- Cigna is partnering with Virgin Pulse to launch a new, personalized digital health program for its members. The new platform will be available through the myCigna portal, allowing users to set their health goals and track daily progress. According to an announcement, they can then receive real-time feedback and guidance based on the data they’ve submitted. The tool will be offered to nearly 11 million members, Cigna said. (Article here)
- Starting next month, UnitedHealthcare says it will move forward with plans to drop prior authorization requirements for a range of procedures, including dozens of radiology services and genetic tests. UnitedHealth is among the health insurance giants that have announced plans to cut back on prior authorization as federal regulators consider tougher curbs on the practice. Patients and doctors often criticize prior authorization and complain that it is an administrative burden or impedes necessary care. Meanwhile, insurers say prior authorization provides important guardrails against improper health care utilization, helping to keep costs down. UnitedHealth, the largest commercial U.S. insurer, previously said its prior authorization removals will represent roughly 20 percent of its overall prior authorization volume. (Article here)
September 11, 2023
Payers | Tea Leaves