Cigna Members Gain Access to Virtual Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Evernorth, the health services business of Cigna, is expanding member access to alcohol use disorder treatment services delivered through Monument's virtual platform.

Per the new partnership, Monument will join Evernorth's behavioral health network, making its services available to all Evernorth clients and Cigna health plan customers who receive coverage through their employer or the marketplace exchange in 20 states.  

Monument's virtual care services include matching alcohol use disorder patients to licensed physicians and specialized therapists and connecting the patients to anonymous forums and online alcohol support groups.

Further, Monument's clinicians are licensed to prescribe medication like disulfiram or naltrexone as part of the alcohol treatment program. Monument's pharmacy partner can ship the drug directly to patients' homes.

"Evernorth is committed to bringing innovative behavioral health services to our customers, where and when they need it," said Doug Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer of behavioral health at Evernorth, in the press release. "Alcohol use disorder goes untreated far too often, and Monument's virtual program offers private, personalized treatment programs dedicated to helping people achieve their goals – whether that is sobriety or moderation."

Alcohol use skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online liquor sales rose 262 percent year-over-year in the first three weeks of March 2020, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

About 60 percent of 832 US adults who responded to a survey in May 2020 reported increased drinking compared to before the pandemic.

This rise in alcohol consumption could lead to a rise in deaths. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital estimated that a one-year increase in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic will result in 100 additional deaths and 2,800 additional cases of liver failure by 2023.

As the need for expanded access to alcohol use disorder treatment rises, healthcare stakeholder buy-in becomes critical.

"Delivering on our vision requires increasing affordability and reach of effective treatment," said Mike Russell, co-founder, and CEO of Monument, in the news release. "Payers play a crucial role in that, and Evernorth's unparalleled reach, patient-first values, and innovative approach to substance use disorder treatment will have an immediate and significant impact."

Payers are increasingly taking steps to offer virtual treatments for substance abuse disorders, including alcohol-related disorders.

Last year, Highmark Health partnered with Ria Health, a telehealth provider specializing in alcohol use disorder treatment, which provided health plan members access to medication-assisted treatment and psychosocial support.

In addition, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio partnered with Boulder Care to provide telehealth-based addiction treatment to members in its employer-based, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans.

But payers still have several gaps they need to close to fully address members' needs with substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions, including more comprehensive harm reduction coverage.