Frequently asked questions

July 8, 2025

Cigna Healthcare® Medicare Advantage brand will transition to HealthSpringSM

The Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage brand, which includes Medicare Advantage, Supplemental Benefits and Medicare Part D, is changing to HealthSpring.

Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage is now HealthSpring. Our goal is to help our members achieve their health goals over their lifetime. At the heart of this is you, our provider network. We want to partner with you to help connect our members with the right resources.

You may be wondering, what now? How does this work and where do I go for information? Let us help you with the following commonly asked questions:

Questions and answers

General Information

  • What’s happening with Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage? Is it going away?
    • The Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage name is going away. The business is now owned by Health Care Services Corporation and as of January 2026, will be called, HealthSpring.
  • I’m contracted with Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage. What do I need to do to be contracted with HealthSpring?
    • You don’t need to do a thing.Your current contracts with Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage are still in force and mean that you are now in HealthSpring’s provider networks.
  • Are HealthSpring members’ benefit plans the same as Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans?
    • As usually happens, we adjust benefit plans to match the needs of our members and to comply with changing state and federal requirements. Our new benefit plans will be rolled out during the 2025 annual enrollment period and will go into effect in January 2026.
  • Are all Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage customers now HealthSpring members?
    • All Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage members will have the opportunity to choose HealthSpring as their benefit provider during the 2025 Medicare annual enrollment period. We hope to continue serving them as part of the new HealthSpring family.

Doing Business with HealthSpring

  • How can I stay informed about HealthSpring policies and processes?
    • We will keep you informed of any changes impacting you or your business. The HealthSpring provider website launching in September 2025 will be our primary communication tool. You will find it alongside our member site. Please explore the site for helpful tools, resources and late-breaking news that’s critical to your practice.
    • Additionally, starting in 2026, we’ll send you HealthSpring Review, a monthly email to help you stay informed.
    • Update your provider data with your current email address to ensure you receive the latest news. You can also subscribe to HealthSpring Review here.
    • How long can I access Cigna Healthcare resources via the Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage Providers website?
    • I’ve checked the HealthSpring provider website, but it doesn’t offer much information.
      • We are preparing the content you need to serve HealthSpring members in 2026. Please check back as we will be adding resources regularly.
    • Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage recently moved to Availity® Essentials for their provider portal. Will this change for HealthSpring?
      • No. HealthSpring will continue to use Availity Essentials as its provider portal. Look for the HealthSpring payer space. It replaces the Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage payer space. At Availity Essentials, you can:
        • Verify eligibility and benefits
        • Verify primary care provider
        • View member ID cards
        • Submit professional and institutional claims
        • Check the status of claims
        • View remittance advice
        • Access specific HealthSpring links, including prior authorization for participating providers and resources, via a dedicated payer space
    • Which medical policies, prior authorization and processes do I follow for HealthSpring members?
      • There are no process changes at this time. In 2026, you will follow HealthSpring processes and policies for your patients with a HealthSpring plan. Information about processes, our medical policy, prior authorization requirements and other claims and clinical information will be on our website and in our provider manuals.
      • For all HealthSpring members, be sure to:
        • Ask to see the customer or member ID card before all appointments
        • Check eligibility and benefits before all appointments
        • Follow utilization management review requirements and guidelines
        • Follow the billing instructions on the member ID card
    • Whom do I call for help?
      • There is no change to your key contacts for Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage. Your Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage contacts will be your HealthSpring contacts.
    • What if I have questions about a member’s care?
      • If you have questions, please call the number on the member’s ID card.
    • What other changes will happen in 2026?
      • We regularly update our business processes to better serve our members and make working with us easier for you. We will keep you posted on any changes. Please regularly read News & Updates and subscribe to HealthSpring Review for the latest information.

    Behavioral Health

    • I’m a behavioral health provider contracted with Evernorth Behavioral Health and provide care to Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage customers. Will my network or processes change as a result of this transaction?
      • You will remain in the Evernorth network and continue to serve Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage customers. Starting in January 2026, you will serve HealthSpring members. See the HealthSpring website for details.

    Contracting

    • What happens with my current Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage contract?
      • Your current contracts with Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage are still in force and mean that you are now in HealthSpring’s provider networks.
      • What rates will I be paid in 2026?
        • You will receive your contracted rates when caring for HealthSpring members who are part of a network in which you participate.

      For more information

      For more information, visit the HealthSpring website.

        Contacts

        Contact your Provider Relations representative or call our Provider Customer Service at 800-230-6138.

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