Cigna Health Insurance Review • Pros, Cons & More – Benzinga
While Cigna does have great rates and offers not only private health insurance through the Marketplace but Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans as well, the only type of private insurance plans they offer is EPO. Just like an HMO, an EPO means you must stay in-network to take advantage of your plan. Any medical procedures or doctor’s appointments you make out of network will have to be paid out of your own pocket.
Cigna does offer, however, through Medicare, Special Needs Plans (SNPs). SNP plans include:
Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people with both Medicare and Medicaid Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNP) for members with diabetes and heart diseaseInstitutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) for people who live in long-term facilities or need the type of care usually delivered by a nursing home
The company also offers three types of stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs). These stand-alone prescription drug plans are meant to bridge the gap for medications that fall in between the cracks. Stand-alone drug plans work alongside Medicare Parts A and B and include:
Rx Secure: Rx Secure from Cigna provides basic coverage with low monthly premiums for generic drugs and insulin. This plan is ideal for people on the Medicare Extra Help Program.Rx Secure-Essential: Rx Secure-Essential combines modest coverage with low premiums and low costs on most generic drugs.Rx Secure-Extra: Rx Secure-Extra provides a high level of coverage at higher monthly rates but with low out-of-pocket expense. This coverage is more comprehensive than the other two.
Offers HMO?Group policies onlyOffers PPO?Group policies onlyOffers EPO?YesOffers POS?No
Which states is Cigna Health Insurance available in?
Cigna offers medical plans in 12 states and dental plans in 49. Cigna offers health insurance in 8 states on the Marketplace.
Medical plans — AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, MD, MO, NC, SC, TN, TXDental plans — 49 states plus D.C.; not available in WAMarketplace plans — AZ, CO, FL, GA, MD, MO, TN, TX
Cigna gets high marks for health insurance customer service. Not only does it offer 24/7 telehealth services, customers can choose from a virtual treasure-trove of helpful information on the company website and its mobile app. Services include:
Get an ID cardFile a claimView claims and EOBsCheck coverage under My PlanSee prescription drug listFind an in-network providerFind a healthcare form
Cigna Health Insurance scores a 1.04 on the NAIC Complaint Index, where a score of 1.0 rates average. In past years, the company scored better with an average of 0.88 in 2017.
BBB RatingA-AM Best RatingANAIC Complaint Index1.04Moody’s RatingA2J.D. Power Rating730/1000 (Southwest)
If it’s low prices you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Average premiums for the four tier plans range anywhere from $268 to $968 per month for ages 21-60. Monthly premiums by tier (ages 21 and 60) average:
Bronze – $268-$730Expanded Bronze – $286-$775Silver – $342-$929Gold – $357-$968
Getting a Cigna quote is as easy as logging onto any health insurance quote website. Because Cigna is sold through the Marketplace, quotes are available from a vast array of websites, insurance agents or at healthcare.gov.
Maximum Annual out of Pocket$8,700 for individual
$17,400 for familyMinimum Deductible$2,000 for individual
$4,000 for family
Cigna Health Insurance is offered through the Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. Applications are accepted during the period of open enrollment only, unless otherwise by special circumstance. Applications can also be taken by insurance agents or on the Cigna company website.
Plans that are effective January 1 have an open enrollment period from November 1 to December 15. Special enrollment is available if you recently lost your healthcare because of COVID-19 to another major life event in the past 60 days. Qualifying major life events include:
Getting married or divorcedLosing your employer-based health insurance coverageLosing your Medicaid or CHIP coverageMarketplace subsidies qualifications changedMoving to another state where your health insurance carrier is not offered
Cigna Health Insurance vs Competitors
While not available in all 50 states, still Cigna makes up for lack of availability with rock-bottom pricing. When comparing Cigna Health Insurance in Illinois, for example, Cigna beats the competition.
Compare Cigna with Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois and the Celtic Insurance Company. For age 21, Cigna averages monthly premiums at $319 per month, compared to $417 and $333 respectively. For age 40, premiums average $408 for Cigna compared to $535 and $426 for the competition. For age 60, Cigna averages $866 compared to $1,125 and $904 for the competition.
Best For
Pharmacy programs
# of Healthcare Providers
875k+
1 Minute Review
Cigna Health Insurance offers low-cost private health insurance and Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans for families and individuals. Founded in 1982 and based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, the company offers a wide array of health insurance plans including three Bronze plans, four Silver and one Gold. All Cigna plans are EPO plans, meaning they are all in-network. Free telehealth visits come with every plan and are available to customers 24/7.
The four-metal tier coverage plans include:
Bronze
Expanded bronze
Silver
Gold
Individual and family Cigna private insurance plans are all available on the Marketplace and through the Cigna website, as well as with licensed agents in each state. Because they are sold through the Marketplace, they can only be purchased during your state’s open enrollment period. Special enrollment periods apply for special circumstances.
