Cigna Leaving Marketplace Plans: What It Means for Your Coverage

By Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

Cigna leaving marketplace coverage means its ACA health plans end December 31 in every state where it sells them. About 369,000 members in 11 states will need coverage from a different insurer.

Your Cigna plan stays active through December if you keep paying. However, this open enrollment is when you choose what comes next. Questions? Call a licensed agent at 888-730-6031.

Why Is Cigna Leaving Marketplace Plans?

The company said it did not see a way to grow its ACA business in a meaningful way. It announced the exit on April 30 during an earnings call, according to STAT.

Instead, Cigna plans to focus on employer plans, pharmacy benefits and its specialty services. Marketplace members are a small share of its 18.3 million total members. Even so, the change affects hundreds of thousands of families.

Cigna exiting ACA plans is part of a wider trend. Several insurers are shrinking or leaving after the extra federal tax credits ended. Our pillar guide on how open enrollment works explains how to use this window to switch.

Which States Does the Cigna Exit Affect?

The Cigna marketplace exit affects all 11 states where it sold ACA plans. Where you shop next depends on your state, as the table shows.

States from healthinsurance.org's insurer-exit report. Marketplace types from KFF.

In Florida, Texas and Georgia, other insurers are leaving too, so the Cigna exit is only part of the story. For example, UnitedHealthcare is leaving Georgia Access. See our Florida enrollment guide for local changes in that state.

What Happens to Your Plan If You Do Nothing?

On HealthCare.gov, the system will likely move you to a plan from a different insurer. That plan may not include your doctors or your drugs.

HealthCare.gov says that if your insurer stops offering plans, it will re-enroll you with another company. Your November letter names that plan. Still, an automatic match is a rough fit, not a careful choice.

Rules differ in state-run marketplaces. Georgia Access, for instance, says members must select a new plan when their insurer leaves. So, if you live in Georgia, Colorado, Illinois or Virginia, act early.

How to Replace Your Cigna Marketplace Plan

With Cigna leaving marketplace plans, the safest move is to pick your own plan by December 15. That way, coverage starts January 1 with the doctors and drugs you checked.

1. Find your renewal letter: it shows which new plan, if any, the marketplace picked for you.
2. List your doctors and prescriptions: then check each new plan's network and drug list.
3. Update your income: your tax credit depends on your estimate for the coming plan year.
4. Compare total yearly cost: include the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, not just the premium.
5. Enroll and pay: coverage only starts after your first payment.

Our step-by-step guide on what to do when any insurer exits covers the basics. Also, use our network doctor lookup before you decide.

Depending on your county, our agents can compare insurers such as Ambetter, Oscar, Molina and Blue Cross Blue Shield. In addition, our guide on switching health plans explains what changes when you move.

Can You Keep Cigna Dental and Vision?

Yes. Cigna leaving marketplace health coverage does not end its individual dental plans. The company still sells dental plans, and some bundle vision and hearing.

Those plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, according to Cigna's dental plan page. Plan options vary by state. Learn more on our Cigna dental, vision and supplemental page.

Keep in mind that adult dental usually isn't part of a marketplace health plan. Therefore, a separate dental insurance plan is often worth a look while you shop.

FAQs About Cigna Leaving Marketplace Plans

Is my Cigna plan canceled right now?

No. Your Cigna marketplace plan stays in force through December 31, as long as you keep paying premiums. Cigna still pays claims for covered care you get before then.

The change only affects coverage that starts January 1. For more answers, see our Cigna FAQ library.

What if I miss the December 15 deadline?

Open enrollment runs until January 15 in most states. A plan picked between December 16 and January 15 usually starts February 1.

Meanwhile, HealthCare.gov might place you in another insurer's plan for January. Check that plan's network before you see a doctor, and call us if your doctors are missing.

Will my new plan cost more than my Cigna plan?

It might, but it depends on your income and county. Most enrollees still get a tax credit if their income is between 100% and 400% of the poverty level.

Also, a plan with a slightly higher premium may save money overall. Compare deductibles and out-of-pocket limits before you decide.

Next Steps: Cigna Leaving Marketplace Coverage

Cigna leaving marketplace coverage doesn't have to mean a gap in care. First, find your renewal letter and check your doctors on a few replacement plans. Then, enroll by December 15.

Want help? Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. You can also read our guide to Cigna's provider network to see how networks differ.

Sources

1. STAT: Cigna will exit ACA individual markets
2. healthinsurance.org: Health insurers are exiting the Marketplace again
3. HealthCare.gov: Renew, change, update, or cancel your plan
4. KFF: State health insurance marketplace types
5. Georgia Access: Renew or update coverage
6. Cigna: Individual dental insurance plans

Related Guides

• What is open enrollment?
• When your insurer leaves the marketplace
• Cigna plan options
• Renewing your health insurance
• Your open enrollment checklist

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Plan availability, rates and savings vary by county and income.