{"id":13030,"date":"2024-09-21T02:55:46","date_gmt":"2024-09-21T02:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/?p=13030"},"modified":"2024-09-21T02:55:46","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T02:55:46","slug":"cigna-healthcare-medicare-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/cigna-healthcare-medicare-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"Cigna Healthcare Delivers Improved Medicare Coverage Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div id=\"rank-math-toc\" class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block has-pale-ocean-gradient-background has-background\"><nav>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#introduction\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#cignas-decision-to-reduce-medicare-advantage-offerings\">Cigna&#8217;s Decision to Reduce Medicare Advantage Offerings<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#hmo-and-ppo-plan-reductions\">HMO and PPO Plan Reductions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#states-impacted-by-cignas-market-exit\">States Impacted by Cigna&#8217;s Market Exit<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#detailed-overview-of-affected-states\">Detailed Overview of Affected States<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#1-colorado\">1. Colorado<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#2-florida\">2. Florida<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#3-illinois\">3. Illinois<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#4-missouri\">4. Missouri<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#5-north-carolina\">5. North Carolina<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#6-tennessee\">6. Tennessee<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#7-texas\">7. Texas<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#8-utah\">8. Utah<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#reasons-behind-cignas-medicare-advantage-exits\">Reasons Behind Cigna\u2019s Medicare Advantage Exits<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#impact-on-members-and-alternatives-available\">Impact on Members and Alternatives Available<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions-fa-qs\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#1-why-is-cigna-exiting-certain-medicare-advantage-markets\">1. Why is Cigna exiting certain Medicare Advantage markets?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#2-how-will-this-affect-my-medicare-advantage-coverage\">2. How will this affect my Medicare Advantage coverage?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#3-what-should-i-do-if-im-affected-by-cignas-exit\">3. What should I do if I\u2019m affected by Cigna\u2019s exit?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#4-are-there-alternative-medicare-advantage-plans-available\">4. Are there alternative Medicare Advantage plans available?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/nav><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cigna Healthcare, one of the largest health insurers in the United States, has announced its plan to trim Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings in eight states by 2025. This move, reported by <a href=\"https:\/\/pfsinsurance.com\/about\/news\/medicare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinnacle Financial Services<\/a> on September 18, 2024, involves either completely exiting certain markets or reducing service areas in select regions. The decision will impact 36 Medicare Advantage plans, affecting about 5,400 members across several counties. With these changes, Cigna aims to consolidate its offerings, particularly in areas with low membership or where alternative plans are readily available.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"cignas-decision-to-reduce-medicare-advantage-offerings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cigna&#8217;s Decision to Reduce Medicare Advantage Offerings<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As part of its strategic realignment for 2025, Cigna is making significant adjustments to its Medicare Advantage portfolio. While Cigna continues to maintain a robust presence in the Medicare sector, the company has chosen to exit certain low-performing markets where there are alternative plans available for consumers. The changes primarily affect Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans in specific counties across eight states.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"hmo-and-ppo-plan-reductions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">HMO and PPO Plan Reductions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cigna.com\/medicare\/shop-plans\/medicare-advantage\/additional-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cigna\u2019s decision<\/a> includes reductions in both PPO and HMO Medicare Advantage plans. PPO plans offer members more flexibility by allowing them to see any doctor, whether they are in the network or not, but typically at a higher cost. HMO plans, on the other hand, require members to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialists, but usually provide more affordable premiums. The decision to cut plans in certain areas stems from low enrollment numbers or competitive alternatives in those markets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"states-impacted-by-cignas-market-exit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">States Impacted by Cigna&#8217;s Market Exit<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The eight states affected by Cigna&#8217;s Medicare Advantage service reductions for 2025 are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>1. Colorado<br \/>2. Florida<br \/>3. Illinois<br \/>4. Missouri<br \/>5. North Carolina<br \/>6. Tennessee<br \/>7. Texas<br \/>8. Utah<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While some counties will see a full market exit, others will experience only service area reductions. Below is a detailed overview of the specific regions and plans impacted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"detailed-overview-of-affected-states\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Detailed Overview of Affected States<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"1-colorado\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Colorado<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In Colorado, Cigna is discontinuing PPO plans in La Plata and Montezuma counties. This change will affect fewer than 500 members, who will need to seek alternative coverage options for 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"2-florida\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Florida<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Florida will see one of the largest impacts, with Cigna ending PPO plans across the state. This will affect approximately 4,000 Medicare Advantage members, making it the state with the highest number of impacted individuals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"3-illinois\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Illinois<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In Illinois, Cigna will no longer offer PPO plans in DeKalb County. Additionally, HMO plans will be discontinued in Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. The combination of these changes affects a considerable number of members across the state.