UnitedHealthcare, Oscar Health and Cigna are among health insurers expanding Obamacare despite Congressional opposition to for tax credits that would lower policy costs.
Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Oscar Health are among health insurers expanding their market footprint selling individual health insurance under the Affordable Care Act despite the lack of commitment from Congress to tax credits that would make policies more affordable.
While the costs of these health plans could increase 100% or more if Congress doesn’t extend tax credits beyond this year, several major health insurers are expanding into new geographic areas and offering more health plan options for next year.
The expansions by health insurers come amid a federal government shutdown that has entered a third week. And extending the tax credits beyond this year are at the center of the standoff between Republicans who control Congress and are largely opposed to the subsidies and Democrats who support them.
Oscar, which is one of the biggest providers of coverage under the ACA also known as Obamacare with about two million health plan members, is holding to its commitment announced last year to double its reach selling such health insurance. The company now offers coverage in 573 counties across 93 metropolitan markets and is expanding into two new states – Alabama and Mississippi – for next year, putting the company’s Obamacare products in 20 U.S. states for the 2026 health benefit year.
And UnitedHealth Group’s health insurance unit, UnitedHealthcare will offer individual plans in 1,306 counties in 2026, which is 21 more than 2025, across the same 30 states as last year. Meanwhile, Cigna, Elevance Health and an array of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans will also expand health insurance options and products into new regions.