Best For
Easy access to benefits
Pharmacy programs
Savings and spending accounts such as HSA and FSA
Supplemental plans
Pros
Home delivery for prescriptions
Health management mobile apps
Easy ID card replacement
Cons
Potentially high deductibles
Not available in all 50 states
# of Healthcare Providers
700k+
1 Minute Review
In the past, Aetna health insurance plans were available on Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces across the country. Though Aetna no longer offers ACA-compliant plans, the company continues to make healthcare more affordable through Medicare Advantage Part D coverage and dental insurance plans.
Aetna’s Medicare options extend to most parts of the country, and premiums for Advantage plans begin at $0 a month. Part D coverage, which helps pay for prescription drugs, begins at about $7 a month in most states. Additionally, Aetna offers dental insurance and dental discount plan options that anyone who doesn’t have dental coverage through their employer can take advantage of. In addition, Aetna also offers a number of additional benefits not seen with other coverage providers, including discounts on prescription drugs and rewards for meeting health goals.
Pros
Offers multiple mobile app offerings to reward you for reaching fitness goals
Dental discount plans may include coverage for prescription drugs
Medicare Advantage plans available with no monthly premiums
Cons
Vision insurance only available when purchased with a dental plan
ACA-compliant health insurance no longer available
Best For
Nationwide coverage
get started
Call Now
securely through Blue Cross Blue Shield’s
website
# of Healthcare Providers
28k+
1 Minute Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield consists of 35 separate companies that provide health insurance for roughly one-third of Americans. The company serves all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and many international areas.
While you look into the BCBS affiliates near you, understand what health plans are available as well as the health insurance cost. It offers extensive coverage that gives just about every American the opportunity to purchase a BCBS-affiliated health plan. However, be sure to read up on the company because the premiums and deductibles may not suit you and your circumstances.
Best For
Desire for a new doctor with plenty of options
No cap on annual maximum limits
Comprehensive coverage with exclusive discounts and partnerships
Pros
Coverage in all 50 states and outside the country
Covers both generic and brand-name drugs
Wide network of doctors, hospitals and specialists
Cons
Plans offered through regional companies, meaning you must look to your regional company for specific policies
Main customer service helpline may be difficult to reach
# of Healthcare Providers
N/A
1 Minute Review
It isn’t easy to choose a health insurance company. You want to ensure you select the best carrier that will offer you the ultimate protection and has an excellent reputation within the industry. With annual revenue in the billions, Louisville, Kentucky-based Humana Health Insurance Co. is one of the largest health insurance carriers in the U.S. and offers coverage for millions of people. Humana is available in all 50 states and sells individual insurance, Medicare plans and group health insurance plans to businesses.
Best For
People ages 65 and older and looking to enroll in Medicare
Extras such as dental and vision coverage
Free fitness program
A business of any size
Pros
Partnerships with Walgreens and Walmart to bring you expanded prescription drug coverage
Rewards for healthy habits
Large provider network
Cons
HMO plans only available in 22 of 50 states
No short-term plans offered
Costlier plan required if you need international coverage
Best For
Same day coverage available
# of Healthcare Providers
855k+
1 Minute Review
UnitedHealthcare is an insurance company that is dedicated to making the health care system work better for everyone. Its plans can serve customers of all ages, starting in childhood and continuing all the way through the retirement years. The company partners with more than 1.3 million health care professionals and over 6,500 hospitals to give customers the freedom to access healthcare wherever they are. This insurance provider has a strong financial standing and good ratings, making it a reliable option for just about anybody.
Best For
People who want flexibility in their health care coverage
People who want supplemental insurance coverage
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid
Pros
Offers a wide variety of plans
Strong financial and customer service ratings
ACA and non ACA plans available
Cons
Not all plans ACA-compliant
The website can make it difficult to get a quote
When it comes to rates, with Cigna, the price is right. That doesn’t help the company, however, when it comes to a variety of plans and availability. Cigna Health Insurance plans are offered in just 12 states (only 8 on the Marketplace.) While dental insurance is offered in 49 states, EPO health insurance plans are limited in coverage.
Limited availability is balanced-out, however, by strong financial ratings. Robust customer service helps iron out the wrinkles when it comes to overall ratings, and Cigna scores a four overall because of its strength in these other areas as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Cigna to process a claim?
1
How long does it take Cigna to process a claim?
asked 2022-03-24
Philip Loyd, Licensed Insurance Agent
1
Paper claims can take anywhere from 10 to 15 days, while electronic claims are faster, just 3 to 5 days. Sometimes, claims can be processed in as little as 1 to 2 days.
Answer Link
answered 2022-03-24
Benzinga
Does Cigna Health Insurance pay for COVID-19 testing?
1
Does Cigna Health Insurance pay for COVID-19 testing?
asked 2022-03-24
Philip Loyd, Licensed Insurance Agent
1
The Cigna Medicare plan covers 100% of the costs for COVID-19 testing with no out-of-pocket expenses to you when it’s ordered by your doctor or performed in an approved facility.
Answer Link
answered 2022-03-24
Benzinga
