Cigna medicare review searches have surged as this legacy insurer undergoes a major transition. Cigna acquired HealthSpring in 2012 for $3.8 billion. That deal instantly grew its Medicare book from 46,000 to nearly 400,000 members.
- Cigna/HealthSpring Overview and Financial Strength
- Cigna Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
- Cigna/HealthSpring Medicare Rates and Enrollment
- Cigna/HealthSpring Additional Benefits and Perks
- Cigna/HealthSpring Claims Process and Customer Service
- Pros and Cons of Cigna/HealthSpring Medicare Plans
- Who Is Cigna/HealthSpring Best For?
- Frequently Asked Questions
For over a decade, Cigna served millions of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. However, in March 2025, Health Care Service Corporation completed its purchase of Cigna’s entire Medicare division. HCSC has since rebranded the Medicare products under the revived HealthSpring name. Despite the ownership change, the plans, networks, and benefits remain largely intact. This cigna medicare review covers everything beneficiaries need to know about the current plan offerings, ratings, and enrollment options under the HealthSpring banner.
Cigna/HealthSpring Overview and Financial Strength
Cigna has operated in the health insurance industry for over 200 years. The company traces its roots to the Insurance Company of North America, founded in 1792. Cigna’s Medicare Advantage footprint once spanned 29 states plus Washington, D.C. At the time of sale, the Medicare division served approximately 3.6 million beneficiaries. HCSC now manages these members alongside its existing portfolio. As a result, HCSC covers roughly 26.5 million people total.
Financial stability matters when choosing a Medicare plan. AM Best affirmed Cigna’s Financial Strength Rating at A (Excellent) in March 2026. The outlook remains stable. This rating applies to Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and related subsidiaries. The Better Business Bureau gives Cigna an A+ rating. However, the company is not BBB accredited. For plan quality, CMS Star Ratings show mixed results for 2026.
Any thorough cigna medicare review must include complaint data. The NAIC reports that Cigna’s Medicare Supplement complaint ratio runs 42 percent above the national average. This means policyholders file complaints at a higher rate than typical Medigap insurers. In the 2025 J.D. Power Medicare Advantage Study, Cigna ranked third nationally with 616 out of 1,000 points. The industry average was 623 points that year.
| Rating Source | Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) — Stable Outlook |
| CMS Star Rating (HMO-POS) | 3.96 out of 5 Stars |
| CMS Star Rating (HMO) | 3.77 out of 5 Stars |
| CMS Star Rating (PPO) | 3.01 out of 5 Stars |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio | 42% Above National Average |
| J.D. Power (MA Satisfaction) | 616 / 1,000 (3rd Place) |
| BBB Rating | A+ (Not Accredited) |
Cigna Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
This cigna medicare review covers four main product categories. First, Cigna sells Medicare Supplement plans in 46 states plus Washington, D.C. Available plan letters include Plan A, Plan F, High-Deductible Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Plans are not available in Massachusetts or New York. Plan G is the most popular option for new enrollees. It covers everything except the annual Part B deductible. Plan N offers lower premiums but includes small copays for certain office visits.
Second, Medicare Advantage plans are available in 29 states. Plan types include HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, and Private Fee-for-Service. Cigna also offers Special Needs Plans for specific populations. D-SNP plans serve dual-eligible beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. C-SNP plans target members with chronic conditions like diabetes. For example, the Cigna Achieve Medicare HMO C-SNP focuses specifically on diabetes management.
Third, standalone Part D prescription drug plans provide nationwide coverage. These plans cover generic and brand-name medications through the Express Scripts pharmacy network. Beneficiaries can check their specific drug costs on the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov. In most cases, Part D plans include preferred pharmacy networks for lower copays. Many Medicare Advantage plans also bundle Part D coverage directly.
Cigna/HealthSpring Medicare Rates and Enrollment
Medicare Supplement rates vary by age, location, tobacco use, and gender. Cigna uses attained-age rating in most states. This means premiums increase as you get older. Typically, Plan G premiums fall in the moderate range compared to competitors. Plan N rates tend to run lower than Plan G. However, Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. Beneficiaries should compare quotes from multiple carriers before enrolling.
Enrollment methods include phone, online, and licensed insurance agents. The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Medigap Open Enrollment begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and have Part B. During this six-month window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher rates for health conditions. Outside this window, medical underwriting may apply for Medigap plans.
A cigna medicare review of rates should note the HCSC transition. Existing members keep their current plan terms through the contract year. New enrollees for 2026 will see HealthSpring branding on their ID cards and documents. Rate structures have not changed due to the ownership transition. Many retirees also review other insurance needs during enrollment season. For example, you can compare home insurance rates at Home Insure Guide to make sure your homeowners coverage keeps pace with your retirement budget.
Cigna/HealthSpring Additional Benefits and Perks
Medicare Advantage plans from Cigna include several extra benefits beyond Original Medicare. The Silver&Fit fitness program provides access to over 14,700 participating gyms nationwide. It also includes online workout classes. Note that Cigna offers Silver&Fit rather than SilverSneakers. This distinction matters if you prefer a specific gym network. Telehealth services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on most plans.
