Cigna Exits 11 States as ACA Premiums Climb 13%
Open enrollment began this week with benchmark silver premiums rising for the second consecutive year.
By Lucas Murphy ·
Cigna will withdraw from all 11 states where it sells Affordable Care Act plans, a move that will affect more than 350,000 people. The insurer is one of about 11 carriers that have announced they will stop offering coverage in at least one state in 2027. These decisions come as open enrollment begins in most states for those purchasing health insurance through the ACA marketplace.
The enrollment period typically runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027. Connecticut, Idaho, and Massachusetts started their windows last month. Idaho closes its enrollment period on Dec. 15, 2026. Massachusetts residents have until Jan. 23, 2027, to shop for coverage. Virginia extends its deadline to Jan. 29, 2027. California, the District of Columbia, New York, and Rhode Island allow shoppers until Jan. 31, 2027.
A new analysis from KFF published Friday found that finalized benchmark silver premiums will rise by an average of 13% next year. This marks the second year in a row of double-digit percentage increases. KFF reported that ACA marketplace benchmark silver premiums have risen by an average of 42% between 2025 and 2027. Most enrollees will receive subsidies to help cover premium costs, but those with incomes 400% above the federal poverty level will not qualify.
Data from the Department of Health and Human Services showed 19.2 million people were enrolled under the ACA in the first two months of 2026. That figure is down by about 3 million people compared to the same time last year. KFF noted that several insurers expect further declines in coverage in 2027 following the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. The organization suggested insurers are reassessing the profitability of their marketplace participation as people unenroll.
The Trump administration's reconciliation bill, signed into law in July 2025, changes eligibility requirements for some immigrants. Certain groups will not be able to obtain ACA tax credits or cost-sharing help and may have to pay full price for coverage in 2027. Only lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and lawful residents living in the U.S. under the Compact of Free Association remain eligible. The non-profit National Immigration Law Center said other lawfully present immigrants, including refugees and asylum applicants, will lose eligibility.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 1 million more people will be uninsured due to this provision by 2035.
Source: WTVD
