Cigna Group to Exit Affordable Care Act Marketplaces After 2026

Cigna Group will cease offering health plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplaces at the end of 2026, executives announced on April 30, 2026. The company reported fewer than 400,000 customers in these plans, representing a small portion of its 18 million medical customers.

This move follows CVS Health's Aetna unit exiting the market last year. The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, established health insurance marketplaces for individuals and small businesses. Insurers like Cigna have participated by providing plans to eligible consumers.

Cigna's exit will reduce options in these marketplaces starting in 2027.

Cigna reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $7.79 per share, exceeding the average analyst estimate. The company raised its 2026 profit outlook to at least $30.35 per share, up 10 cents from prior guidance. A key measure of medical costs came in lower than expected, contributing to the results.

Revenue growth was driven by the Evernorth health services segment, which includes the largest U.S. drug benefits manager. Adjusted pretax income in the pharmacy benefits business fell 28% year-over-year, with some client losses and membership declines.

Profit in the specialty and care services division rose 20%, and margins in the health plan business expanded. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased from the previous year. Cigna shares dropped 3.6% in morning trading in New York on April 30, 2026.

The results align with positive reports from other U.S. health insurers for the start of 2026.

Cigna stated it reduced medical prior reviews in its insurance plans by 15% in response to industry complaints. The company is evaluating strategic options for its EviCore business, which manages prior authorizations and other services.

“We did not make this decision lightly and appreciate the importance of ensuring patients have continuity through the transition." — Cigna Chief Operating Officer Brian Evanko, April 30, 2026 (Bloomberg). Cigna is revamping its drug benefits arm to increase transparency and lower patient costs at pharmacies, including concessions to large clients. This follows changes that led to a significant share selloff in October of the prior year. Cigna Chief Executive Officer David Cordani will step down from the role in July 2026, with Chief Operating Officer Brian Evanko assuming the position. The ACA segment has been shrinking for Cigna in recent years.”

The withdrawal could affect ACA customers, though Cigna did not detail impacted regions or customer numbers beyond the total. Executives described the ACA business as small and declining. Barclays analyst Andrew Mok noted the results showed a solid start to the year but light margins in the pharmacy benefits manager segment.

No contradictions appear across sources on the exit timeline or financial figures. All reports confirm the decision stems from strategic focus shifts.