Mar 10, 2022
Cigna is pleased to welcome two new provider groups into the HMO Select Network, enabling Cigna to preserve affordability and enhance access for their HMO Select customers in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. MemorialCare joined the HMO Select Network in Los Angeles County, effective January 1, 2022; and Heritage Provider Network (HPN) will join the HMO Select Network in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, effective April 1, 2022.
Additionally, Cigna’s HMO Select Network agreements with two Optum provider groups in Southern California will soon end. The HMO Select Network agreement with legacy HealthCare Partners in Los Angeles County will end on March 31, 2022; and the HMO Select Network agreement with PrimeCare Medical Group in Riverside and San Bernardino counties will end on June 30, 2022. Having a provider contract end is it not the preferred outcome, but in this instance it is what’s necessary to preserve affordability and access. Cigna realizes that this will affect HMO Select members and is taking steps to make this as seamless as possible. Members will be transferred to the new HMO Select Network provider groups, and will soon receive letters explaining this change. About one-third of them will be able to keep their current primary care physician, but those assigned to physicians aligned solely with Optum will not.
It is important to note that Optum’s participation is ending only with respect to the Southern California HMO Select networks in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. Cigna is actively negotiating with Optum to maintain their broader relationship in Southern California through the full HMO and OAP contracts with legacy HealthCare Partners, PrimeCare Medical Group and other Optum providers. They hope to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement that benefits their clients and customers.
