11 insurers exit ACA marketplace

Eleven insurance companies have announced they are withdrawing from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The departures mark a sharp reduction in available coverage options for millions of Americans as the 2026 open enrollment period begins.

The exit wave follows a second consecutive year of double-digit price increases. Remaining carriers are raising premiums by as much as 15 percent. This trend follows the expiration of pandemic-era subsidies that Congress declined to renew, which drove up costs for enrollees last year.

The financial pressure on insurers stems from a shift in consumer behavior. Many applicants who could not afford higher premiums dropped their coverage. Those who remained often selected cheaper bronze plans that offered less comprehensive care. This combination of higher costs and thinner coverage reduced profitability for the carriers.

Cigna is among the firms leaving the exchange. A company spokesperson directed inquiries to remarks made by CEO Brian Evanko in April. Evanko stated that exiting the marketplace aligns with the goal of positioning Cigna’s core healthcare businesses for sustainable growth.

Cynthia Cox, director of the program on the ACA at KFF, noted that more insurers are leaving the marketplace than entering it. She emphasized that the net loss of providers is the primary concern for the stability of the exchange.

Open enrollment began this weekend, and technical issues have already emerged. Users reported waiting up to 30 minutes to receive security codes on the federal website. The application process also revealed fewer plan options than in previous years, with the remaining choices appearing expensive to many applicants.

Miranda Yaver, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh, warned of potential discontinuities in care. She explained that a reduced number of plan options could force patients to change doctors if their providers do not accept the remaining networks. This disruption is particularly risky for individuals managing chronic illnesses who depend on consistent coverage.

Yaver added that if the available price points do not fit a consumer’s budget, the individual may choose to remain uncovered. The current enrollment period reflects a market where fewer companies compete, prices have risen sharply, and the range of affordable plans has narrowed.