Cigna expands Medicare Advantage plans for third consecutive year
Cigna has increased its geographic presence in MA by 80% since 2019, with plans in 477 counties across 26 states.
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For the third straight year, health insurer Cigna is expanding its Medicare Advantage plans, growing into 108 new counties and three new states – Connecticut, Oregon and Washington – which will increase its geographic presence by nearly 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.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
During the 2022 Medicare Annual Election Period, Cigna customers will be offered plans with benefits such as $0 copays for primary care, behavioral health and physical therapy in a virtual setting. While there will be at least one $0 premium MA plan available in every market – similar to 2021 – most MA customers with a premium will pay the same or reduced premiums compared to last year, the insurer said.
Cigna is also rolling out benefits aimed at seniors, such as the Social Connection Program, which gives some MA customers access to a partner who can help with daily living activities such as meal prep, transportation or chores, or just spend time talking or watching a movie.
The company is also adding the Senior Savings Model to a number of its MA plans for 2022, which caps the price of insulin at $35 per month for customers in those plans regardless of their coverage phase.
In select Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP), Cigna is offering customers a debit card they can use to pay for certain expenses. The card is replenished monthly and the maximum amount varies by plan. Select DSNP plans also offer $0 copays for all covered drugs to customers who qualify for any level of low-income subsidy.
Cigna also offers Medicare Supplement plans in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Medicare Supplement insurance helps pay for what Original Medicare doesn't cover, including copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
The AEP begins on October 15 and continues through December 7. Most plans purchased during AEP are effective January 1, 2022.
THE LARGER TREND
The average premium for Medicare Advantage plans will be lower in 2022 at $19 per month, compared to $21.22 in 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, though Part D coverage is rising to $33 per month, compared to $31.47 in 2021.
The agency released the 2022 premiums, deductibles and other key information for Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans in advance of the annual Medicare open enrollment, which begins on October 15 and ends on December 7.
Enrollment in MA continues to increase, CMS said. In 2022, it's projected to reach 29.5 million people compared to 26.9 million enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2021.
As for Cigna, it announced in August that it will expand its presence on the Affordable Care Act's exchanges, pushing into markets in three new states for the 2022 plan year.
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com
