RUMOR: I saw on the Neighbor Next Door site that healthcare insurance provider Aetna was pulling out of Arizona, is this true?
TRUTH: Aetna (a subsidiary of CVS Health) is pulling out of certain markets, primarily affecting its Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) individual and family plans and Medicare Advantage plans. The changes take effect in 2026, meaning current coverage continues through December 31st, 2025, but affected enrollees must switch plans during the 2025 Open Enrollment period or a Special Enrollment Period.
This move aligns with industry pullbacks, Humana and Cigna also reduced Medicare footprints for 2025. Experts predict more exits if federal subsidies end or if costs rise further under current policies.
Aetna is fully exiting the Affordable Care Act marketplaces in 17 states, impacting approximately 1 million enrollees. This is Aetna's second departure from the Affordable Care Act (it previously left in 2017–2018 before returning in 2021). The hardest-hit states include Arizona, where Aetna holds a larger market share. CVS Health cited "persistent underperformance" and projected $400–$448 million in losses for 2025 as reasons. Aetna will no longer offer any Affordable Care Act plans in Arizona starting January 1st, 2026.
Affordable Care Act Members should have received a non-renewal notice by September 30th. Alternative plans may be available, but networks could change (e.g., different doctors/hospitals). Subsidies remain enhanced through 2025, but potential 2026 cuts could raise premiums 10–20% or more.
Aetna is discontinuing some Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona for 2026, but this does not represent a full exit from the state. However, the overall number of Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona is decreasing from 149 in 2025 to 133 in 2026, with Aetna contributing to this by dropping underperforming plans—primarily Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) options in select counties.
Medicare Advantage members discontinued plans end December 31st, and you'll default to Original Medicare (Parts A & B only - no extras like dental). Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP: October 15th – December 7th, 2025) for January 1, 2026, coverage, or use a Special Enrollment Period (SEP: December 8th, 2025–February 28th, 2026) if notified of non-renewal.
Aetna estimates 82% of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries nationwide (including AZ) will have a $0-premium plan available. Aetna's 2025 plans already saw 30–50% benefit reductions in some areas due to prior federal adjustments. but unlike some rural counties in other states, Mohave is reportedly not flagged for complete elimination.
You should verify your plan by logging into your Aetna account, or by calling 1-800-872-3862 (ACA) / 1-800-MEDICARE (Medicare) for personalized notices.
Shop Alternatives online at: HealthCare.gov (ACA) or Medicare.gov/PlanFinder (Medicare) starting November 1, 2025. Contact Arizona's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-432-4040 or insurance.az.gov for unbiased counseling. Private brokers can also help.