Cigna Raises 2026 Outlook as Revenue Climbs 6%
The insurer lifted its full-year profit forecast after third-quarter results and will exit the individual and family plan market in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Healthcare
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Cigna Group raised its 2026 earnings outlook after reporting third-quarter total revenues of $73.7 billion, up 6%. The company also said it will exit the individual and family plan market on January 1, 2027.
Why it matters
The raised forecast and the individual market exit signal how the insurer is reallocating its health businesses amid rising medical costs. The exit will affect coverage options for members in several states who buy plans outside employer coverage.
Cigna Healthcare adjusted revenues rose 9% to $11.7 billion, while Pharmacy Benefit Services revenue rose 9% to $37.3 billion but adjusted pre-tax income fell 22% to $765 million. Cigna estimates an all-in headwind of about $200 million to Cigna Healthcare in 2027 from the individual market exit.
The players
Cigna Group
Cigna Group is a major American health services company that operates the Cigna Healthcare insurance business and the Evernorth pharmacy benefit arm.
The details
Cigna Healthcare revenue growth was attributed mainly to premium rate increases meant to cover expected medical cost growth, and the medical care ratio was 85.0% against 84.8% a year earlier. Shareholders' net income fell to $1.4 billion, or $5.47 per share, from $1.9 billion, and medical customers reached 18.5 million, up 2% since December.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Cigna held its Investor Day and set growth targets.
December 15, 2026: HealthCare.gov plan selection deadline for a January 1 start.
January 1, 2027: The individual and family plan exit takes effect and the rebate-free Signature model applies to the fully insured book.
Market Landscape
Cigna's exit from the individual and family plan market follows the pattern of insurers reassessing marketplace participation under the Affordable Care Act's HealthCare.gov framework. The move comes as the company pushes its rebate-free Signature pharmacy model and leans on premium rate increases to offset rising medical costs.
Roughly 369,000 members in 11 states who hold individual and family plans will need to find new coverage when the exit takes effect in 2027. Shoppers in those states should review HealthCare.gov plan options before the December 15, 2026 selection deadline for a January 1 start.
The takeaway
Insurers are weighing where to keep marketplace exposure as medical costs rise, so members in affected states should compare coverage options well before enrollment deadlines. Checking plan changes each fall can prevent a gap in coverage.
What happens next
The individual and family plan exit takes effect January 1, 2027, and the rebate-free Signature model will apply to Cigna Healthcare's fully insured book on that same date.
Further reading
For more on how insurers are shifting their health coverage strategies, see the Healthcare section.
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