Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company Review

Cigna Health Insurance

Cigna remains a globally recognized insurer with a wide range of health plan offerings, but in 2026, its U.S. footprint continues to narrow. ACA coverage is now available in only 11 states, and the company has exited multiple Medicare Advantage markets, signaling a shift toward profitability over market breadth. Despite premium increases and declining satisfaction scores, Cigna still delivers strong digital tools, international coverage, and plan variety.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Wide variety of ACA, Medicare, Medigap, and Part D plans
• Strong global coverage for expats and mobile employees
• $0 virtual care and wellness tools in many plans
• Standalone dental plans available in 49 states
• Medicare Part D coverage available nationwide

Cons

• ACA coverage limited to just 11 states
• Shrinking Medicare Advantage footprint in 2026
• Double-digit premium hikes in some ACA markets
• Below-average customer satisfaction and high complaint index
• Inconsistent benefit offerings across markets

Coverage Area (2026)

United States:

Cigna ACA plans are available in 11 states, including AZ, GA, IL, NC, and TX. Medicare Advantage coverage has been reduced, now concentrated in select counties across fewer states. Employer-sponsored plans remain nationally available. See Cigna’s 2025 Footprint

International:

Cigna Global provides international health insurance in 200+ countries for expats, retirees, and mobile workers. Visit Cigna Global Plans

Provider Network:

National network for employer plans; ACA and Medicare network access vary by market. Global and urgent care services are supported abroad through Cigna Global.

Plan Types Offered (2026)

Under-65 (Individual & Family)

• ACA Marketplace Plans
  Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans with $0 virtual care options in select markets. Available in 11 states. ACA Marketplace Plans
• Short-Term Medical (STM)
  Not offered in 2026.
• Employer-Sponsored Plans
  Nationally available HMO, PPO, and EPO formats; some large groups are exiting Cigna due to rising costs and benefit cuts.
• Student Health Plans
  Not publicly available.
• Medicaid
  Not part of Cigna’s current offerings.

Medicare (65+)

• Medicare Advantage (MA)
  Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) include HMO, PPO, and SNPs with dental, vision, hearing, OTC, and fitness benefits. Reduced footprint in 2026 with exits in CO, FL, IL, MO, NC, TN, TX, and UT.
• Medigap
  Medicare Supplement Plan (also known as Medigap) includes Plans G, N, A, and F (for eligible members before 2020), are offered in most states with premium discounts and 24/7 nurse lines.
• Part D Prescription Drug Plans
  Available in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Premiums range from $0–$100+, depending on region. Copays for insulin are capped at $35/month.
• Retiree Group Medicare
  Available via employer arrangements.

Recent Changes in Cost and Options (2026)

Premiums and Rate Changes

ACA plans have seen premium increases, with 2024 hikes of up to 13.2% in states like Pennsylvania. Similar increases are expected in 2026.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Medicare Advantage plans maintain $0 premiums in many regions, but Part B giveback is reduced and inpatient copays are increasing.

Medicare Advantage Updates

Benefits trimmed in many plans (e.g., Part B rebate dropped from $125 to $120/month; inpatient copays up to $375/stay).

Part D Enhancements

Insulin capped at $35/month. Drug coverage gap eliminated under IRA reforms.

Employer Coverage

Some large employers are leaving Cigna due to cost and design changes.

Consumer Experience Snapshot

Complaint Index

Cigna’s NAIC and BBB scores indicate above-average complaints, especially on billing errors, denied claims, and difficult customer support experiences.

Satisfaction Scores

Cigna Medicare plans typically receive average CMS Star Ratings (3–3.5/5), lagging behind national leaders.

Methodology

Our Health Insurance Rating Methodology scores insurers across five main categories, each rated on a scale of 1 to 10. The overall score is the average of: Coverage, Breadth and Accessibility, Plan Variety and Customization, Affordability and Value, Innovation and Care Quality, and Consumer Experience and Transparency. Categories assess provider reach, plan diversity, cost structure, care delivery, and member service experiences based on public data, filings, and expert analysis.

Bottom Line

Cigna remains a solid choice for international coverage and employer health benefits, with diverse Medicare and ACA offerings in select markets. However, rising costs, Medicare Advantage market exits, and high consumer complaint rates undermine its appeal. Shoppers should evaluate their regional options and weigh customer service history before enrolling.

Best for

Consumers in covered states or globally mobile individuals needing international care.

Not ideal for

Shoppers seeking national ACA access, Medicare Advantage stability, or top-rated support.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthCareInsider.com or HealthCare, Inc.