Dental, vision, and hearing benefits come standard on all Medicare Advantage plans. Dental coverage ranges from preventive-only to comprehensive. Vision benefits include routine eye exams, lenses, frames, and contacts. Hearing benefits cover exams, evaluations, fittings, and hearing aid devices. In most cases, these benefits have no additional premium beyond the MA plan cost.
Transportation and meal delivery round out the supplemental benefits. Members receive 10 to 24 non-emergency medical transportation trips per year. Rides are available within 60 to 70 miles via van, taxi, or rideshare through Access2Care. After a hospital discharge, members can receive up to 14 home-delivered meals. This benefit is available up to three times per year. Quarterly over-the-counter allowances help cover everyday health products like vitamins and first-aid supplies. Many Medicare beneficiaries also carry a life insurance policy to protect their family, and you can compare life insurance rates at Life Insure Guide to find affordable options.
Cigna/HealthSpring Claims Process and Customer Service
The myCigna app and online portal serve as the primary self-service tools. Members can view and print ID cards, find in-network providers, check claims status, and review deductibles. Prescription refills are available through Express Scripts home delivery. For 2025, Cigna added a generative AI-powered virtual assistant for benefits and claims questions. The portal also includes a proprietary provider-matching tool.
Customer service phone lines operate 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. From October through March, support is available seven days a week. From April through September, weekday-only hours apply. TTY users can dial 711 for accessibility support. This cigna medicare review notes that the J.D. Power score of 616 placed Cigna slightly below the industry average of 623. However, Cigna ranked third overall among all Medicare Advantage insurers nationally.
The NAIC complaint ratio of 42 percent above average is a concern. This figure suggests that claims disputes and service issues occur more frequently than at some competitors. As a result, beneficiaries should document all communications with customer service. Keeping copies of Explanation of Benefits statements helps resolve any billing discrepancies. The transition to HealthSpring branding may also cause temporary confusion for existing members adjusting to new portals and contact numbers.
Pros and Cons of Cigna/HealthSpring Medicare Plans
Pros:
- Medigap plans available in 46 states plus D.C. with Plans A, F, G, and N
- AM Best A (Excellent) financial strength rating with stable outlook
- Comprehensive Medicare Advantage extras including dental, vision, hearing, OTC, and transportation
- Special Needs Plans for dual-eligible and chronic condition populations
Cons:
- NAIC complaint ratio 42 percent above the national average for Medigap
- CMS Star Ratings below national benchmarks, especially PPO plans at 3.01 stars
- Ownership transition to HCSC/HealthSpring may create short-term service disruptions
Who Is Cigna/HealthSpring Best For?
This cigna medicare review finds HealthSpring best suited for several groups. Beneficiaries seeking Medigap Plan G or Plan N will find competitive options in most states. The broad geographic footprint across 46 states makes Cigna a practical choice for retirees who travel or relocate. Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare. Plan N works well for healthy beneficiaries who want lower premiums and can accept small copays.
Medicare Advantage members benefit most from the D-SNP and C-SNP offerings. Dual-eligible beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid receive tailored benefits under D-SNP plans. Members managing chronic conditions like diabetes get specialized care coordination through C-SNP plans. The additional benefits package, including transportation, meals, and fitness programs, adds real value for homebound or low-income seniors.
However, this cigna medicare review also raises cautions. Beneficiaries who prioritize customer service may want to compare the complaint ratios against competitors. The below-average CMS Star Ratings on PPO plans suggest room for improvement in care quality metrics. Prospective members should verify that their doctors and pharmacies remain in network under the HealthSpring transition. Overall, Cigna/HealthSpring delivers solid Medicare coverage backed by strong financial reserves. It is best for beneficiaries who value plan variety and supplemental benefits across a wide service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cigna still selling Medicare plans in 2026?
Cigna sold its Medicare business to HCSC in March 2025. As a result, all Medicare plans now operate under the HealthSpring brand. However, the plans, networks, and benefits remain the same for existing members.
What is the CMS Star Rating for Cigna Medicare Advantage plans?
For 2026, Cigna’s HMO-POS plans earned 3.96 stars out of 5. HMO plans received 3.77 stars. PPO plans scored 3.01 stars. Typically, plans with 4 or more stars qualify for bonus payments from CMS.
Does Cigna offer Medigap Plan G?
Yes, Cigna sells Medigap Plan G in 46 states plus Washington, D.C. In most cases, Plan G is the most comprehensive option for beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. It covers all Part A and Part B cost-sharing except the annual Part B deductible.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare plans, ratings, and enrollment:
- Medicare.gov (Official): medicare.gov
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid): cms.gov
- AM Best (Financial Strength Ratings): ambest.com
- NAIC (Complaint Ratios): naic.org
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): shiphelp.org
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): kff.org
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.