Cigna Medicare Advantage Comprehensive Review 2023

As seniors approach retirement age, it becomes essential for them to have comprehensive healthcare coverage that meets their specific needs. Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative to original Medicare by providing additional benefits and services.

Cigna is a reputable company that provides extensive coverage for seniors. In this article, we will conduct a detailed analysis of Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plans for the year 2023, exploring their advantages, coverage choices, expenses, and more. 

Cigna Medicare Advantage: An Overview

The company offers several healthcare services, including Cigna Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, tailored to provide older adults with a comprehensive healthcare solution that encompasses the advantages of primary Medicare.

You can choose from its diverse insurance alternatives, such as Cigna Medicare Advantage Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Cigna Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and Cigna Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

Benefits and Coverage Options

MA plans are tailored to meet different requirements, combining the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with additional coverage options. With Cigna MA plans, you enjoy the convenience of having all your healthcare needs covered by one plan.

• Hearing, vision, and dental program
• Fitness program
• $0 copays for primary care when visiting in-network providers
• Meal delivery service following a hospital discharge
• Over-the-counter health-related products
• Transportation assistance, providing rides to and from the pharmacy, doctors’ appointments, vaccination clinics, and cooling or warming centers
• Prescription drug coverage
• 24/7 telehealth services

These value-added benefits make a significant difference in a person’s healthcare experience. The availability of these benefits, as well as the details and costs, may vary based on the plan and location.

One key feature is preventive care, which covers routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. Another is the flexibility to choose between HMO, PPO, and SNP. This variety ensures that people can find a plan that suits their needs and budget.

Costs and Affordability

• Varying Monthly Premium Based on Plan and Location

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have monthly premiums that differ based on the plan and location. Certain plans have no monthly cost beyond what is paid for Medicare Part B, known as a $0 premium. Other plans have premiums ranging from a few dollars to a considerably higher amount.

• Varying Cost-Sharing Based on Plan and Services 

Medicare Advantage plans cover cost-sharing such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. These costs vary depending on the plan and the specific services rendered. For instance, doctor’s visits and prescription drugs require copays. Review the plan’s benefits and costs to understand how they affect your budget.

• Comprehensive Coverage at an Affordable Price

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits not covered by original Medicare. This includes prescription drug coverage, hearing aids, dental and vision care, fitness programs, and more.

By bundling these services together, Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. Hence, it could potentially save you money compared to paying for each service individually.

• Cap on Potential Expenses

To enhance affordability, Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have out-of-pocket maximums. Once you reach this maximum limit for the year, your plan will cover 100% of the costs for covered services. This financial protection provides peace of mind, knowing that there is a cap on your potential expenses.

Network and Provider Coverage

Cigna has established a robust network of healthcare providers—specialists, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The network is extensive, covering healthcare professionals across specialties. This ensures access to adequate care for specialized treatments, routine check-ups, or emergency services.

Beneficiaries are flexible in choosing their preferred in-network healthcare providers. MA plans also provide out-of-network coverage, although at a higher cost. Beneficiaries can seek care from providers who are outside the network.

However, it’s worth mentioning that staying within the network offers more cost savings and streamlined coordination of care.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Also known as Medicare Part D, this is an essential component of Cigna MA plans. It covers the costs of prescription drugs, including branded and generic medications. Cigna’s network of pharmacies provides access to medications at affordable prices.

Prescription drug coverage includes covered medications, ensuring access to medically necessary drugs while promoting cost-effective options. Additionally, they offer preferred pharmacy networks, offering prescription drugs at lower copayments or coinsurance for plan members.

This feature helps beneficiaries save money on their medications by using preferred pharmacies. MA plans provide flexibility to meet individual preferences on medications. Beneficiaries can choose to get medicines from retail pharmacies, mail-order services, or preferred pharmacies.

What are the New Updates for Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans for 2023?

