Cigna is introducing a broad range of new inducements to encourage and expand access to COVID-19 vaccinations. These incentives include offering paid time off to receive the vaccination, an incentive award for employees who are fully vaccinated and transportation to vaccine appointments at no cost for most Medicare Advantage customers.
- More Embellishments: Starting now, Cigna employees in the United States who are enrolled in the Cigna Medical Plan are eligible to receive a $200 incentive award for being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.1 A study shows that similar health incentive programs improve health outcomes and lower total medical costs an average of 10 percent. Employees can self-report that they have received the vaccine, and the award will be deposited into their Health Savings Account.
- High Resource for vaccines: “Even as vaccination rates increase, we are in a race against more contagious variants, and we must remain vigilant,” said Dr. Steve Miller, Cigna’s chief clinical officer. “Cigna is committed to doing our part to build a community of immunity – both by encouraging our employees to get vaccinated and by providing resources to our customers, clients and communities to ensure they can access vaccines.”
- Extended Deadline for benefits: Cigna has extended the deadline for benefits-eligible employees to use up to 10 days of paid “emergency time off” for COVID-19-related reasons, including to receive the vaccine or recover from it if needed, dependent care or taking a mental health day. The time off, originally provided to employees in 2020, now can be used through the end of 2021. To date, over 875,500 ETO hours (nearly 110,000 days) have been used by over 25,300 employees.
- Free transportation for the members: Most of Cigna’s Medicare Advantage customers are eligible to receive transportation to and from vaccine sites at no extra cost. Over 500,000 customers in 23 states are eligible for four one-way trips, up to 60 miles each way, to get their vaccine. The program allows for four trips since some vaccines require two doses. Transportation for one adult companion is also included to accommodate caregivers.
- Cigna trying to stretch its hands towards all: Cigna is conducting direct outreach to customers most at-risk for COVID-19 in key communities to provide them with resources about how to get vaccinated and help them make appointments. This effort is part of the Vaccine Community Connectors pilot initiative that aims to enable the vaccination of two million seniors age 65+ in vulnerable and underserved communities.