Health insurer Cigna is facilitating an expansion of its Medicare Advantage plans, for the third consecutive year. This endeavor will expand Cigna into 108 counties and 3 states – Washington, Connecticut, and Oregon. The expansion will increase Cigna’s geographical presence by around 30%.
As a part of its expansion, Cigna said that most existing customers will be allowed to pay the same or lower premiums, and assured that each market will possess a minimum of one USD 0 premium plan. Other advantages are inclusive of tailormade blueprints for people with diabetes, a social connectivity program to deal with loneliness, and incentives for yearly wellness examinations & preventive upkeep.
Since 2019, Cigna has expanded its geographic presence in Medicare Advantage by 80%. The firm now serves plans across 26 states (in 477 countries) and the District of Columbia.
Cigna’s influence through the Medicare Advantage expansion
Cigna customers will be served plans with advantages like USD 0 co-pays for preliminary care, physical therapy, and behavioral health in a virtual setup, during the 2022 Medicare Annual Election Period. At least one USD 0 premium Medicare Advantage plan will be accessible in every market. However, most Medicare Advantage customers with a premium will transact the same or diminished premiums compared to 2020, the health insurer indicated.
Cigna is also delivering benefits to senior citizens, like the Social Connection Program, which provides access to a partner who can aid in everyday activities like transportation, meal prep, spending time talking or watching a film, and chores.
The health insurer is also including the Senior Savings Model in a plethora of its Medicare Advantage plans for 2022, which covers the price of insulin at USD 35 every month for consumers in plans irrespective of their coverage phase.
In specific Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP), the health insurer is providing consumers with a debit card that they can utilize to perform certain transactions. The card is reloaded every month and the maximum amount depends on the plans that are offered. Certain DSNPs also provide USD 0 co-pays for all covered medicines to customers who are eligible for any level of low-income subsidy.