Cigna, a provider of healthcare and related benefits, has announced a variety of new programs that will be available to Medicare eligible individuals for 2009.
Some of the new offerings include Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans with no costs for generic prescriptions used to treat common conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
The new Medicare Advantage health plans include prescription drug coverage and up to 75% coverage for preventive dental care. In addition, there are plans with low amounts that individuals pay for doctor’s visits and medications, as well as low monthly premiums, said Cigna.
For 2009, Cigna is expanding its ‘Medicare Advantage Private Fee for Service’ (MA PFFS) plans for individuals into 28 states. These plans are approved by Medicare and offer benefits than the Original Medicare. The new plans allow a person to go to the doctor of his or her choice, provided that doctor accepts Medicare and the terms and conditions of the health plan.
As part of the new options, Cigna said that it makes available a variety of other services that can help improve the health, well-being and security of the individuals who have these plans. These programs are not available through Original Medicare.
Programs will vary based on the health plan a person chooses, but may include: welcome calls to understand the new plan; My Health Assessment to help individuals identify potential health risks; Healthy Rewards program, which offers discounts on a variety of health and wellness products and services; coupons for discounts on various health related items; CIGNA HealthCare 24-Hour Health Information Line and the Cigna Tel-Drug Home Delivery Pharmacy Program.
Sam Srivastava, president for national and senior segments at Cigna HealthCare, said: When people are ready to retire, they should be able to do so with the assurance that they have sufficient healthcare coverage. That’s why we have developed a range of healthcare coverage options for individuals as well as employers and union plan sponsors – it’s about meeting the varying needs of today’s retiree as well as for those getting ready to retire.