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.