If you’re shopping for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance, Cigna and Bright Health are two providers that might appear in your state’s Marketplace. While both offer affordable plans focused on individual and family coverage, they differ significantly in terms of availability, provider networks, benefits, and reliability.
In this detailed comparison of Cigna vs Bright Health Insurance, we’ll break down key factors including plan types, premiums, networks, technology tools, and member experience, helping you decide which provider is better suited to your needs in 2025.
Company Overview
Cigna
Cigna Healthcare is a global health insurance company with a long-standing presence in employer health, Medicare Advantage, and ACA Marketplace plans. As of 2025, Cigna offers Marketplace plans in multiple states with a strong reputation for network quality and preventive care.
Highlights:
- Serves millions of Americans across individual, group, and Medicare plans
- Marketplace plans offered in 15+ states
- Known for strong national pharmacy partnerships
- Offers broad provider networks, even in ACA plans
Bright Health
Bright Health was founded in 2016 and quickly became one of the fastest-growing ACA insurers. However, after facing financial and operational challenges, Bright Health significantly scaled back its operations and exited the ACA Market in most states by 2024, maintaining a limited presence through Bright HealthCare’s Florida-based Medicare Advantage subsidiary.
Highlights (as of 2025):
- Exited individual ACA markets in most states
- May offer Medicare Advantage or limited individual plans in specific counties (Florida, Texas, etc.)
- Previously known for low-cost EPO plans
- Digital-first approach with narrow, curated networks
Availability (2025)
| Feature | Cigna | Bright Health |
| ACA Plans | Yes – in 15+ states | Limited to very few regions only |
| Medicare Advantage Plans | Yes – available in multiple states | May still offer MA in parts of Florida |
| National Coverage | Strong national brand | Limited or inactive in most markets |
| Recent Stability | Stable with plan expansions | Scaled back operations significantly |
Verdict: Cigna wins hands down on availability and market stability. Bright Health has pulled out of most ACA markets and operates in a limited capacity.
Plan Types & Features
Cigna ACA Plans:
- Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers
- $0 virtual care visits through MDLIVE
- Prescription drug coverage with broad retail access
- Behavioral health and wellness incentives
- 24/7 nurse line and mobile app
Bright Health (when available):
- Focused on EPO plans only (no out-of-network coverage)
- Limited provider networks with select hospital partners
- Digital-first care coordination
- Virtual care and primary care apps
Verdict: Cigna offers more robust plan options and extra benefits, while Bright Health’s EPO structure and narrow networks limited flexibility even before their scale-back.
Cost Comparison (ACA Plans 2025, if Bright Health is available)
| Cost Category | Cigna (Average) | Bright Health (Average) |
| Monthly Premiums | $0 – $450 (with subsidies) | $0 – $400 (when available) |
| Deductibles | $1,000 – $7,500 | $1,200 – $7,000 |
| Primary Care Copays | $0 – $30 | $0 – $20 |
| Specialist Copays | $40 – $70 | $30 – $60 |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | $4,000 – $9,450 | $5,000 – $9,100 |
Verdict: Bright Health historically offered lower-cost plans, but Cigna provides more stability, wider access, and better customer support.
Provider Network & Access
| Category | Cigna | Bright Health |
| Primary Care Network | Broad, includes large hospital systems | Narrow, curated hospital partners only |
| Specialist Access | Easy access, referrals vary by plan | Limited to in-network only |
| Pharmacy Network | Major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) | Limited retail partnerships |
| Virtual Care | Free 24/7 MDLIVE access | Available via digital apps |
Verdict: Cigna provides better provider flexibility and pharmacy choice, making it more dependable for complex or chronic care needs.
Member Experience & Tools
| Feature | Cigna | Bright Health (when active) |
| Mobile App | Yes – includes claims, ID card, Rx | Yes – highly rated for virtual care |
| Telehealth | Free for most plans | Included |
| Wellness Rewards | Available in some states | Limited or discontinued |
| Customer Support | 24/7 helpline and local brokers | Mixed reviews; support scaled back |
Verdict: Cigna leads in member support and long-term reliability. Bright Health’s tech-driven model was appealing, but lack of consistency impacted satisfaction.
Pros and Cons
Cigna
Pros:
- Stable, nationwide brand with ACA, Medicare, and group plans
- Broad provider and pharmacy networks
- Free virtual care and strong digital tools
- Consistent customer service and wellness features
Cons:
- Slightly higher premiums in some regions
- ACA availability is state-specific
Bright Health (when available)
Pros:
- Historically low premiums and copays
- Digital-first approach with good telehealth integration
- Simple EPO plan structures for healthy individuals
Cons:
- Exited most ACA markets
- Narrow networks and no out-of-network coverage
- Financial instability and service reduction
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cigna if:
- You want a reliable, nationally trusted insurer
- You prefer broad provider networks and pharmacy access
- You value virtual care, behavioral health, and full-service support
Choose Bright Health if (still available in your area):
- You’re looking for a low-cost, virtual-first plan
- You don’t mind a narrow provider network
- You qualify for a heavily subsidized ACA plan and Bright is still active locally
For 2025, Cigna is the stronger, more stable, and more widely available health insurance provider. While Bright Health once competed well on price and simplicity, its recent market exits and limited footprint make it a less dependable choice for new enrollees.
If Bright is still available in your ZIP code, compare carefully using Healthcare.gov, but for most consumers, Cigna offers better long-term reliability, support, and care access.