Charles Berg to join Cigna, lead its Medicare Advantage expansion

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Cigna has announced that longtime healthcare executive Charles "Chuck" Berg has joined the company as president of its U.S. Government business and senior advisor, a role that will task him with guiding the expansion of Cigna's Medicare Advantage and Individual and Family Plan businesses.

He'll also join the company's enterprise leadership team, reporting directly to Cigna Chairman and CEO David Cordani.

In a statement, Cordani said Cigna's portfolio of government businesses poises the company for growth, and Berg's leadership is expected to bring a sharper focus on that growth strategy through geographic expansion, enhancements to the product suite and leveraging the capabilities of Evernorth, a wholly owned Cigna subsidiary that represents a new brand for the company's health services portfolio.

"I look forward to working closely with Chuck and am confident he will be a valuable asset to our team as we realize our vision to transform healthcare," said Cordani.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Berg has served as executive chair of DaVita Medical Group, a value-based medical group that was acquired by Optum, and as executive chairman of WellCare Health Plans, a provider of managed care services for government-sponsored healthcare programs. 

Prior to WellCare, he served as the chief executive officer of Oxford Health Plans, and became an executive at UnitedHealth Group following its acquisition of Oxford. Berg also serves on the Board of Directors for numerous healthcare companies, including DaVita, CareCentrix and Talkspace, among others. 

Additionally, he is a member of the Operating Council of Consonance Capital Partners, a healthcare-focused private equity firm.

THE LARGER TREND

Berg's charge to lead Cigna's Medicare Advantage expansion comes as the company has grown its MA offerings to 108 new counties and three new states, Connecticut, Oregon and Washington, as of October 2021. This is expected to increase its geographic footprint by about 30%.

As part of the expansion, Cigna said most current customers will pay the same or lower premiums, and promised that every market will have at least one $0 premium plan. Other benefits will include a social connection program to combat loneliness, customized plans for people with diabetes, and incentives for annual wellness exams and other preventive care.

Cigna has increased its geographic presence in MA by 80% since 2019, the insurer said. The company now offers plans in 477 counties across 26 states and the District of Columbia.

ON THE RECORD

"I am excited to be joining Cigna at this pivotal time to lead the company's government-sponsored healthcare businesses, building on the strength of their deep network of provider relationships, high consumer ratings, and a wide range of best-in-class, affordable products for seniors and local market exchange customers," said Berg. "The highly talented and motivated individuals supporting these businesses are relentlessly focused on our customers, and I'm honored to be working alongside them."
 

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Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com