Cigna Announces Deal to Provide Georgia Medicare Advantage Customers with More Access

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Cigna Healthcare and Infirmary Health announced an agreement that will provide Cigna customers with Medicare Advantage with in-network access to Infirmary Health’s services.¹ The healthcare provider is based in Mobile, Alabama, and is the largest non-profit, non-governmental HCP in the state. It also serves customers along Florida’s panhandle and southern Mississippi.

In a press release, Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare market president for Alabama and Georgia Daniel Strobel said, “Infirmary Health has a long-standing history of providing quality care – and this agreement will allow for greater access to care for thousands of our customers across the region. We look forward to collaborating with Infirmary Health to bring best-in-class service in our local communities."

In the same press release, Infirmary Health’s CEO and president Mark Nix added, “Infirmary Health's new agreement with Cigna Healthcare will benefit our patients, physicians, and other providers across the region. By embracing Cigna's Medicare Advantage programs, we will continue to deliver the high-quality care that seniors expect, while ensuring they remain in network."

In related news, Cigna recently announced that it will invest $600,000 in community-based organizations as part of an effort to combat food insecurity among older Americans.²

In a press release, Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business chief medical officer Dr. Jennifer Gutzmore said, “Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge for seniors in our country, and that can contribute to poor health outcomes among older populations due to them either not having enough to eat or not having sufficient access to healthy foods. Through this investment, we aim to support older adults in maintaining balanced nutrition to support their well-being. We have a long history of supporting local nonprofits and are proud to partner with them to ensure that seniors can live with good health and vitality."

Also, in September, Cigna announced the results of its International Health Study 2024.³ One of the main takeaways from the study is that heightened financial stress is having a negative impact on the overall health and well-being of people.

Jason Sadler, President, International Health, Cigna Healthcare, said in a press release, "While the downward trend of stress is a positive sign, we continue to see harmful impacts, such as the impact on sleep and the correlation of low vitality with chronic conditions. People with higher vitality are better equipped to manage their health and remain optimistic. It is critical to find ways to empower individuals to take control of their well-being."

He continued, "Our findings reveal that while financial strain is impacting global vitality, social support and connections are providing a lifeline. Communities need to allocate the right resources, such as reliable health insurance and community support systems, while embracing comprehensive strategies that address the multiple determinants of vitality to reverse its decline."

Sources

1. Cigna Healthcare, Infirmary Health Reach Medicare Advantage Agreement. Cigna Healthcare. November 1, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cigna-healthcare-infirmary-health-reach-medicare-advantage-agreement-302293914.html
2. Cigna Healthcare Commits $600,000 To Reduce Food Insecurity Among Seniors. Cigna Healthcare. October 21, 2024. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cigna-healthcare-commits-600-000-to-reduce-food-insecurity-among-seniors-302281224.html
3. Social Support Becomes Lifeline for Health Amid Financial Strain. Cigna Healthcare. September 30, 2024. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/social-support-becomes-lifeline-for-health-amid-financial-strain-302262446.html