Cigna's health services business has introduced Embarc Benefit Protection, which the company said brings together the health services, medical management, and specialty pharmacy expertise of Express Scripts, eviCore, Accredo, and CuraScript SD, "to make breakthrough medicines more affordable and ensure access for those who need it."
In a statement, Cigna said that consumers would have "no out of pocket payments related to the cost of the medicine" and would receive "personalized and expert care to assist them through their health journey."
Cigna said that Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl), the first FDA-approved prescription gene therapy for people with inherited retinal disease, and Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi), a gene therapy for children under two years old with spinal muscular atrophy, would be the first two therapies included in the Embarc Benefit Protection solution. The company said that additional therapies may be added in the future.
"We will deliver better care, affordability, and access through this solution. Expensive therapies for rare diseases pose a new challenge for America's healthcare system, and this challenge will grow as more therapies are approved by the [Food and Drug Administration]," said Steve Miller, M.D., Cigna's executive vice president and chief clinical officer. "We are leveraging our collective capabilities to deliver on the true promise of modern medicine. No cure should be out of reach of any patient, and they should receive the best quality care."
"This is a great example of what our combined company can do now for our clients and patients," said Tim Wentworth, the president of Express Scripts and Cigna Services. "Harnessing our vast array of capabilities and resources allows us to innovate in a way that brings health care services and solutions to the marketplace that are more affordable, and make a positive difference in the lives of our customers. Embarc Benefit Protection honors the mission of our colleagues around the world who focus every day on improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind for those we serve."
By 2024, the cost of gene therapies is expected to reach more than $16 billion in the United States, according to EvaluatePharma. According to Cigna, the Embarc Benefit Protection solution will address a critical need facing the entire health care system.
"All of us want innovative treatments for devastating conditions, but at an efficient affordable price," said Gene H. Price, administrator for the Carpenters Health and Welfare Trust for California. "Providing our participants and dependents with access to these therapies, without sacrificing their own financial security, provides them with hope for long term health and positive life changing outcomes. Cigna now offers health plans, like our health and welfare fund, a solution that will promote coverage of powerful new therapies, shield patients and families from the extreme cost, and allow families to hope for a cure and a brighter future."
"Working with Cigna, especially at a time when we are growing rapidly, is one of the best choices we have made," said Don Beckwith, senior vice president for finance and administration at ebm-papst Inc. "The personal service, the deep understanding of our business, and an ability to look ahead to adjust as we grow – all of these attributes are what Cigna brings to the table and puts our business, and our employees, in a position to succeed. As a growing business, we benefit greatly from Cigna's flexibility and focus."
Learn more: www.express-scripts.com/corporate.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].