The company’s health services division Evernorth is unveiling new programs in a reliable growth area: assuaging payer concerns around GLP-1 coverage.
Dive Brief:
- Cigna is building on client demand for tools to support patients on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, announcing two new programs on Friday meant to improve clinical care around the dispensing of GLP-1s and provide home delivery of the medications.
- The programs come as payers that contract with Cigna’s massive pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts for their drug benefits want to offer GLP-1s but are put off by the medications’ steep list prices and unpredictable long-term outcomes, according to Cigna.
- The programs were announced in tandem with Cigna’s first quarter results, which came in well above analysts’ expectations. Revenue of $65.5 billion was up more than 14% year over year, while net income of $1.3 billion compares to a loss of $277 million same time last year. Cigna raised its 2025 profit outlook following the results.
This article focuses on Cigna’s strategies regarding the growing demand for GLP-1 weight loss medications. Cigna’s health services division, Evernorth, is launching two new support programs aimed at assisting patients and easing concerns for payers regarding the high cost and uncertain long-term outcomes of these drugs. These initiatives are announced alongside Cigna’s strong first-quarter financial results, which exceeded expectations and led the company to increase its profit forecast. The programs aim to differentiate Cigna’s approach from competitors by emphasizing patient support and lifestyle changes rather than solely focusing on formulary placement for specific drugs.
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