BLOOMFIELD, Conn., April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In alignment
with ongoing efforts to raise awareness about loneliness and its
impact on health and well-being, Cigna is launching a pilot program
to increase social connectivity among its Medicare Advantage (MA)
customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our deep research into loneliness has shown us the undeniable
correlation between our emotional and physical health," said
Douglas Nemecek, MD, Chief Medical
Officer, Behavioral Health, Cigna. "With so many older Americans
living alone and sheltering in place right now, we want to go the
extra mile to help support, engage and connect with them during
this unprecedented time."
Through the pilot, Cigna is reaching out proactively to many of
its Medicare customers to monitor their general health and
well-being as well as daily needs during COVID-19, including food,
housing and transportation. Customers will be able to opt-in to
receive follow-up calls from the same Cigna representative to help
cultivate meaningful connections. Cigna will also leverage its
comprehensive data and analytics to identify MA customers who may
be at higher risk for health issues and complications for
additional proactive outreach to help answer questions about
COVID-19, conduct regular health checks and triage care to a
medical professional, if necessary. The pilot program will
initially reach 24,000 customers with plans for rapid
expansion.
Cigna colleagues are also supporting efforts to connect with
residents in senior communities, many of which are unable to accept
visitors under COVID-19 containment restrictions. Cigna employees
and their families have created nearly 2,500 homemade cards, which
will be distributed in partnership with Bring Smiles to Seniors to
residents in senior communities across the country. The Cigna
Foundation is providing a grant to the organization to support
their continued efforts to lift the spirits of seniors during this
isolating time.
In addition to sending cards, Cigna is encouraging everyone to
join in its effort to help alleviate feelings of loneliness,
anxiety, and social isolation among seniors at this time by:
- Regularly checking in with older adult friends, neighbors and
family members, through calls or video chat.
- Offering to deliver a meal, run an errand or walk their dog, if
allowed.
- Helping seek medical advice or care if someone is experiencing
physical symptoms or expresses concerns about their mental health
and well-being.
Through its Medicare Advantage plans, Cigna serves more than
500,000 older adults. Three in five American adults (61%) identify
as lonely, according to findings in Cigna's 2020 Loneliness Index,
representing a seven percentage-point increase from 2018.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation is a global health
service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and
peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice,
predictability, affordability and access to quality care through
integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that
advance whole person health. All products and services are provided
exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna
Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company,
Cigna Life Insurance Company of New
York, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Express
Scripts companies or their affiliates, and Life Insurance Company
of North America.
Such products and services include an integrated suite of health
services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy,
vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including
group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains
sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has
more than 170 million customer relationships throughout the world.
To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us
on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ellie Polack
860-902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna