Cigna and CVS Health announced Thursday (June 8) the launch of Cigna Health WorksSM: a new collaboration, that aligns Cigna-administered health benefits with CVS Pharmacy and CVS MinuteClinic retail health care services to deliver services for Cigna self-funded employer-sponsored health plans.
In a press release, the companies said the collaboration benefits insights of a global health service company with the deep knowledge of retail consumer behaviors of a leading national retail pharmacy and retail health care provider to help patients get the most from their health benefits at their local CVS Pharmacy. Some of the enhancements include customer engagement and personalized pharmacy support using Health Tag Messages on the prescription bag to advise patients of needed health actions by the pharmacist or clinician, and provide information on available Cigna Health and Wellness Coaching services, included in their Cigna plan at no additional cost; contracted discounts at CVS MinuteClinic for select preventive and acute care, including biometric screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar as well as diagnosis and treatment for minor illnesses such as bronchitis, ear infections and strep throat and a CVS ExtraCare Health card that provides an exclusive 20 percent discount on CVS Health brand over-the-counter health related products, including pain relievers, vitamins, digestive health products and more, at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. The program can also be coupled with Cigna 90 Now, which offers 90-day refills for maintenance prescriptions to help improve patient adherence to their medication regimen, cost savings and satisfaction.
“Cigna Health Works flips the traditional health care experience on its head to help make health benefits more effective, affordable and user-friendly,” said Michele Paige, vice president and general manager of Cigna Onsite Health, in the press release. “This new model is based on how the customer wants to consume health care – it’s about creating value and a new way for health care consumers to get more from their health plan, by ensuring that we are there for them at the places they prefer to go for convenient care.” Meanwhile Helena Foulkes, president of CVS Pharmacy, said the deal with Cigna is part of a growing trend toward consumer-directed care. “By providing information and cues for CVS customers and patients to help them get the most from their Cigna-administered health benefits, we also help them improve their health and reduce their health care costs in a way that’s easy and convenient,” she said.