What is Cigna?
Cigna is a global health services company that offers health, dental, prescription drug, disability, and life insurance products, as well as other related services such as health coaching and wellness programs. The company serves individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes, and is headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Cigna offers Medicare Advantage plans in over 15 States. Cigna owns Express Scripts and offers Part D Prescription Drug plans in all 50 States.
What is Cigna Medicare?
Cigna Medicare is a line of health insurance plans specifically designed for individuals who are eligible for Medicare benefits. These products include Medicare Advantage plans, which are an alternative to Original Medicare and often include additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, provide the same benefits as Original Medicare but may also offer additional benefits such as vision, dental and hearing coverage, as well as wellness programs. Cigna Medicare Advantage plans are typically provided through a network of healthcare providers that have agreed to accept a lower reimbursement rate from Cigna in exchange for providing services at a lower cost to the patient.
Cigna also offers Medicare Supplement plans, which are designed to supplement Original Medicare and fill in some of the gaps in coverage. These plans, also known as Medigap plans, help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
What are the Benefits of a Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan?
A Cigna Medicare Advantage plan, also known as a Medicare Part C plan, is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private insurance companies that provides the same benefits as Original Medicare and may also offer additional benefits. The specific benefits of a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan will vary depending on the plan, but some common benefits include:
- Additional coverage: Cigna Medicare Advantage plans may include additional coverage for services such as vision, dental, and hearing, which may not be covered by Original Medicare.
- Prescription drug coverage: Many Cigna Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, which is also known as Medicare Part D coverage.
- Lower out-of-pocket costs: Cigna Medicare Advantage plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs for services covered under Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- Network of providers: Cigna Medicare Advantage plans typically have a network of healthcare providers that have agreed to accept a lower reimbursement rate from Cigna in exchange for providing services at a lower cost to the patient.
- Wellness programs: Some Cigna Medicare Advantage plans may also offer wellness programs and health coaching services to help individuals stay healthy and manage chronic conditions.
- No Network Provider Penalty: Some Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have no network provider penalty, meaning that you won't be charged extra if you go out of network for certain services.
It's important to note that Cigna Medicare Advantage plans may have different cost-sharing, benefits, and provider networks compared to Original Medicare, so it's important to compare options and carefully review the details before enrolling.
How Do I Know If My Doctor Accepts Cigna Medicare
To check if your doctor will accept Cigna Medicare, you can do the following:
- Visit the Cigna website: Go to the Cigna website and navigate to the "Find a Doctor" or "Provider Directory" section. Here, you can search for providers who participate in Cigna's Medicare Advantage and/or Medicare Supplement plans.
- Call Cigna's customer service: You can also call Cigna's customer service and ask if your doctor is in-network for their Medicare plans. They will be able to confirm whether or not the doctor is contracted with Cigna and therefore, if they will accept Cigna Medicare.
- Ask your doctor's office: You can also contact your doctor's office directly and ask if they accept Cigna Medicare. They should be able to tell you if they participate in Cigna's Medicare network.
- Check the provider directory: Cigna Medicare plans also have a provider directory, a list of the healthcare providers and facilities that have contracted to accept the plan's payments for covered services. You can check the provider directory that is available in the plan's materials or on the plan's website to see if your doctor is listed.
It's important to note that provider networks can change periodically, so it's always a good idea to check with your doctor directly or with Cigna to confirm that they still accept Cigna Medicare before scheduling any appointments.
Additional Resources
Learn More About Cigna Medicare
https://www.cigna.com/medicare/
Last updated: January 25, 2023