Cigna vs. Anthem Insurance

Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare Cigna and Anthem side by side.

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In this Cigna vs. Anthem bout, Anthem takes the lead, offering a larger provider network than Cigna plus availability in more states. Our handy guide has provided everything you need to know about these two health insurance carriers, including user ratings, plan types and when you can enroll with these companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Cigna and Anthem offer a wide range of plans including HMO, PPO, EPO, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
  • Cigna offers coverage in 12 states whereas Anthem provides coverage in 14 states.
  • Anthem scored higher in overall user reviews.
  • Anthem fared better in a J.D. Power customer satisfaction study across several regions.

Cigna History

In 1792, a group of citizens formed the Insurance Company of North America (INA), the country’s oldest stockholder-owned insurer. In 1794, INA issued its first insurance policy, for a sea captain, to mitigate the risk of death. In 1865, the Governor of Connecticut signed a special act of the General Assembly incorporating the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, which helped make Hartford, CT, “the insurance capital of the world.” The Insurance Company of North America and the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company combined in 1982 to form Cigna as we know it today.

Click to read our full Cigna review.

Anthem History

In 2004, WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and Anthem, Inc. merged and became the nation’s leading health benefits company. In December 2014 WellPoint Inc. changed its corporate name to Anthem, Inc. On June 28, 2022, Anthem rebranded to Elevance Health. As of 2022, Anthem has 46.8 million members and is ranked 33rd on the Fortune 500.

Click to read our full Anthem review.

Cigna vs. Anthem: A Quick Glance

Comparison

Cigna

Anthem

Plan Types

HMO, PPO, CDHP, EPO, FSA, HDHP, HMO-POS, Indemnity, HSA, Medicaid, Medicare and POS

HMO, PPO, CDHP, EPO, FSA, HDHP, HMO-POS, Indemnity, HSA, Medicaid, Medicare and POS

Availability

12 states

14 states (varies by plan type)

Coverage Limit

Varies

Varies

Deductible

Varies

Varies

Maximum Annual Benefit

Varies

Varies

Waiting Period

Varies

Varies

Providers In-Network

1.5 million

1.7 million

Covers Telehealth

Yes (depending on plan and location)

Yes

Policy Management

Mobile app, online account, phone

Mobile app, online account, phone

Cigna Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Network of 1.5 million providers[1]

Limited availability

One of the largest and oldest insurance institutions in the country

Below average customer satisfaction rating in most regions in 2022 J.D. Power study

Anthem Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Network of 1.7 million providers

Limited availability

Ranked higher overall in a 2023 J.D. Power study

Overall user reviews are less favorable than Cigna

Available in more states than Cigna

 

Cigna vs. Anthem: Plan Structures

Cigna and Anthem are tied in this category, offering a variety of health plans, from HMOs to PPOs, along with extra services like Medicaid and Medicare, as well as others. They serve individuals and families and also offer work-based plans that include dental and vision coverage. See each company’s coverage benefits below.

Plan

Cigna

Anthem

Individual & Family

Medicare

Medicaid

Dental

Vision

Small Business

Self-employed

Short-term

Student

Cigna vs. Anthem: Plan Availability

In this round of Cigna vs. Anthem, Anthem narrowly beats out Cigna in availability, offering coverage in 14 states compared to Cigna’s 12.[2][3]

Anthem Availability

Cigna Availability

California

Arizona

Colorado

California

Connecticut

Colorado

Georgia

Connecticut

Indiana

Florida

Kentucky

Georgia

Maine

Maryland

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

North Carolina

New Hampshire

South Carolina

New York

Tennessee

Ohio

Texas

Virginia

 

Wisconsin

 

Be aware that Anthem's health plans may go by alternative names in specific states — like Rocky Mountain Hospital in Nevada or Community Insurance Company in Ohio. Although its reach is somewhat limited, Anthem is a member of the broader Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which serves all 50 states and is worth considering if Anthem is unavailable in your state.

Cigna vs. Anthem: In-Network Providers

Anthem pulls ahead of Cigna in this round, utilizing BCBS’s provider network of 1.7 million.[4] However, Cigna’s network is still impressive and currently has 1.5 million providers.

Cigna vs. Anthem: Cost

Due to the varying nature of healthcare needs and plan types, comparing costs between Cigna and Anthem is difficult. The price of your health insurance premium varies based on several variables such as your age, your geographic location, your deductible, whether you smoke, your insurance provider and the type of plan. Costs will fluctuate based on the category of your chosen plan. Both Cigna and Anthem employ a tiered structure, featuring bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels.

The following image provides a detailed explanation of how each tier operates.

cigna and anthem health insurance payment share by tiers in bar graph illustration

Cigna vs. Anthem: Coverage Limits

Insurance providers such as Cigna and Anthem are not allowed to set financial limits on what are considered essential healthcare services for their policyholders. A portion of the costs for these critical services must be covered. These services include:

Ambulatory patient services

Emergency medical care

Hospitalization for surgeries and inpatient care

Diagnostic laboratory evaluations

Mental health and substance abuse therapies

Pediatric healthcare

Maternity, prenatal and newborn care

Prescription drugs

Preventive wellness and chronic disease management

Rehabilitative services and assistive devices/technologies

Cigna vs. Anthem: Policy Management

Both Cigna and Anthem provide digital platforms and mobile applications for managing your policy, which include features like locating healthcare providers, reviewing your coverage and monitoring claim statuses.

