Cigna Distributes Grants to 22 Nonprofits Focused on Youth Mental Health
Cigna is distributing about $3 million to 22 nonprofits addressing youth mental health. Over the next three years, the company is allocating $9 million total.
Cigna Addresses Health Disparities Through $9M Commitment
Cigna announced the launch of the Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund and committed $9 million on Monday. It will focus on health disparities in Houston, Texas, and Hartford, Connecticut.
Health Executives on Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Hear executives from Quantum Health, Surescripts, EY, Clinical Architecture and Personify Health share their views on digital transformation in healthcare.
Healthcare Moves: A Monthly Summary of Hires and Layoffs
Here is a selection of recent executive hires, promotions and layoffs occurring across the healthcare industry.
AHA Urges Labor Department to Investigate MultiPlan’s ‘Unconscionable Practices’
Following an extensive investigative report from the New York Times, the AHA is calling for the Labor Department to probe into the business practices of data analytics firm MultiPlan. The report revealed that MultiPlan works with major payers to negotiate reduced reimbursements for out-of-network medical providers — and that this practice ends up costing patients and employers.
Cigna, HelloFresh Team Up To Improve Access to Healthy Food
Through a new partnership, up to 12 million members of Cigna’s employer customers will gain access to HelloFresh’s meals at a discounted rate. Cigna and HelloFresh are also partnering to provide free meal kits to those battling food insecurity in local communities.
Cigna MA Sale to HCSC Could Still Clear Way for Humana Acquisition, Expert Says
Despite Cigna and Humana ditching their pursuits to combine in December, one industry expert believes there's still a chance after Cigna announced its plan to sell its Medicare Advantage business to Health Care Service Corp.
The Funding Model for Cancer Innovation is Broken — We Can Fix It
Closing cancer health equity gaps require medical breakthroughs made possible by new funding approaches.
Expert: The Rumored Humana/Cigna Combination Makes Sense
With Cigna mostly focused on the commercial market and Humana mostly focused on the Medicare Advantage market, the rumored combination rumors check out, according to one industry expert.
Did Cigna Deserve its $172M Penalty?
Cigna recently agreed to pay $172 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act. One expert said this is just a small part of the problem, while another called for more clarity from the government.
Cigna Cuts 25% of Medical Services from Prior Authorization Requirements
Cigna removed 25% of medical services from prior authorization requirements. This represents more than 600 codes, and includes 100 surgical codes, nearly 200 genetic testing codes, durable medical equipment, orthoses and prosthetics and other services, said Dr. Scott Josephs, chief medical officer of Cigna Healthcare.
Payers Can Reform Prior Authorization to Make it Faster, Smoother But Will It Satisfy the AMA?
In a recent interview, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, the president-elect at the American Medical Association, outlined how the major pain point of physicians has gone from the EHR to prior authorizations requests. But none of the individual efforts that payers are making is enough.
Reducing Clinical and Staff Burnout with AI Automation
As technology advances, AI-powered tools will increasingly reduce the administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
Express Scripts Launches New Solutions To Advance Drug Price Transparency
Express Scripts released several new solutions last week that aim to improve drug price transparency, including a cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for consumers. The news comes amid increasing scrutiny against pharmacy benefit managers.
Ohio Sues Express Scripts, Cigna, Prime Therapeutics and Humana Calling PBMs “Modern Gangsters”
The complaint alleges multiple violations of the Valentine Act, Ohio’s antitrust law, which prohibits price fixing, controlled sales and other agreements that restrain trade and hurt competition. David Yost, the attorney general decried the practices of PBMs saying that they hurt everyday Ohioans dependent on life-saving drugs like insulin.
Cigna Adds ReKlame Health to Network to Advance Mental Healthcare for BIPOC Communities
By joining Cigna’s network, ReKlame’s services are now available to members in New York, New Jersey and Florida. The company is focused on serving underrepresented communities and treats several conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, trauma and mood disorders.
Evernorth Adds Brightline to Network to Advance Behavioral Health Services for Families
Brightline’s services are now available to all of Evernorth’s employer clients across all 50 states, as well as Cigna’s customers who receive health coverage through their employer or marketplace exchange plans. These services include educational content about mental health concerns, interactive exercises, one-on-one coaching and care with therapists and psychiatrists.
Evernorth Discovers 314% Year-over-year Increase in Flu Med Prescriptions
The Evernorth report also found that there is a higher prevalence of flu medication prescriptions among children and people living the South. Employers and payers have a responsibility to encourage people to get vaccinated, said Urvashi Patel, vice president of the Evernorth Research Institute.