Cigna Launches Health Sense to Improve Care Access
Cigna Healthcare has launched Health Sense, a new support model designed to help members access care more effectively. The program combines data on members’ health, coverage, costs and prior interactions to provide personalized guidance. Cigna plans to begin rolling out Health Sense in early 2027, starting with individuals diagnosed with cancer or cardiometabolic conditions.
Reducing Inefficient Healthcare Spending
The insurer projects Health Sense could reduce inefficient healthcare spending by 10% by 2030. Cigna defines inefficient spending as roughly one-third of all healthcare costs, driven by poor coordination, duplicate services, administrative complexity and missed opportunities for timely care. The company has not yet measured Health Sense’s results, calling the 10% figure a projection based on anticipated improvements in member engagement and benefit utilization.
Bryan Holgerson, president of Cigna Healthcare U.S. and executive vice president of customer health outcomes at The Cigna Group, explained the program’s purpose. “About one-third of healthcare spending is considered inefficient,” Holgerson said. “Health Sense was created to address those challenges by connecting health information, benefits and support around the individual, helping people get the right support sooner and make better use of their benefits.”
Integration with Existing Services
Health Sense will integrate with Cigna’s current offerings, including the myCigna platform, care management programs and clinical support teams. The model leverages data, artificial intelligence and clinical expertise to help care teams identify potential needs and transfer relevant information between interactions. This approach aims to create a more continuous and personalized experience for members.
Dr. Stanley Crittenden, Cigna Healthcare’s chief medical officer, emphasized the role of context in the program. “Data provides signals, but context gives those signals meaning,” Crittenden said. “Health Sense combines that context with clinical expertise to help tailor support to the person, the decision and the moment.” The system may incorporate medical, behavioral health and pharmacy claims when Cigna or an affiliated company administers those services, along with benefit details and interaction history.
Member-Specific Support
For members with cancer, Health Sense could connect them with a case manager to coordinate care. Those with cardiometabolic conditions might receive support addressing medication adherence challenges. Support varies based on individual needs and available benefits. Diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with members and their treating providers.
AI and Preventive Care Expansion
The Health Sense initiative aligns with Cigna’s broader focus on preventive care using AI. In August, Crittenden discussed using artificial intelligence to “surface opportunities for interventions” before issues escalate. In September, The Cigna Group announced a partnership with OpenAI to assist patients with complex conditions, beginning with cancer.
This collaboration integrates AI into oncology nurses’ and case managers’ workflows at Accredo Specialty Pharmacy and Cigna Healthcare, helping identify emerging needs and coordinate support between medical visits. The effort builds on Accredo’s Pharmacy Forward initiative, launched in July with a $100 million investment through 2028 to improve medication adherence and reduce treatment delays. Cigna also expanded its use of AI and predictive analytics in care management the same month.
