July 2026

In case you missed them, here is a recap of and links to all of the U.S. commercial articles that were published in the Provider Newsroom in July.

Improving first-trimester prenatal care initiation among racial and ethnic groups

(July 31, 2026) Early prenatal care is one of the most important opportunities to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Delaying prenatal care can reduce the chance of identifying complications early, which can contribute to disparities in maternal and infant health.

Declining kindergarten vaccination rates: an early warning signal

(July 31, 2026) Recent national data shows that routine childhood vaccination rates continue to decline and experts view kindergarten vaccination coverage as an early warning signal for potential outbreaks in communities.

Supporting timely access to care: resources for California HMO providers

(July 30, 2026) The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) sets appointment access standards for medical and behavioral health services based on member needs and service type. This graphic serves as a quick visual reminder of appointment access standards based on the urgency of the patient’s need and the type of service requested.

Cigna Healthcare medical Individual & Family Plans to be discontinued, effective January 1, 2027

(July 29, 2026) Effective January 1, 2027, Cigna Healthcare will discontinue offering medical Individual & Family Plans (IFPs) both on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace. Customers with medical IFPs will have coverage through December 31, 2026.

Immunization Fee Schedule (NIIFS) quarterly update

(July 29, 2026) The National Injectable and Immunization Fee Schedule (NIIFS) is used to reimburse professional and facility providers for payment of injectable drugs and immunizations. The 2026 third quarter NIIFS has been updated and will become effective on August 1, 2026.

Specialty Medical Injectables with reimbursement restriction

(July 29, 2026) The Specialty Medical Injectables with Reimbursement Restriction list was recently updated to include three specialty medical injectables.

Cigna Healthcare Expands Personalized Care Management to Help More Customers Access Support Earlier

(July 28, 2026) Cigna Healthcare is expanding its care management programs to help more customers access support earlier in their health journeys. By supporting customers between provider visits and helping address barriers to care that may affect health outcomes, these efforts can contribute to a more connected care experience and better health and financial outcomes for your patients.

Turning grief into purpose: honoring The Cigna Group’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year

(July 27, 2026) This year, The Cigna Group named Diana Lenis its 2026 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her commitment to patient advocacy and volunteer service.

Introducing Pharmacy Forward by Evernorth

(July 27, 2026) Pharmacy Forward by Evernorth is an AI-powered program designed to improve how patients access and experience specialty care. When you prescribe specialty therapies through Accredo Specialty Pharmacy, your patients will receive more personalized support, streamlined prescription processing, and help with starting and staying on therapy through the program’s AI-enabled capabilities.

A holistic approach to pain management

(July 27, 2026) Chronic pain affects more than 60 million U.S. adults — nearly 25 percent of the population — and growing evidence suggests that a holistic approach focused on overall wellness and rooted in nonpharmacological therapy is not only safer but also more effective. Cigna Healthcare offers a variety of resources to support your patients suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Boosting immunity and reducing chronic disease through vaccination

(July 27, 2026) While vaccines for children and adults are primarily encouraged to prevent infectious diseases, they can also help mitigate risk of complications from chronic conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

Rising health care costs explained – and a clearer path to affordability

(July 27, 2026) A new research paper by Cigna Healthcare identifies five forces that consistently account for rising costs across employer-sponsored health coverage. Improving health care affordability requires collaboration across the system. Providers, health plans, employers, and policymakers each play a role in shaping a more connected, efficient care experience.

2027 Cigna Care Designation and Tier 1 results

(July 15, 2026) Cigna Healthcare evaluates in-network providers in 21 specialty types, including three primary care and 18 specialties. Those identified as higher performing for quality and cost efficiency relative to their peers may earn Cigna Care Designation (CCD). In June, primary care providers and specialty care providers received communications explaining how to access their 2027 quality, cost efficiency, and CCD directory display results.

Cigna Healthcare professional reference guide for Illinois updated

(July 13, 2026) The Demographic Information and Directories section of the Cigna Healthcare Professional Reference Guide for Illinois has been updated to reflect the state’s requirements for using the Uniform Electronic Provider Directory Information Form (Uniform Directory Template) to notify health care insurers of changes to their provider directory information, effective July 1, 2026.

Carboplatin shortage: Kyxata accepted for existing prior authorizations

(July 13, 2026) To help minimize disruption during the temporary Carboplatin manufacturing shortage, Kyxata will be accepted as an alternative medication for patients who already have an approved prior authorization for Carboplatin under their Cigna Healthcare medical benefit.