Cigna Drops an AI-Powered Health Plan With No Deductibles

In 2018, Cigna CEO David Cordani said the U.S. healthcare system devoted “the majority of our money and resources addressing people once they're sick,” adding that more investment was needed in “identifying people who are at risk of health events and lowering those health risks.”

Six years later, Cigna has introduced one of its most notable product changes reflecting that view, an AI-enabled, copay-only health plan that removes deductibles and coinsurance and is designed to simplify pricing for employers and members. The plan is built around a tiered copay model and five employer design packages, each offering up to four in-network tiers and one out-of-network tier. All plan designs run on Cigna Healthcare’s Open Access Plus network, which preserves broad provider access.

Clearity offers upfront copay pricing for office visits, diagnostic tests, imaging, physical therapy and surgical procedures. Members can also view verified patient reviews and provider insights, along with cost information through new digital tools built by Cigna. The plan includes an AI-powered virtual assistant that answers questions about benefits, claims and care options using conversational language. Natural language search tools allow members to find providers and view total out-of-pocket costs before receiving care.

Eva Borden, chief product officer for Cigna Healthcare’s U.S. Employer business, said Clearity is “a simpler, more predictable way for customers to get the health care they need.” Erin Lenox, president of national accounts, said the plan supports members who prefer pay-as-you-go models as well as those who avoid care because of high deductibles.