The Aetna Exit Survival Guide

What to do now that Aetna is leaving the ACA Marketplace in 2026

So here’s the scoop: Aetna is pulling out of the ACA individual health insurance market in 2026. If you’ve got an Aetna Marketplace plan right now, that means it’s going away at the end of the year.

Is it annoying? Yep. Is it the end of the world? Nope. You’ll just need to shop around this fall to make sure you’ve got something lined up for January 1st.

Here’s a whole game plan for how to stick the landing onto a new policy you’ll love.

What’s happening with Aetna?

• When: If you’re on an Aetna CVS policy, your coverage ends December 31, 2025.
  
• Who’s affected: Roughly 1 million people across 17 states.
  
• Why: Aetna says they couldn’t make the ACA market work financially and has chosen to focus on other areas of their business.
  
• What it means for you: You’ll need to pick a new plan for 2026 (or there’s a chance you’ll get auto-assigned into something you might not love as much).
  

How to Handle the Transition

Step 1: Double-check you’re actually impacted

You should’ve gotten (or will soon get) a letter from Aetna saying your plan is ending. If you’re not sure, call them or log into your Marketplace account to confirm.

Step 2: Make a “must-have” list

You’ll have about a month and a half starting in the beginning of November to select a new policy (this period is called Open Enrollment). Before you start clicking around during open enrollment, take 10 minutes to write down:

• The doctors or hospitals you want to keep seeing
• Any prescriptions you take regularly (with dosage)
• What you paid this year in premiums, deductible, and out-of-pocket
• Were there any things about your current policy you wished were different (ex. Lower deductibles, specific doctors in network, etc.)
  

That list is basically your shopping cheat sheet.

Step 3: Finding a plan that feels like your Aetna plan

Think of it like car shopping. You already know what you’ve been driving (your Aetna plan), and now you’re trying to find something with similar features.

Here’s how to get close:

• Start with the metal tier. If you had a Silver plan, shop Silver first. It keeps the costs and coverage roughly in the same ballpark.
  
  
• Match the numbers. Look at deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and copays. Try to find something within the same range as your Aetna plan.
  
  
• Check your doctors. Go to your doctor’s website or call their office and ask: “Which ACA Marketplace plans will you take in 2026?” (This saves a lot of headaches later.)  
  
  • Note - if you have any particular plans you’re thinking about at this point, it’s a good idea to ask about them specifically.
    
• Check your prescriptions. Every insurer has a “formulary” (drug list). Make sure your meds are on it and that the copays look reasonable.
  
  
• Look at the total cost, not just the premium. Sometimes the $50 more expensive plan actually saves you thousands if you use care.
  
  

Pro tip: there are people whose whole profession revolves around making sure people pick the right health plan - and their guidance is free. When in doubt, we always recommend consulting a health insurance broker.

Pro tip 2: it’s never been easier to do your own research. Here’s a guide on how to super charge your search with ChatGPT or other LLMs.

Step 4: Mark your calendar

Open enrollment starts November 1, 2025 this is when you can make your selection for your 2026 health plans. Because Aetna is exiting, you’ll also get a Special Enrollment Period. But don’t wait — the earlier you shop, the less stressful it’ll be.

Step 5: Pick your plan (don’t let the Marketplace pick for you)

If you don’t choose, the Marketplace may auto-assign you into another plan. That’s basically the healthcare equivalent of a blind date. Do yourself a favor and pick something that actually works for you.

A Few Things to Watch Out For

• Narrow networks: Cheaper plan? Great. But double-check your doctor isn’t missing.
  
  
• Drug coverage changes: That $20 copay you loved could turn into $200 if your new plan puts your med on a different tier.
  
  
• Subsidy shifts: The subsidies that lower premiums are set by Congress, and they could look different in 2026.
  

Bottom Line

Yes, losing Aetna is a hassle. But if you know your must-haves, match up your current plan’s features, and shop a little early, you’ll land on your feet. In fact, you might even find a plan that fits you better than the one you’re losing.