• Cigna will be combining Cigna Preferred Plus Medicare (HMO) with one of their plans, Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO), starting January 1, 2023.
• Cigna has expanded its MA plans with enhanced features and benefits in 581 counties within 28 states, growing its geographic presence by 22 percent.
• Cigna has doubled the size of its MA provider network over the past two years, including significantly increasing the number of available specialists.
• Cigna offers $0 premium plans in some areas, prescription drug coverage, vision and dental benefits, and $0 copay options for select medications purchased through preferred home delivery.
• Cigna offers Medicare Supplement options in 48 states, including affordable high-deductible supplement plan options in several states with discounts for members of the same household who each have plans.
• Cigna offers companion products for Medicare customers, such as standalone dental plans and dental, vision, and hearing plans.

Cigna will offer affordable, quality Medicare Advantage plans across 29 states in 2024, including plans for dual-eligible beneficiaries, reaching an additional 2.3 million potential customers.

Cigna Medicare Advantage: Customer Satisfaction and Ratings in 2023

The customer satisfaction rating for Cigna’s MA plans in 2023 is below average. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) scores all Cigna plans 3.5 stars or lower on their 5-point scale and, on average, 3 stars based on customer satisfaction.

Cigna receives 13% more overall complaints than expected for a company its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Cigna will receive 3.8 stars in 2023 based on 1,116 consumer ratings and reviews.

The complaints cited in the reviews are frustrations with complex care needs and claim processing. However, it’s worth noting that more than 89% of Cigna MA members were enrolled in a 4- or 5-star plan in 2022, according to Cigna’s 2021 annual report.

Why are Star Ratings Important?

Star ratings are everywhere! Many individuals depend on their choice of health insurance plan based on star ratings. Businesses use star ratings to know how others rate their business, how they perform against their competitors, and many other relevant business parameters.

Choosing a health insurance plan that doesn’t fit your needs will cause inconvenience; opting for an MA plan lacking in key areas can create larger issues. Help is there if you know where to find star ratings and how to use them.

Star ratings provide a way to compare different plan coverage and specific features available in the market. Most people use this gauge when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans. Plans rated four to five stars are considered good performers.

What Factors Are Considered in the Customer Satisfaction Rating for Cigna’s Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023?

Customer satisfaction is one of the factors in measuring plan quality. Eight factors are being measured for MA plans: level of trust, ability to get health services, whether the plan saves time or money, coverage offerings, ease of doing business, problem resolution, and digital channels.

Access to Care

The US Medicare Advantage Study found that Cigna MA plans were missing the mark on facilitating beneficiary access to care, with only 31% of beneficiaries saying their plan made it easy to look for care.

Digital Tools

The same study found that Cigna MA plans were also falling short in the use of digital tools, with only 34% of beneficiaries saying they used two or more digital tools their plan offers.

Provider Network

Cigna’s MA HMO plans have lower ratings than most competitors due to concerns with customer service and management of care, with scores of 2.5 to 3.5 as reported by NCQA.

Claims Processing

Customers have reported that Cigna’s service is poor when it comes to managing claims, and the company has more complaints than expected for a company of its size.

Cost

Cigna MA plans are low-cost and offer many benefits, with more than 80% being $0-premium plans. However, the company’s plan prices are lower than those of competitors in some states and more expensive in others.

What Preventive Services are Considered in the Customer Satisfaction Rating for Cigna’s Medicare Advantage Plans?

The NCQA rates Cigna’s MA plans based on overall satisfaction, prevention, and treatment. Cigna’s plans received 2.5 to 4 stars, with higher scores indicating better prevention and treatment.

Chronic Condition Management

Cigna’s MA plans are rated 4.15 out of 5 for pain management and kidney disease monitoring coverage.

Member Benefits

Cigna’s MA Plans offer a range of member benefits, including 24/7 telehealth, meal delivery, and transportation to and from health facilities. The availability and quality of these member benefits contribute to the overall customer satisfaction rating.

Select Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan that Best Meets Your Needs

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage and additional benefits to seniors seeking an alternative to original Medicare.

Although the costs and network coverage differ from plan to plan, they have received positive ratings for their Medicare Advantage plans. Nonetheless, individuals need to evaluate their healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers to select a plan that best meets their needs.

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