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Cigna + Oscar Expanding Footprint on Small Businesses’ Access to Affordable Health Plans in Illinois

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Oscar Health (NYSE: OSCR) has partnered with Cigna to launch affordable health insurance products specifically for small businesses in Chicago and surrounding counties. Starting with plans that offer $0 copay for virtual doctor visits and low-cost prescription coverage, this initiative aims to support small businesses struggling post-pandemic. The partnership will allow businesses to choose from various plan options while ensuring access to quality healthcare providers. Both companies will share risk under a reinsurance agreement, with plans for future expansion.

Positive
  • Launch of affordable health insurance products for small businesses in Chicago, enhancing accessibility to care.
  • $0 copay for 24/7 virtual doctor visits and low-cost prescription coverage improves the value proposition for employees.
  • Strong partnership with Cigna leverages extensive provider networks for better healthcare access.
Negative
  • None.
  • Across Chicago, Cigna + Oscar will offer small businesses access to affordable, member-first health insurance products.
  • Covered employees will have access to $0 copay 24/7 virtual doctor visits, low cost prescription coverage, behavioral health support, and Cigna’s networks of quality physicians, specialists and hospitals.

CHICAGO & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cigna, a leading global health service company, and Oscar Health, Inc. (“Oscar”) (NYSE: OSCR), the first health insurance company built on a full stack technology platform, today announced that Cigna + Oscar1 small business health insurance will be available in Chicago (Cook county), as well as the counties of DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry, pending regulatory approval.

“Chicago small businesses have endured a lot throughout the pandemic, and many have proven to be resilient in keeping their doors open. Through our partnership with Oscar, we are providing more choices for affordable, predictable and simple health coverage to small businesses at a time when they need it most,” said Brian Marsella, Midwest market president for Cigna.

With the new COVID-19 variants, small businesses again face challenges operating at capacity while keeping their staff and families safe. Cigna + Oscar conducted a survey finding that 88 percent of small business owners are prioritizing employee health, and 66 percent said health insurance is more important in their budgets now than prior to the pandemic.

“Small businesses have had to make extremely difficult decisions since the beginning of the pandemic, and continue to face an uphill battle with the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 variants,” said Louis DeStefano, head of the small group business and senior vice president of growth at Oscar. “Cigna + Oscar is designed to help these small businesses provide high-quality care to their employees at an affordable cost that allows them to continue operating.”

Illinois small businesses with between one and 50 employees2 will have access to unique services driven by the combination of Cigna’s provider relationships and Oscar’s consumer-centric, tech-driven approach to customer service and care navigation, including:

  • Range of plan options across price points to meet the needs of every employee.
    • Behavioral health benefits to help keep teams productive and healthy.
  • Local and nationwide networks of quality doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
    • Cigna LocalPlus®, a locally designed network of quality providers offering cost-effective medical care.
    • Cigna Open Access Plus network, a broad national network of quality, cost-effective providers.
    • 24/7 virtual urgent care to support employees wherever they are, at $0 copay.
  • Affordable and easy-to-access pharmacy services.
    • Express Scripts’ specialized pharmacists, nurses and specialty drug experts.
  • Dedicated care team experts to help employees understand their benefits, find nearby care, and get the most value out of their plan.

Cigna and Oscar will share risk equally under a reinsurance agreement for solutions offered through this strategic partnership and plan to expand the partnership over time.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) 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, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. 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. Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 190 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 Oscar Health, Inc.

Oscar Health, Inc. (“Oscar”) is the first health insurance company built around a full stack technology platform and a relentless focus on serving its members. At Oscar, our mission is to make a healthier life accessible and affordable for all. Headquartered in New York City, Oscar has been challenging the health care system's status quo since our founding in 2012. The company’s member-first philosophy and innovative approach to care has earned us the trust of approximately 560,000 members as of June 30, 2021. We offer Individual & Family, Small Group and Medicare Advantage plans, and +Oscar, our full stack technology platform to others within the provider and payor space. Our vision is to refactor health care to make good care cost less. Refactor is a term used in software engineering that means to improve the design, structure, and implementation of the software, while preserving its functionality. At Oscar, we take this definition a step further. We improve our members’ experience by building trust through deep engagement, personalized guidance, and rapid iteration.

1 Cigna + Oscar coverage is insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. CA: benefits administered by Oscar Health Administrators. Other states: benefits administered by Oscar Management Corporation. Pharmacy benefits provided by Express Scripts, Inc. Cigna + Oscar health insurance contains exclusions and limitations. For complete details on product availability and coverage, please refer to your plan documents or contact a representative.
2 Cigna + Oscar plans are built for small businesses with at least one qualified full-time (or full-time equivalent) employee, other than the business owner or their spouse

Courtney Nogas, Cigna

860.902.5531

Courtney.Nogas@cigna.com

Jackie Kahn, Oscar

202.538.0128

JKahn@hioscar.com

Source: Oscar Health, Inc.

FAQ

What new health insurance options are available for small businesses in Chicago from Oscar Health?

Oscar Health is offering affordable health insurance products in partnership with Cigna, including options with $0 copay for virtual doctor visits.

How does the Cigna + Oscar health insurance benefit small businesses?

The insurance provides predictable, affordable coverage options, addressing the increased importance of health insurance for small businesses post-pandemic.

What counties are included in the Cigna + Oscar health insurance rollout?

The rollout includes Cook County and surrounding counties like DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry.

How will the partnership between Cigna and Oscar affect healthcare access?

The partnership aims to improve healthcare access for small business employees through a combination of Cigna's provider relationships and Oscar's tech-driven customer service.

When will the Cigna + Oscar health insurance plans become available?

The plans will be available pending regulatory approval.

Oscar Health, Inc.

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