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"4-missouri\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Missouri<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Missouri will experience exits from Medicare Advantage markets in Franklin and Clinton counties. While the number of members affected in these counties is not as significant as in Florida, it represents a broader trend of Cigna\u2019s reduction in smaller, less competitive markets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"5-north-carolina\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. North Carolina<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In North Carolina, Cigna is exiting Caldwell County, which will affect a smaller number of Medicare Advantage members. However, alternative MA plans are expected to be available for those impacted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"6-tennessee\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Tennessee<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Tennessee will see reductions in PPO services in Hawkins and Obion counties. Like other states, the decision reflects the low membership numbers in these counties and the availability of competitive alternatives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"7-texas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Texas<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cigna is reducing its PPO service offerings in Aransas and Walker counties in Texas. As in other regions, the impact on membership is relatively small, and alternative Medicare Advantage plans will be available.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"8-utah\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Utah<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In Utah, Cigna is discontinuing its HMO plans in Utah County. This decision affects approximately 570 members, who will need to switch to other available plans for their Medicare Advantage coverage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"reasons-behind-cignas-medicare-advantage-exits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reasons Behind Cigna\u2019s Medicare Advantage Exits<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cigna&#8217;s decision to reduce its Medicare Advantage offerings is primarily driven by the need to optimize resources and focus on markets where it has a strong presence. Several key factors influencing this move include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&#8211; Low Membership: In most of the counties affected, Cigna had a relatively low number of enrollees, making it financially challenging to maintain those plans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&#8211; Competitive Alternatives: Many of the markets have other Medicare Advantage plans available, allowing Cigna to exit without leaving members without coverage options.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&#8211; Cost Control: By trimming offerings in less profitable regions, Cigna can focus on improving and expanding its services in areas with higher membership and potential for growth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"impact-on-members-and-alternatives-available\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Impact on Members and Alternatives Available<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The 5,400 Medicare Advantage members affected by these changes will have the opportunity to enroll in alternative plans offered by other insurers. Cigna has made efforts to ensure that the impacted markets have sufficient coverage options, minimizing disruptions for its members.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For those in affected counties, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will provide an opportunity to switch plans or review their healthcare coverage options. Members should carefully evaluate the alternatives available and ensure that they select a plan that meets their healthcare needs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-fa-qs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"1-why-is-cigna-exiting-certain-medicare-advantage-markets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Why is Cigna exiting certain MA markets?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cigna is trimming its Medicare Advantage offerings to focus on areas where it has a stronger presence and to better allocate resources. The exits are primarily in markets with low membership or where there are alternative plans available.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"2-how-will-this-affect-my-medicare-advantage-coverage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. How will this affect my MA coverage?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you are in one of the impacted counties, you will need to select an alternative plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. Cigna will no longer offer its Medicare Advantage plans in those areas starting in 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"3-what-should-i-do-if-im-affected-by-cignas-exit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. What should I do if I\u2019m affected by Cigna\u2019s exit?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If your plan is being discontinued, review other Medicare Advantage options available in your area. You can explore plans from other insurers during the Annual Enrollment Period to ensure uninterrupted coverage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 id=\"4-are-there-alternative-medicare-advantage-plans-available\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Are there alternative Medicare Advantage plans available?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Yes, in most of the affected areas, there are alternative Medicare Advantage plans available from other insurers. Be sure to review these options during the Annual Enrollment Period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cigna\u2019s decision to trim its Medicare Advantage offerings in eight states reflects a strategic shift to optimize resources and focus on profitable markets. While approximately 5,400 members will be affected, alternative coverage options are available in the majority of impacted areas. Members should take advantage of the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period to explore new plans and ensure they continue receiving the care they need under Medicare Advantage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">Discover the latest <a id=\"menur81\" class=\"fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/\" href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link payers&#039; news updates\"><strong>payers&#8217; news updates<\/strong><\/a> with a single click. 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Join our community today!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Cigna Healthcare, one of the largest health insurers in the United States, has announced its plan to trim Medicare&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/cigna-healthcare-medicare-coverage\/\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Continue Reading <i class=\"fas fa-long-arrow-alt-right\" style=\"vertical-align: middle;\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13031,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[459],"class_list":{"0":"post-13030","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-distilinfo-originals","8":"tag-cigna-healthcare","9":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13030"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13030"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13030\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13034,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13030\/revisions\/13034"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13030"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13030"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/distilinfo.com\/healthplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}