Cigna entering ACA exchanges in three new states in 2023

Photo: John Fedele/Getty Images

Health insurer Cigna will be expanding the reach of its ACA Marketplace exchange plans during the upcoming Open Enrollment period that begins in November. Cigna health plans will be available on the individual exchange in three new states – Texas, Indiana and South Carolina – as well as in additional counties in Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina.

According to Charles Berg, president of Cigna's U.S. Government business, the expansion was spurred in part by what the company perceives as " a significant need for a competitive and sustainable individual market."

With the expansion, which is still pending final regulatory approvals, Cigna will offer individual and family plans on the individual exchanges in 363 counties spanning 16 states – Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. 

These new markets have the potential to reach about 730,000 additional customers in 2023, the insurer said.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT

New for 2023, members will have access to MDLIVE's primary care physician network for routine visits via video at any time. MDLIVE provides 24/7 virtual care. Its network includes access to virtual dermatology and virtual behavioral healthcare. Members will also have access to $0 virtual urgent-acute care and $0 virtual wellness screenings through the platform.

Cigna said that all plans offer $0 preventive care, while select plans will offer a $0 deductible or $0 copays on various benefits. Members on select plans will have a predictable copay for outpatient labs exams, regardless of whether they have met their deductible, Cigna said.

For prescription drugs, plans will feature copays ranging from $0-$3 for preferred generics and access to Cigna's Patient Assurance Program, which caps insulin costs at $25 per month for a 30-day supply.

In most markets, members can receive 30-day and 90-day retail prescriptions through the Walgreens Advantage Network, a network of 43,000 independent pharmacies anchored by Walgreens.

Cigna's 2023 plans will also include digital tools, including the myCigna mobile app and Cigna One Guide, which provide proactive and personalized support on questions regarding plans, ways to save money and identifying high-quality care providers.

The 2023 Open Enrollment Period runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, 2023. Health plans purchased by Dec. 15 during the Open Enrollment Period are effective Jan. 1, 2023.

THE LARGER TREND

Cigna expanded its Medicare Advantage plans this year. It's 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.

ON THE RECORD

"By continuing to expand and enhance our individual and family plans, more people will have access to quality, affordable care that supports whole-person health," said Lisa Lough, president of Cigna's Individual and Family Plans business.
 

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com