BLOOMFIELD, Conn., May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna today is
launching its new COVID-19 Customer Protection Program to
further safeguard its customers from unexpected costs for COVID-19
care through "surprise" or "balance" bills from out-of-network
health care providers.
"During these unprecedented times, we are standing with our
customers, so those with COVID-19 can focus on fighting this virus
and preventing its spread – not on their medical bills," said
David M. Cordani, president and
chief executive officer, Cigna. "We've taken early, bold actions so
that Cigna customers won't have any out-of-pocket expenses for
COVID-19 related care by our in-network provider partners, and we
are actively working with out-of-network providers to achieve that
same benefit. During this crisis, surprise billing can
jeopardize a family's financial security and there are simply no
excuses for that."
Cigna customers will not pay out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19
related care delivered by an in-network provider anywhere – whether
at an office, an urgent care center, emergency room or through
virtual care.*
The company is taking further action to protect its customers
who receive care from out-of-network providers by advocating that
all health care providers bill reasonable, market-based rates for
COVID-19 related care. Reasonable rates are generally based on what
the federal government pays for care in the geographic area, are in
line with state requirements, and are consistent with what is
considered normal standards of care for COVID-19. Cigna is
reimbursing all providers, both in- and out-of-network, at these
reasonable, market-based rates for COVID-19 care.
Surprise or balance bills can occur when an out-of-network
health care provider bills a patient directly for the portion of
their charges that exceed the fair and reasonable rate. The
Department of Health and Human Services and several state governors
have taken critical steps to prevent COVID-19 surprise bills, and
now Cigna is taking further action to reinforce this protection for
its customers, while ensuring that providers are paid promptly.
Cigna's COVID-19 Customer Protection Program is uniquely
designed to:
- Ensure out-of-network health care providers who are caring for
Cigna customers related to COVID-19 are promptly reimbursed at
reasonable, market-based rates, as applicable.
- Work on behalf of patients to support and resolve any surprise
or balance billing issues by out-of-network providers.
- Report excessive and/or egregious billing practices to state
and federal regulatory officials and associations and to otherwise
exercise full legal options, including appropriate litigation
actions.
- Increase awareness and advocate for broader consumer
protections against surprise billing for COVID-19 and beyond.
"To support the regulatory mandates and remove any remaining
uncertainties that customers may have, Cigna has created additional
safeguards to mitigate the impact of surprise bills," Cordani
continued. "We will partner closely with any Cigna customer who
receives a surprise bill related to COVID-19 care and work to
resolve the issue, so they can have greater peace of mind."
Cigna's COVID-19 cost-share policy applies to customers in
the United States who are covered
under Cigna's employer/union sponsored insured group health plans,
insured plans for U.S. based globally mobile individuals, Medicare
Advantage and Individual and Family Plans (IFP). Cigna has also
administered the protections to self-insured group health plans and
the company encourages widespread participation, although these
plans have the opportunity to opt-out if they choose.
To help reduce the risk of a surprise bill, Cigna customers can
use the myCigna® mobile app or call the number on the back of
their card to identify in-network health care providers, before
seeking care. Customers who receive a surprise bill should call the
number on the back of their card for immediate support and
guidance.
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 180 million customer relationships
throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®,
including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit
www.cigna.com.
* The treatments that Cigna will cover for
COVID-19 are those covered under Medicare or other applicable state
regulations.
Media Contact
Ellie Polack
1 (860) 902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna