Individuals with integrated medical, behavioral, and pharmacy benefits are more engaged in their health, well-being

Reviewed by Alina Shrourou, B.Sc. (Editor)Oct 30 2018

A study by global health service company Cigna Corporation shows that individuals whose medical, behavioral and pharmacy health benefits are connected and administered by Cigna are more engaged in their health and well-being than those whose benefits are not fully integrated across medical, behavioral and pharmacy. As a result, people experience improved health and employers experience cost savings.

"A person's physical and mental health are connected, and health care is best delivered - and produces the best outcomes - when it is connected as well," said Scott Josephs, M.D., national medical officer at Cigna. "The results of this study demonstrate the value of our integrated, holistic approach to health care, and we'll continue to advocate for more integration on behalf of the people we serve."

Results from this year's study showed positive health outcomes for individuals and lower medical costs for employers who offer integrated medical, comprehensive behavioral and pharmacy benefits administered by Cigna, including:

• Employers see an average medical savings of $193 annually for each covered person and $645 annually for each person with a known health improvement opportunity.
• 22 percent more people engage in health coaching and case management programs.
• Employers see annual medical cost savings of $9,792 for engaged customers with a specialty condition, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. When people being treated for diabetes are engaged, the savings is $5,900.
• A 9 percent reduction in high cost medical claims for customers with integrated benefits.
• Customers with integrated benefits had a 10 percent reduction in out of network claims.

"When people are actively engaged in their health and well-being, we see improvement across all metrics," said Jon Maesner, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer at Cigna. "Offering a fully-connected pharmacy benefit allows us to maximize every opportunity available to engage the people we serve, and we're encouraged by the consistent value shown by connecting medical, behavioral and pharmacy benefits."