If you’ve found yourself in a position to provide in-home care, or otherwise take an active role in helping a senior with elevated care needs, you’re likely wondering if there are any resources that can ease some of those burdens.
You may have seen Cigna Healthcare come up a few times, though you might not be sure what they do. Cigna Healthcare is part of the Cigna Group, a parent company committed to employee wellness and community support, and some of Cigna’s assets and resources are available to you as a caregiver, offered through Cigna’s coverage options.
The Cigna Caregiver Support Program offers a range of resources and services designed to assist caregivers in managing the demands of supporting seniors, including guidance, support tools, and access to professional advice.
Who Is Cigna Healthcare?
Cigna is a health insurance provider, like others you might be familiar with at the national or statewide level. Cigna’s services include comprehensive coverage plans for individuals, employers, and qualifying government assistance programs, as well as unique resources such as home care coverage, therapy services, medical supplies, and caregiver assistance programs.
Cigna is also committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities it serves, as well as its clients and customers, by focusing on delivering benefits and services that enhance their overall vitality.
How Is Cigna Healthcare Related to Home Care?
If you’re still wondering what Cigna has to do with your unique needs as a caregiver, that’s understandable. You might not have been aware that they’re a major provider for programs like Medicare Advantage. And as Medicare programs are reserved primarily for qualifying seniors, hospice and long-term care are important considerations for many of the people they serve. Cigna’s offerings are designed to address the specific needs of each individual, including tailored medical care and support for managing daily routines and health conditions.
Cigna also provides wellness and support programs specifically designed for employees, offering benefits and work-life balance initiatives to help employees maintain their health and well-being.
That’s why Cigna offers a selection of programs, assets, and resources to families grappling with the needs unique to caregivers and those they look after. The plan covers a wide range of services, including home care providers, and medically necessary procedures or services that are authorized by healthcare professionals. Additional services such as transportation and supplies may also be included.
Eligibility for each benefit depends on plan-specific criteria, and there may be limitations or exclusions that affect coverage. It’s important to review detailed information about what the plan covers, including in-network healthcare professionals, facilities, and the process for obtaining authorization or referrals from a doctor. Costs, such as deductible, and other out-of-pocket expenses, can vary depending on whether you use in-network providers. Caregivers, including those caring for a child, spouse, or elderly parents, should expect to manage responsibilities and expenses, and should seek detailed information to ensure the plan meets their specific needs.
What Programs and Resources Does Cigna Offer to Home Care Providers?
First and foremost, Cigna Healthcare works to help patients and caregivers to find resources that are applicable to them. A dedicated webpage can serve as a starting point for anyone on the hunt for these kinds of support (even if they’re not covered through Cigna).
For those who are personally covered through Cigna (such as by health insurance plans offered by their employer), the Caregiver Leave Program provides paid leave to individuals who need to look after family members. This can include a number of situations, such as the arrival of a newborn, an acute health condition, or for aging family members who have elevated care needs.
This wage replacement program can help ease the financial strain in the beginning, and offer the caregiver time to arrange for more long-term accommodations. If you need to submit insurance reimbursement, Cigna provides guidance on the process for submitting claims, ensuring you understand coverage details and how claims are processed.
For those who are providing care to individuals covered by Cigna, such as those on a Medicare advantage plan, there are options for you, too. Cigna’s Medicare advantage plan may include features like transportation services or dental allowances, providing additional support for enrollees. For those who are eligible, the Caregiver Bridge Program is available to caregivers on behalf of the insured patient. This gives the caregiver access to a number of specialized resources, such as one-on-one coaching and counseling, via the Careforth App. You can schedule appointments or services and attend a visit with a healthcare provider as part of the program.
The Caregiver Bridge Program can help close the gap for those new to providing care, and those who find themselves overwhelmed or struggling with the new dynamic. From day-to-day concerns, to equipping you with tools and strategies to prioritize self-care, to help planning for the future, the program is meant to make life easier for patient and caregiver both. The program features a dedicated team that is available each week, supporting caregivers with practical resources and emotional support. Whether you need help with daily tasks or guidance through challenging times, the team is committed to supporting your well-being.
The Careforth App delivers virtual support through both phone and computer, making it easy to connect with care guides and access resources from anywhere.
You can always explore additional resources and tools on the Cigna website to further support your caregiving journey.
Who Can Enroll in Cigna Caregiver Programs?
What programs are available to you, and what you can qualify for, will depend on a few factors, such as:
- Where you’re located
- If you or the care recipient are the insured
- Whether insurance is through an employer-sponsored program, Medicare Advantage, etc.
In most cases, your best option is to contact Cigna directly to discuss your options and get more information. This will likely be your fastest route to the most accurate and helpful details on how to find resources and obtain support. Additionally, consider reaching out to friends for recommendations or support when searching for caregiving resources or providers, as personal connections can be a valuable source of trusted advice.
Broadly speaking, though, the most widely available options through Cigna are:
- Educational articles, links to external resources, and other information-based assets, available to anyone
- Wage replacement/paid leave available to some insured members who need to care for a family member
- The Caregiver Bridge Program, for insured patients, and caregivers of insured patients
Other options may be available based on your/the patient’s coverage, and other factors.
Should I Look into Cigna Caregiver Programs?
As with all possible resources related to elder care, you lose nothing by at least asking for more information. Cigna’s list of resource links is fairly extensive, and in the event you don’t qualify for any programs that Cigna offers, it’s an excellent springboard for the rest of your search.
Ensure a safe, happy home for your loved ones using the resources provided on our site. With the right information and careful consideration, you can make the best choice for your loved one’s care and well-being.
