Cigna expands its Affordable Care Act footprint
Expansion increases customer reach by 50% over last year, adding close to 80 new counties.
Cigna is expanding its Affordable Care Act footprint to 79 new counties for a reach that will increase its ACA footprint to 50% more consumers than in 2020.
In total in 2021, Cigna will be offering individual and family plans on the individual exchanges in 220 counties spanning 10 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Cigna said its plans will include a number of features that are expected to lower out-of-pocket costs. One is a real-time benefit-check program that will allow doctors to know the cost of treatment options during an appointment with a Cigna customer.
Digital interactions such as the myCigna mobile app and Cigna One Guide, help consumers find the most cost-effective providers.
The benefits of most plans are virtual care at $0, including for behavioral health; $0 benefits for diabetes equipment and additional supplies; and coverage for holistic services, including acupuncture, in select counties.
These benefits are on top of enhancements added last year, such as the Patient Assurance Program to cap insulin costs at $25 per month for a 30-day supply of covered eligible insulin and access to a customer loyalty program in most markets that rewards healthy activities.
THE LARGER TREND
As the November 1 enrollment data approaches, insurers are expanding their offerings even as uncertainty reigns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Trump Administration wants the Supreme Court to rule the ACA unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court has the case scheduled for the week after the November 3 presidential election.
The 2021 open enrollment period runs from November 1 through December 15. Health plans purchased during OEP are effective January 1, 2021.
People in Colorado may enroll in a plan on the state's health insurance marketplace, where open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2021.
ON THE RECORD
Brian Evanko, president of Cigna's government business, said, "We have maintained a continuous and growing presence in the individual exchanges since their launch in 2014, and are excited by the opportunity to serve even more customers in 2021 and beyond."
Lisa Lough, president of Cigna's Individual and Family Plans business, said, "Our plans on the individual exchange are designed with an understanding of our customers' needs and preferences for their health care, delivered in a collaborative relationship with physician partners across the country – many of whom are in value-based care arrangements."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
