By Barbara Griswold, LMFT (July 27, 2021)

CIGNA Behavioral Health, the fourth largest major medical insurance company in the United States by membership, has announced in an email to providers that it is changing its name to Evernorth Behavioral Health as of September 1, 2021. Healthcare Finance News states the new brand “will bring together Cigna’s health services as well as outside partners in pharmacy solutions, benefits management and care solutions” including pharmacy Express Scripts, specialty pharmacy Accredo, and eviCore healthcare. Stated goals of the partnership is to reduce the fragmentation of the healthcare delivery system and bring down costs.

What is not changing: The company states there will be no immediate changes to how providers interact with the company, including checking benefits, claim status, submitting claims (including no change to their electronic data interchange (EDI) payer ID number 62308), referrals, reimbursements, and contracts. Clients will not get new ID cards, nor will their benefits change. Contact phone numbers will stay the same.

What is changing: Providers will notice that your Explanation of Payment (EOP) for claims will come from Evernorth. The email addresses will change (ex. Provider Relations teamafter Sept. 1st will be BehPrep@Evernorth.com)

Coming In 2022: In advance of the 2022 launch of the new Evernorth provider website, you can preview the home page as of September 1, 2021 at provider.evernorth.com. Log in using your Cigna for Health Care Professionals website (CignaforHCP.com) credentials. Or if you aren’t currently registered with CignaforHCP, you can register now (click here) or at the new Evernorth provider website after Sept. 1.

Who does this effect: Cigna has over 20 million members, and currently offers individual health insurance in 11 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Still have questions? Click here to view the CIGNA/Evernorth Questions & Answers Sheet, or contact CIGNA Provider Services at 800-926-2273.