Cigna Customers with Connected Pharmacy and Medical Benefits Are More Active in Improving Their Health, Leading to Lower Medical Costs

  • Employers Save Average of $253 Annually for Each Individual Cigna Identifies for a Health Program

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--()--A Cigna (NYSE: CI) study found that customers whose medical and pharmacy benefits are both administered by Cigna are more active in health coaching and case management programs than those with only medical coverage with the company. Increased engagement in managing health conditions is helping to generate medical cost savings for employers of $253 annually, on average, for each individual identified as a candidate for a health improvement program, compared to those employers that have medical benefits with Cigna, but use another pharmacy benefit manager (PBM).

The study found that 12 percent more individuals participate in health coaching and case management programs when their pharmacy and medical benefits are managed together. In addition, 12 percent more individuals complete multiple health improvement activities when working toward their goals.

“Every time a prescription is filled, there is an underlying medical issue. A real-time view of our customers’ health needs across both their pharmacy and medical benefits enables us to more easily identify and support those who need help in managing their health. We’re able to provide personalized guidance to customers on actions that will drive better health – such as improving adherence to their medications – and provide cost savings for them and their employers,” says Scott Josephs, M.D., Cigna national medical officer.

Improved health engagement resulted in even more significant savings for certain medical conditions. Employers saved, on average, $2,816 on annual medical costs for each individual being treated for diabetes who had both pharmacy and medical benefits administered by Cigna.

“Even the best doctors and most effective medicines can only do so much if patients are not also actively involved in improving their health. Under the plans we administer, pharmacy is the most frequently used benefit, and we use those touchpoints to encourage customers to participate in programs available across their benefits. The study helps confirm the added value we can provide to customers and clients when we are able to use this connected approach,” said Jon Maesner, PharmD, Cigna chief pharmacy officer.

The study also found that employers with both pharmacy and medical benefits through Cigna experienced medical cost savings across all their plan members. Overall, employers saved an average of $74 per member per year (PMPY) on medical costs – with greater health program engagement accounting for the majority of these savings.

About the Study

The study examined about 4.8 million de-identified 2016 customer claims from group benefit plans. Approximately half had both medical and pharmacy benefits administered by Cigna while the other half had medical benefits administered by Cigna, but used a different PBM. Customers were matched between the two groups on key attributes, including demographics, health condition, access to health improvement services, plan design and geographies.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. 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 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

Contacts

Cigna Corporation
Karen Eldred, 860-787-7015
karen.eldred@cigna.com

Release Summary

Cigna study finds integrated benefits improve health.

Contacts

Cigna Corporation
Karen Eldred, 860-787-7015
karen.eldred@cigna.com