Cigna Healthcare is introducing a connected benefits experience linking medical and supplemental health benefits to help customers manage costs from unexpected health events.
Medical with Smart Coverage, an industry-first benefit employers can add to high-deductible health plan offerings, allows eligible customers to receive up to $7,000 in supplemental cash benefits tied to covered health events, which can help cover medical expenses or everyday costs such as transportation and child care.
Bryan Holgerson, President, Cigna Healthcare U.S. and Executive Vice President, Customer Health Outcomes, The Cigna Group, said, "People want the peace of mind that comes from knowing they're covered when an unexpected or costly health event occurs, especially as rising hospital and prescription drug costs, inflation and other financial pressures continue to strain household budgets. That's why we're bringing medical and supplemental benefits closer together."
The new experience includes Simple File Sync Plus, which automatically matches qualifying medical claims to eligible supplemental benefits, helping customers receive cash payments with fewer administrative steps. Research from Cigna Healthcare and Ipsos found nearly 60% of Americans are not financially prepared for a health event, 44% report spending $1,000 or more out of pocket following a diagnosis or hospitalization, and fewer than one-third understand supplemental benefits can cover everyday expenses like groceries or housing.
"When someone experiences an unexpected or costly health event, the last thing they want to do is sort through benefits and paperwork," said Paul Virtell, President of Supplemental Health at Cigna Healthcare. "Many people have access to cash benefits that can help pay for medical or everyday expenses, but they may not know where to find them or how to use them. Smart Coverage helps connect people to that support more seamlessly, so they can focus on their health."
High-deductible health plans have become increasingly common, with half of workers offered one in 2024, up from 38% in 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical with Smart Coverage will be available January 1, 2027, for clients with 500 to 2,999 employees, with broader availability planned for 2028; Simple File Sync Plus is currently available to eligible clients.
