Cigna's Evernorth unveils 2 new programs aimed at GLP-1s

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Cigna's Evernorth Unveils 2 New Programs Aimed at GLP-1s

Cigna's Evernorth is expanding its presence in the GLP-1 medication space with the launch of two new specialized programs designed to optimize patient care and manage costs associated with these increasingly popular drugs.

New GLP-1 Support Programs

Evernorth is introducing two new programs that will go live in June 2025:

1. EnReachRx - A comprehensive GLP-1 support program that leverages pharmacist expertise to:

  • Optimize medication dosages
  • Detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse
  • Help patients manage side effects
  • Provide enhanced clinical services alongside dispensing GLP-1 drugs24

2. EnGuide Pharmacy - A specialized home delivery pharmacy that:

  • Focuses exclusively on dispensing GLP-1 medications
  • Is staffed by clinicians with specialized knowledge in GLP-1s
  • Provides enhanced guidance and education support to patients
  • Connects eligible patients with manufacturer copay assistance options24

Program Features and Benefits

EnReachRx offers several key features to improve patient outcomes and cost management:

  • Participating pharmacies will offer both 30-day and 90-day prescriptions based on patient coverage2
  • Pharmacies will provide adherence monitoring and educational support throughout the patient's care journey2
  • Participating pharmacies will receive professional service fees for delivering enhanced clinical support2
  • The program includes dose optimization, fraud detection, and side effect management support4

According to Ashley Holzworth-Nash, Vice President of retail network product strategy and solutions at Express Scripts Pharmacy Benefit Services, "The current model for GLP-1 access and care is not optimized for patients, the pharmacies stocking these medicines or plan sponsors covering them."4

Cigna's GLP-1 Strategy

These new programs build upon Cigna's earlier GLP-1 initiatives:

  • EncircleRx, launched in early 2024, has expanded to serve 9 million patients15

- Cigna's approach differs from other pharmacy benefit managers by focusing on:

  • Access and affordability
  • Clinical safety
  • Long-term lifestyle modifications
  • Financial assurances to protect payers from unexpected GLP-1 cost increases1

During a May 2nd earnings call, Cigna COO Brian Evanko stated, "We recognized a chance to generate new value in the GLP-1 arena by addressing access, affordability, clinical safety, and long-term lifestyle adjustments."1

These initiatives come as Cigna reported a 14% year-over-year revenue increase, demonstrating the company's commitment to expanding its services in the growing GLP-1 market5.

Sources:

1. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cigna-evernorth-glp1-support-programs-enreachrx-enguide-q1-2025/746967/

2. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cigna-bucks-medical-cost-trend-posts-13b-q1-profit

4. https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/evernorth-expanding-glp-1-presence-enreachrx

5. https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/cigna-doubles-down-on-glp-1-investments-5-notes/