Here's what you need to know
If you’ve heard that Cigna and CareSource are leaving the Affordable Care Act Marketplace beginning January 1, 2027, you may be wondering what this means for your health insurance.
The good news is simple:
If you currently have a Marketplace plan through Cigna or CareSource, absolutely nothing changes today.
Your coverage remains in effect through December 31, 2026, as long as you continue paying your monthly premium. You can continue using your doctor, filling prescriptions, and accessing your benefits exactly as you do today.
The changes won’t take effect until your next Open Enrollment period this fall, giving everyone plenty of time to review their options and choose a new plan for 2027.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening and what you should expect.
What's Changing?
Both Cigna and CareSource have announced they will no longer offer individual ACA Marketplace health plans for the 2027 plan year in Indiana. Cigna is exiting the individual Marketplace nationwide, while CareSource is ending its Marketplace participation in Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
This means that individuals and families currently enrolled in Marketplace coverage through either carrier will need to select a new health insurance company during Open Enrollment for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
Although this may sound concerning, insurance companies enter and leave the Marketplace every few years. While it creates extra work during enrollment season, it does not mean Marketplace coverage is disappearing.
Why Are They Leaving?
Each company has cited different business reasons, but several industry trends have made the ACA Marketplace more challenging heading into 2027.
Among the biggest factors are;
- Rising healthcare costs
- Increased medical claims
- Lower Marketplace enrollment in some states
- Changes to federal subsidy rules
- Strategic decisions to focus on other lines of business
For Cigna, the company indicated it plans to focus resources on areas where it sees greater long-term growth rather than continuing to compete in the individual Marketplace.
CareSource has not announced a single reason but described the decision as part of its ongoing business strategy.
Does This Mean My Coverage Is Ending Now?
No.
If you currently have a Cigna or CareSource Marketplace plan:
- Your policy remains active through December 31, 2026.
- Your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum continue exactly as they do today.
- Your prescriptions and provider network remain unchanged for the rest of this year.
- You do not need to cancel your policy.
- You do not need to enroll in a new plan immediately.
In other words, nothing changes today.
What Happens During Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment this fall will be more important than usual for anyone currently insured through Cigna or CareSource.
Instead of simply renewing your current plan, you’ll need to actively choose a new Marketplace plan for 2027.
Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea, especially during years when insurance carriers leave the Marketplace.
Several things may change from one insurance company to another:
- Monthly premiums
- Provider networks
- Prescription drug formularies
- Deductibles
- Copays
- Out-of-pocket maximums
- Referral requirements
A plan that looks less expensive may actually cost more if your doctors are not in-network or your medications are covered differently.
That’s why comparing more than just the monthly premium is so important.
Will There Still Be Marketplace Plans Available?
Yes. Marketplace coverage is not going away.
Other insurance companies are expected to continue offering ACA plans in Indiana, and at least one new carrier is planning to enter the Marketplace for 2027 while another is expanding it’s coverage from 5 to 36 counties.
While consumers may have fewer carrier choices than in previous years, there will still be multiple Marketplace options available.
The exact plans, pricing, provider networks, and county availability will become clearer after final rate approvals later this year.
Should I Start Shopping Now?
Not yet.
Right now, insurance companies are still finalizing their 2027 plans and rates.
Until those plans are officially approved, there isn’t much to compare.
Instead, now is a good time to:
- Verify your current income estimate for subsidy purposes.
- Make a list of your doctors and specialists.
- Review any medications you take regularly.
- Consider whether your healthcare needs have changed over the past year.
Once Open Enrollment begins, you’ll be ready to compare plans quickly and confidently.
Why Working with a Broker Matters
Years like this highlight the value of working with an independent health insurance broker.
When your insurance company exits the Marketplace, you don’t want to guess which replacement plan is best.
Aaron Cook Insurance can help you compare:
- Every available Marketplace carrier
- Monthly premiums
- Provider networks
- Prescription coverage
- Deductibles
- Expected annual costs based on your healthcare needs
Perhaps most importantly, working with us costs you nothing extra.
Instead of spending hours trying to compare plans yourself, you can receive personalized recommendations based on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and expected medical needs.
Takeaways
If you’re currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan through Cigna or CareSource, there’s no need to panic.
Your coverage continues through the end of 2026, and you have plenty of time to prepare for the transition.
When Open Enrollment begins this fall, you’ll simply choose a new Marketplace plan for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
As more information becomes available, including premiums, provider networks, and new plan offerings, I’ll be helping clients compare every available option to make sure they find coverage that fits both their healthcare needs and their budget.
If you’re currently enrolled with Cigna or CareSource, keep an eye on your mail and email over the coming months. You’ll receive notices from your insurance company, and I’ll also be sharing updates as new information is released.
- What Happens If Your Health Insurance Company Leaves the ACA Marketplace? - July 7, 2026
- Cigna & CareSource Are Leaving the Indiana Health Marketplace in 2027 - July 6, 2026
- The Real Cost of $0 Plans - September 9, 2025
