Cigna, Northwest Indiana’s Community Healthcare System Form New Collaborative Care Relationship

Cigna (NYSE: CI) has entered into a collaborative care relationship with Northwest Indiana’s Community Healthcare System. The arrangement is designed to help improve access to health care, enhance care coordination and lower costs for those who are covered by a Cigna health plan and receive their care from health professionals affiliated with Community Healthcare System.

The program is part of Cigna Collaborative Care, a value-based model that uses incentives to engage health care professionals and drive improved health, affordability and customer experience. Community Healthcare System comprises three not-for-profit hospitals in Northwest Indiana: Community Hospital in Munster; St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart.

The collaborative arrangement between Cigna and Community Healthcare System aims to close gaps in care, such as missed health screenings or prescription refills; reinforce the appropriate use of primary care doctors to increase the number of preventive health visits and improve follow-up care for people transitioning from hospital to home.

As part of this program, registered nurse care coordinators employed by Community Healthcare System will help individuals with chronic conditions or other health challenges navigate the health care system. Cigna will compensate Community Healthcare System for these medical and care coordination services. In addition, Community Healthcare System may also be rewarded by Cigna through a “pay for value” structure if it meets specified targets for improving quality and lowering medical costs.

“Cigna believes that our collaborative relationship with Community Healthcare System will benefit the individuals who rely on these hospitals for their health care needs, as well as the physicians who provide that care,” said Peter W. McCauley Sr., MD, regional medical executive for Cigna’s Northeast region, which includes the Midwest. “Working together, we’re in a position to encourage preventive care and even stronger health outcomes for the people we serve.”

“We are excited to partner with Cigna through our clinically integrated network,” said Alan Kumar, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Community Healthcare System. “Community Healthcare Partners’ clinically integrated network is a collaboration among our hospitals, primary care physicians and specialists to continuously improve the effectiveness of health care services. It is consistent with our mission to improve the health of our patients and provide high quality care through our health care system. By partnering with Cigna, we are better able to share data and streamline care for a more complete patient experience.”

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York, or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 90 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

About Community Healthcare System

Community Healthcare System is comprised of three not-for-profit hospitals: Community Hospital in Munster; St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago; St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, and Hartsfield Village, a continuing care retirement community in Munster. Combining advanced technology with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, forefront research, and a network of highly qualified physicians, nurses and allied health professionals, the health system provides exceptional care for the mind, body and spirit. The Northwest Indiana health system’s vast network of care locations includes outpatient, surgical and rehabilitation centers, physician practices, behavioral health, occupational health, home care, a medically-based fitness center, Fitness Pointe, the Community Cancer Research Foundation and the Cancer Resource Centre in Munster. Community Healthcare System hospitals are regional leaders in orthopedics, cardiac and cancer care. As a non-profit organization, the healthcare system offers numerous free programs, special events, preventative screenings and support groups that aim to help to improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana.

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