As far as mobile app user reviews are concerned, Anthem wins. Anthem's mobile application is named Sydney Health.

Company

Google Play Store

Apple App Store

Cigna

3/5 stars[5]

4.8/5 stars[6]

Anthem

4.6/5 stars[7]

4.8/5 stars[8]

Cigna vs. Anthem: Medical Loss Ratio

The Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) indicates what portion of an insurance company's premium revenue is used for patient services and improving care quality. By law, at least 80% of the premiums from individual plans or 85% from group plans must go towards healthcare services.[9] If these minimums aren't reached, the difference is refunded to the policyholders as rebates.

In 2022, Cigna had a medical loss ratio (MLR) of 81.7%, slightly exceeding the threshold for individual policies.[10] For the year 2021, Anthem issued MLR rebates to nine different states, which include:[2]

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Georgia

Kentucky

Maine

Missouri

New Hampshire

New York

Ohio

Virginia

 

Cigna vs. Anthem: Enrollment Process

To purchase a Cigna or Anthem plan from your state’s marketplace, you will need to do so during open enrollment. Open enrollment runs from November 1st to December 15th for coverage beginning on January 1st. If you miss this window, you can still enroll by January 15th but coverage will start on February 1st.[11]

For those unable to participate in open enrollment, certain events may help you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). SEPs allow you to purchase a plan outside the designated enrollment periods but only if you experience a qualifying life event such as:

  • Gaining U.S. citizenship
  • Switching jobs
  • Changes in marital status (getting married or divorced)
  • Welcoming a new child, either by birth or adoption
  • Falling below the federal poverty level in income
  • Losing existing healthcare coverage (due to a spouse's job loss or death)
  • Moving to a new location

For those looking to have Medicare Advantage plans, separate enrollment periods exist.[12]

3 months before you turn 65 to 3 months after

October 15 to December 7 for coverage starting on January 1

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan

January 1 to March 31 for coverage starting on the 1st of the month after the company receives your request

  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
  • Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare

Cigna vs. Anthem: Policyholder Experience

Below is a table showing ratings based on customer reviews and company reviews from several online sources for both Cigna and Anthem.

Company

Cigna

Anthem

Consumer Affairs

1.9/5 stars[13]

2/5 stars[18]

Trusted Choice

2.5/5 stars[14]

3/5 stars[19]

BestCompany

2.7/5 stars[15]

1.4/5 stars[20]

Affordable Health Insurance

4.2/5 stars[16]

4.6/5 stars[21]

BBB

1.11/5 stars[17]

1.05/5 stars[22]

Based on the above data, Anthem has a minor advantage over Cigna. Also, a 2022 research report by JD Power and Associates focusing on commercial member health plans shows that Anthem surpasses Cigna in eight geographic areas.[23]

How to File Claims With Cigna and Anthem

When you see a healthcare provider that's part of your insurance network, they'll take care of submitting your insurance claim for you. If you opt for a doctor or service outside your network, you'll need to handle the paperwork and submit the claim on your own. Both Cigna and Anthem have designated forms for this, which you'll need to mail to the specified address. You can also track the status of your claim using the online portal or mobile app provided by your insurance company.

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Cigna and Anthem FAQs

Is Cigna related to Anthem?

Cigna and Anthem are two different health insurance companies. In 2015, there was an announcement that Anthem would acquire Cigna, but the deal fell through, resulting in a lawsuit in which Cigna demanded a $1.85 billion breakup fee.[24][25]

Who is Cigna owned by?

Cigna Healthcare is owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc.

What is Cigna ranked compared to Anthem?

Overall, Cigna ranks lower than Anthem based on a 2023 J.D. Power study and multiple reviews from several consumer advocate companies.

Sources

  1. Cigna. “Cigna FlexAssure.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  2. Beere & Purves. “Medical Loss Ratio Rebates: Rebates for Our Fully Insured Markets,” Pages 1 to 2. Accessed August 29, 2023.
  3. Cigna. “With Medical Plans in 12 States and Dental Plans in All 50 States Plus D.C., Reasons To Sell Cigna Are Really Adding Up,” Page 1. Accessed August 29, 2023.
  4. Blue Cross Blue Shield. “The Blue Cross Blue Shield System.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  5. Google Play. “myCigna.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  6. Apple App Store. “myCigna.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  7. Google Play. “Sydney Health.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  8. Apple App Store. “Sydney Health.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  9. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Medical Loss Ratio.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  10. Cigna. “Cigna Reports Strong Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results, Establishes 2023 Guidance and Increases Dividend.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  11. Healthcare.gov. “When Can You Get Health Insurance?” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  12. Medicare.gov. “Joining a Plan.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  13. Consumer Affairs. “Cigna Health Insurance.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  14. Trusted Choice. “Cigna Health Insurance Reviews 2023.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  15. BestCompany. “Cigna.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  16. Affordable Health Insurance. “Cigna Health Insurance Review.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  17. Better Business Bureau. “Cigna.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  18. Consumer Affairs. “Anthem.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  19. Trusted Choice. “Anthem, Inc. Insurance Company Review.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  20. BestCompany. “Anthem.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  21. Affordable Health Insurance. “Anthem Health Insurance Review.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  22. Better Business Bureau. “Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  23. J.D. Power. “Commercial Health Plan Member Satisfaction Declines in Key Areas, J.D. Power Finds.” Accessed August 29, 2023.

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