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.