BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cigna (NYSE: CI) today announced that it has come to an agreement with Humana to purchase select Medicare Advantage plans in Texas and Arkansas. The plans in the three markets – Amarillo, Longview-Marshall and Texarkana – are part of a previously announced government-stipulated divestiture for Humana to complete its acquisition of Arcadian Health.
Effective January 1, 2013, the approximately 3,500 Humana or Arcadian members impacted by the divestiture will join more than one million customers who access HealthSpring’s physician engagement model that works collaboratively with doctors to provide access to high quality, coordinated care that is focused on prevention and total body wellness.
“We welcome our new customers to our talented team of doctors and staff that have proudly served our customers for over a decade,” HealthSpring President Herb Fritch said. “At HealthSpring, we dedicate significant resources to meet the individual needs of each and every one of our customers and we look forward to delivering our service to more Texas and Arkansas seniors.”
As a leading health plan in the United States focused on Medicare Advantage, HealthSpring has developed an innovative approach that bridges the gap faced by many Medicare beneficiaries and ensures customers receive all the traditional benefits of Original Medicare and much more at an affordable price. Cigna and HealthSpring are working collaboratively with Arcadian and Humana to ensure a seamless transition for affected customers.
“Our physician engagement model works closely to help support the doctor-patient relationship, creating high satisfaction for all parties involved,” added Fritch. “I am confident that our new customers will appreciate our unique approach and plan options, cost savings and strong focus on prevention to help keep them active and healthy.”
As a result of this agreement, HealthSpring expects to extend its service area for the first time to Arkansas seniors in Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada and Sevier counties. In Texas, HealthSpring currently offers coverage in forty nine counties and will add 10 new counties from this agreement: Armstrong, Bowie, Carson, Cass, Deaf Smith, Harrison, Oldham, Potter, Randall and Titus counties. Membership in existing HealthSpring Texas counties, Gregg and Henderson, are also part of the agreement.
The transaction is expected to close at the end of 2012 following customary regulatory approval.
Medicare beneficiaries can learn more or enroll in HealthSpring 2012 plans by visiting www.myhealthspring.com.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group disability, life, and accident coverage. Cigna has sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, with approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
About HealthSpring
HealthSpring, a Cigna company, is one of the country’s leading health plans focused on delivering care to the senior population, predominately through Medicare Advantage and other Medicare and Medicaid products. Along with its companies Bravo Health and Leon Medical Centers Health Plans, HealthSpring serves more than one million customers in locations across the country. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, HealthSpring owns and operates health plans in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. HealthSpring also offers a national stand-alone prescription drug plan. For more information, visit www.healthspring.com.