BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Health
Plan today announced it is significantly expanding access to
covered virtual care services for millions of customers. The
expansion demonstrates the increased pace of innovation that is an
early result of the acquisition of MDLIVE by Evernorth, Cigna's
health services business.
The integrated services will include digital-first primary,
dermatology, behavioral and urgent care. Additionally, MDLIVE
physicians will join Cigna's group of collaborative care providers,
giving them access to patients' health information for a more
connected, coordinated experience.
"With MDLIVE now part of Evernorth, we've fast-tracked our
ability to offer a broader suite of differentiated, future-state
care solutions that make the patient experience easier and more
convenient," said Eric Palmer,
president, Evernorth. "Today's announcement represents a
significant step forward for millions of health plan customers who
will gain on-demand access to a wider range of highly-specialized,
in-network health care professionals."
Improving the Customer Experience
Starting in January 2022, all
Cigna customers who are enrolled in employer-sponsored plans will
have access to MDLIVE's network of virtual primary care providers
for routine care visits, sick visits, prescription refills, or to
follow up on a condition that was not addressed during a wellness
visit.
The expanded access to primary care services is especially
critical given the increasing number of customers who do not have
an existing primary care provider (PCP). This announcement builds
on the successful virtual wellness visit program Cigna and MDLIVE
launched last year. More than 75 percent of Cigna customers who had
an MDLIVE virtual wellness screening in 2020 did not have a PCP –
and two-thirds identified a health condition as a result of the
virtual screening.
"Our customers value convenient access to high quality care and
are increasingly finding virtual care is a great way to meet their
health needs. This substantial expansion in MDLIVE services
provides even more of those choices to our customers," said
Heather Dlugolenski, senior vice
president, solutions, Cigna. "Not only will this give more people
an additional entry point to the health care system, but patients
will be able to build lasting relationships with their preferred
MDLIVE provider just as they would in a traditional office setting.
MDLIVE providers will also have access to comprehensive customer
health information to track patient progress and better manage
care. As necessary, MDLIVE will be able to refer our customers to
high-performing in-network providers."
Additionally, with the average wait time to see a dermatologist
currently at more than 30 days, MDLIVE's virtual dermatology
services will enable Cigna customers to receive feedback from a
health care professional within an average of 15 hours. Virtual
dermatology will be available to customers that receive their
coverage through their employer or the Affordable Care Act
exchanges.
Secure, Coordinated Access to Health Information
During virtual visits, MDLIVE providers will gain secure,
coordinated access to each patient's Cigna health information,
paving the way for more meaningful patient-provider discussions and
informed recommendations. Patients can also be referred to other
in-network specialists, including behavioral care, as well as
receive orders for lab work and biometrics at in-network
facilities.
"Together, we are creating a best-in-class, coordinated virtual
care experience for millions of patients – improving each person's
unique health care journey with support from a wide network of
providers," said Dr. Cynthia Zelis,
chief medical officer at MDLIVE, an Evernorth company.
Virtual-First Health Plans with $0 Copay
Cigna is also launching virtual-first health plans to select
employers. These innovative plans include $0 copays with MDLIVE primary care providers,
comprehensive chronic condition management and care navigation, and
no referral requirements for in-person visits with in-network
health care providers.
"At Cigna, we are constantly innovating our plan designs to meet
the needs of our customers while continuing to make health care
more affordable, predictable and simple," continued Dlugolenski.
"Expanding into virtual-first health plans is the next step in
providing a convenient and comprehensive care experience."
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, Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express
Scripts companies or their affiliates. 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.
Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and
jurisdictions, and has more than 190 million customer relationships
throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®,
including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter,
visit www.cigna.com.
About MDLIVE
MDLIVE, an Evernorth company, is a leading provider of virtual
health care services in the U.S. with more than 60 million members
nationwide. We work with our health plan, health system, and
self-insured employer partners to give patients convenient and
affordable access to the highest quality medical and behavioral
health care, 24/7, from the comfort and safety of their
homes. With a vision and passion for changing health care for
the better, we are working to improve the patient experience, close
the patient-provider accessibility gap, and bring providers
opportunities to augment the services they currently offer. To
learn more about MDLIVE, visit www.MDLIVE.com, download our
app, or text "Sophie" to MDLIVE (635483) to register.
Media Contact
Meaghan MacDonald
1 (860) 840-1212
meaghan.macdonald@cigna.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cigna-makes-on-demand-virtual-care-easier-and-more-convenient-through-expanded-mdlive-services-301408092.html
SOURCE Cigna