your Cigna ACA plan continues through December 31, 2026, with full benefits and coverage. Nothing changes for the rest of this year. You can keep using your current doctors, keep your prescription coverage, and keep going with business as usual.
You have time. Use it to be intentional about your next move.
What You Need to Do (And When)
Open Enrollment Begins November 1, 2026
The ACA Marketplace open enrollment period for 2027 coverage runs from November 1 through January 15, 2027. Here's the timeline:
Plans selected by December 15, 2026: Coverage effective January 1, 2027
Plans selected December 16, 2026–January 15, 2027: Coverage effective February 1, 2027
The key deadline is January 15. If you want your new plan effective January 1 with no gap in coverage, you need to enroll by December 15.
How to Find Your New Plan
Step 1: Visit your marketplace
If you live in a state using the federal marketplace: Healthcare.gov
If your state runs its own marketplace: check your state's healthcare website (most have .gov domains)
Step 2: Compare your options The plans available in your area may look different than what you had with Cigna. Compare:
Monthly premiums (what you pay each month)
Deductibles (what you pay before insurance kicks in)
Copays and coinsurance (what you pay per visit or service)
Out-of-pocket maximum (the most you'd pay in a year)
Covered doctors and hospitals (if you have providers you want to keep)
Step 3: Check your tax credit eligibility If you received subsidies (tax credits) that helped reduce your Cigna premiums, those subsidies will apply to any ACA plan you choose next year—if you enroll through the marketplace. You can't just buy insurance outside the marketplace and expect the same help.
Your income and household situation may have changed since you last enrolled. The marketplace application will ask you to update this information.
A Special Note if You're in Active Treatment
If you're managing an ongoing health condition or in the middle of treatment as 2026 ends, there's one more thing to check: continuity of care provisions. When you switch insurance, insurers have rules about whether they'll continue your current treatments with your current doctors.
Before you finalize your plan choice, call the insurance company and ask directly: "I'm switching from Cigna to your plan on January 1. I'm currently being treated by [doctor name] for [condition]. Will your plan cover ongoing treatment with this provider?"
Different insurers handle this differently. It's worth five minutes on the phone to make sure you know the answer.
You're Not Alone—And You Don't Have to Do This Alone
The marketplace can feel overwhelming. Comparing plans, calculating costs, figuring out which doctors are in-network—it's a lot.
That's exactly why licensed insurance brokers and navigators exist. If you're in Washington, Connecticut, or Oregon- I help people through this transition all the time. If you're in one of the 11 states affected by Cigna's exit and want a conversation about your options, I'm here.
If you're outside my service area, Healthcare.gov and most state marketplace websites have directories of local assisters and brokers—many of whom can help you at no cost.
The Bigger Picture
Cigna's exit is part of a larger story. The ACA marketplace has been in transition since the enhanced subsidies expired. Some insurers are leaving. Some are entering. Premiums have moved in both directions. Healthier people have left the marketplace because premiums got expensive. That's left remaining enrollees sicker on average, which pushes premiums up further.
It's not stable. But it's also not collapsing.
What it means for you is simple: don't assume your current plan is your only option, and don't assume pricing stays the same. Every year, the marketplace reshuffles. 2027 will be no different.
But you have options. And you have time.
Your Next Steps
Mark your calendar: November 1, 2026 (open enrollment starts)
Plan ahead: By mid-October, gather any information you need (current doctors, medications, income estimates)
Compare: Once the marketplace is open, spend an hour comparing plans
Enroll: Pick your plan by December 15 for January 1 coverage
Verify: Call your new insurer in December to confirm coverage details before your plan takes effect
If you'd like help working through any of these steps—whether you're in Washington, Oregon, Connecticut or another state—reach out. This is what I do.
Insurance Guidance From the Inside Out.
Hollander Strategic Planning LLC is licensed to sell health insurance in Washington, Oregon, and Connecticut. This information is educational. For specific guidance on your situation, please consult with a licensed insurance professional in your state.
