Cigna Group Reaches Settlement with U.S. Government Over Medicare Advantage Claims

Health insurer Cigna Group has announced that it has reached a settlement with the United States government regarding allegations of overcharging the Medicare Advantage program. The settlement, finalized on Friday, involves a payment of approximately $172 million by Cigna. As part of the agreement, Cigna will also enter into a corporate integrity agreement with the U.S. Office of Inspector General.

The settlement stems from claims made by U.S. prosecutors in Manhattan in October 2022, stating that Cigna had obtained tens of millions of dollars in Medicare funds between 2012 and 2019 by submitting false diagnoses for patients. These false diagnoses made it appear that patients were sicker than they actually were, leading to higher reimbursements from the government.

Medicare is a government health insurance program primarily catering to individuals aged 65 and older. The program plays a crucial role in providing healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. The settlement reached between Cigna and the U.S. government aims to address the allegations and ensure compliance moving forward.

Cigna’s commitment to resolving this matter through a settlement demonstrates its dedication to maintaining transparency and integrity in its operations. By entering into a corporate integrity agreement, the company is taking proactive steps to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

The settlement amount of $172 million reflects Cigna’s willingness to rectify any potential discrepancies and highlights its commitment to upholding ethical business practices. The resolution of this matter will allow Cigna to focus on its core mission of providing quality healthcare services to its customers.

As part of the settlement, Cigna will work closely with the U.S. Office of Inspector General to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines. This collaboration will help foster trust and accountability within the healthcare industry.

Moving forward, Cigna remains committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services and maintaining the highest standards of integrity. The company’s dedication to resolving this matter promptly showcases its commitment to its customers, shareholders, and the broader healthcare community.