Contact Us

CVS Aetna Leaves the ACA Marketplace

CVS Health plans to exit the individual health insurance business also known as Obamacare next year, leaving about 1 million Aetna members in 17 states looking for new coverage in 2026.

The decision, disclosed Thursday on a day when CVS reported nearly $1.8 billion in net income amid a financial turnaround, comes as a relatively new management team works to get rising healthcare costs in its Aetna brand health insurance plans under control.

“The company decided to exit the individual exchange business where Aetna independently operates ACA plans for 2026,” CVS said in a statement Thursday accompanying its first quarter earnings report regarding coverage its Aetna health insurance unit sells under the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare.

Here is the email we received from Aetna:

Dear Broker,

Thank you for choosing Aetna CVS Health as the health insurance for your ACA customers. We have an important update about their coverage.

Aetna CVS Health will exit the Individual and Family Plan business (also referred to as ACA Marketplaces or Exchanges), in states where we offer these products directly, as of December 31, 2025.

Aetna CVS Health plans were designed to offer the best value to our members. As we considered plan options for the future, it became clear we would not be able to provide the same level of value we’ve offered in prior years. We remain committed to helping members make the most of their benefits in 2025.

There is no immediate action to take. There is no change to your customers’ current plan for 2025. You and your customers can count on the same service you have today for the rest of 2025.

By July 1, 2025, members will receive a letter from Aetna CVS Health with more information and next steps. During the fall Open Enrollment season, members will need to choose a new health insurance plan with a different company to be covered in 2026.

We value our partnership with you and are proud of our achievements in the Exchanges since 2022. We will continue to support you and your customers throughout 2025.

Thank you.

Here is another article from Forbes as well: CVS Plans To Exit Obamacare In 2026, Affecting 1 Million Aetna Members

- Elyse Y. Robinson

Founded in 2025, Unquoting Insurance Company by an experienced insurance professional licensed, our insurance agency specializes in health, life, property, and casualty insurance in all 50 states. Dedicated to personalized solutions, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service. Need help finding the right insurance policy or want a free quote? Contact us today to explore your options and see how much you could save!