Helping Friends and Family

The following general information is provided to help you choose the best possible benefit plan combination for your friend or loved one. Cigna sells prescription drug coverage in all states. In the state of Arizona, an integrated medical and prescription drug product is available in certain counties. And, HealthSpring and Bravo Health sell Medicare Advantage plans in some states as well.

Follow these guidelines to make sure you're getting the information you need to help your parent, relative or friend choose a plan that will best meet their needs.
  • Plan a meeting. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour, either face-to-face or on the telephone.
  • Gather information about their current health and benefit information, including:
    • the doctors they see on a regular basis
    • any treatment programs with which they are involved
    • prescription drugs they use
  • Does the Medicare recipient spend part of the year elsewhere?
  • Find out what type of coverage they currently have, and who offers it.
  • Make a list of any questions that you or they have. Answers to many common questions can be found here, or you can call Cigna Medicare.

Prescription Drug Coverage Information

  • Review the plan's formulary (drug list) to compare the medications and costs that are covered under each plan.
  • Check to see if their pharmacy is part of the plan's network.
  • Compare the costs associated with each available plan. There are several costs to consider:
    • Monthly premuim amount
    • Monthly costs for their medications
    • What they will pay after yearly drug costs reach the Coverage Gap
    • If the plan they are considering offers supplemental Gap Coverage, beyond what is mandated by Health Care Reform
    • What they will pay after yearly cost reach the out-of-pocket minimum
    • If the plan has a deductible - the amount they must pay themselves before the plan begins to pay for services.

Medical coverage considerations (for Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona)

Think about your current health and how that impacts your coverage needs.

  • How important is it to have predictable medical expenses?
  • Do you need a low or high level of financial protection from unexpected medical costs?
  • Compare the costs associated with each plan. There are several costs to consider:
    • Monthly premium amount
    • Copays when you visit the doctor
    • What you pay for hospital care and any coverage limits
    • What you pay for other medical care such as skilled nursing, lab and X-ray services
    • If the plan has deductibles that you must meet before the plan pays for services
    • What your coverage for routine screenings will be
  • Does the plan offer extra programs to add to your savings?
  • Determine if dental coverage and vision and hearing coverage is offered
  • Determine if the plan offers discounts or incentives on fitness and wellness programs
Financial Information
  • Determine if they qualify for financial help. If your parent, relative or friend thinks they can't afford a Medicare prescription drug plan, there are programs that can help. Based on their income and assets, they may be eligible for programs that pay more of their costs. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). (TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • If your parent, relative or friend thinks they can't afford a Medicare plan, there are programs that can help. Based on their income and assets, they may be eligible for programs that pay more of their costs. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). (TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan premium will generally be lower if they qualify for Extra Help from Medicare.
  • The Cigna premiums listed on the premium tables do not include any Medicare Part B premium which they may have to pay.
What do I need to do next?

Learn more about Cigna's Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans and help your parent, relative or friend enroll in the best Medicare prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for them

Cigna Medicare Rx (PDP) plans
Cigna Medicare Select Plus Rx (HMO) plans
HealthSpring and Bravo Health plans