CIGNA Rolls Out Flexible Health Plan Option

The “CIGNATURE – Your plan. Your Choice” suite will allow employers to choose the sizes of provider networks, which medical management programs they want, how the primary care physician is used, how the plan will be funded, as well as benefit plan design.   The product will apply to health plans taking effect January 1, 2005, according to a Hartford Courant report.

For example, with CIGNATURE, employers will have the ability to choose broad or narrow networks for health care providers.   Further, for large employers, the option will be available for a new “Health Advisor” program, which dedicates a nurse to an employer group. The nurse can answer questions about the employer’s benefits and initiate contact with consumers to assist with their health care, CIGNA says.

CIGNA said the new offering is a key cog of its turnaround strategy.   CIGNA membership has shrunk 21% since the end of 2002.