Oscar Health to Expand Insurance Reach in 2027
The insurer will enter South Carolina and add 140 counties for the 2027 plan year.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Healthcare
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Oscar Health is set to expand its individual insurance coverage into South Carolina and 140 additional counties for 2027. This growth follows the exit of major competitors from the individual health insurance market.
Why it matters
The company is moving to capture market share vacated by large rivals like Cigna and CVS Health, which have pulled back from the individual insurance space. This consolidation within the Obamacare market creates a significant opening for the insurer to grow its footprint.
Oscar Health reported over $1 billion in net income for the first half of 2026 and will operate in 21 states by 2027. The expansion encompasses 140 new counties, including new territory in South Carolina.
The players
Oscar Health
This health insurance company was founded in 2012 and focuses on using technology to simplify the delivery of healthcare services.
Mark Bertolini
He has served as the chief executive officer of Oscar Health since his appointment in March 2023.
Cigna
This global health service organization is exiting the individual insurance market for the 2027 plan year.
CVS Health
This major healthcare company, which owns Aetna, exited the individual insurance market in 2026.
The details
Founded in 2012, Oscar Health utilizes intuitive technology platforms to manage healthcare delivery for its members. The firm is scaling its operations as competitors Cigna and CVS Health depart the individual insurance sector.
Timeline
Oscar Health was founded in 2012.
Mark Bertolini was appointed chief executive officer in March 2023.
CVS Health exited the individual insurance market in 2026.
Obamacare open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through December 15, 2026.
The 2027 expansion and new coverage period begin on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
The exit of major national carriers from the Affordable Care Act marketplace creates new competitive opportunities for insurers like Oscar Health. This consolidation reflects a broader trend of mid-sized firms expanding to fill gaps left by larger industry players.
Consumers in the newly covered South Carolina and additional counties may gain more options for individual insurance plans during the upcoming enrollment window. Those previously enrolled with departing carriers like Cigna will need to compare new provider networks to ensure their current doctors remain covered.
The takeaway
The individual insurance market is currently undergoing significant consolidation as established giants shift their business strategies. Patients should carefully review their plan options during the upcoming open enrollment period to account for changes in carrier availability.
What happens next
Open enrollment for 2027 health plans is scheduled to take place from November 1, 2026, through December 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more context on the industry, visit the Healthcare section.
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