BLOOMFIELD, Conn., March 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna is
making it easier for hospitals to transfer patients to long term
acute care hospitals (LTACHs) and other subacute facilities to help
manage the demands of increasingly high volumes of COVID-19
patients.
"By accelerating the transfer of non-COVID patients out of
hospitals and into long term acute care hospitals, we can free up
space and beds, preserve supplies and ensure medical staff are
available to treat COVID-19 patients that require immediate
hospital care," said Steve Miller,
MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Cigna. "We are focused on taking quick,
decisive actions to increase flexibility for hospitals and their
teams of medical professionals, who are working tirelessly to help
ensure all patients get the care they need during this
unprecedented time."
Effective today, Cigna will waive prior authorizations for the
transfer of its non-COVID-19 customers from acute inpatient
hospitals to in-network LTACHs. In place of prior authorizations,
Cigna will require notification from the LTACH on the next business
day following the transfer. This policy will remain in place
through May 31, 2020 and applies to
Cigna commercial and Medicare Advantage plans. Cigna has also
waived prior authorizations for the transfer of its patients to
other in-network subacute facilities, including skilled nursing
facilities and acute rehab centers.
This additional measure is an expansion of Cigna's previous
efforts to protect customers against COVID-19. In the past two
weeks, Cigna has already committed to the following actions through
May 31, 2020:
- Waiving cost-sharing for the COVID-19 diagnostic test when
recommended by a health care professional
- Waiving cost-sharing for office visits related to COVID-19
testing
- Waiving cost-sharing for telehealth screenings for
COVID-19
- Making it easier for customers to be treated virtually by their
own physicians
- Offering free home delivery of up to 90-day supplies for Rx
maintenance medications available through the Express Scripts
Pharmacy and 24/7 access to pharmacists.
- Providing supportive resources for customers, clients and
communities for managing anxiety, fear, stress and improving
resiliency
- Offering a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-866-912-1687)
available to the general public to speak with qualified behavior
health clinicians who can provide one-on-one support
This enhanced coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, office
exams, telehealth screenings and virtual care applies to customers
in the United States who are
covered under Cigna's employer/union sponsored insured group health
plans, insured plans for globally mobile individuals, Medicare
Advantage, Medicaid and the Individual and Family insurance plans.
Self-insured group health plans administered by Cigna have an
opportunity opt out of these benefits.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation is a global health
service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and
peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice,
predictability, affordability and access to quality care through
integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that
advance whole person health. All products and services are provided
exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna
Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company,
Cigna Life Insurance Company of New
York, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Express
Scripts companies or their affiliates, and Life Insurance Company
of North America.
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 over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has
more than 170 million customer relationships throughout the world.
To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us
on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ellie Polack
(860) 902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna