COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES 13-PERCENT SAVINGS WITH NEW PRELIMINARY CIGNA AGREEMENT; ANNUAL DENTAL COSTS TO DECREASE $11.7 MILLION - Kevin Lembo Archive - CT Office of the State Comptroller
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Kevin Lembo
Kevin Lembo
Former CT State Comptroller
2011-2021

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Comptroller Kevin Lembo Archive > News

COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES 13-PERCENT SAVINGS WITH NEW PRELIMINARY CIGNA AGREEMENT

ANNUAL DENTAL COSTS TO DECREASE $11.7 MILLION

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state has concluded its competitive bidding process and selected a new dental carrier - Cigna - to solely administer the state employee and retiree plan at drastically reduced annual costs over the previous dental contract.

Following a recommendation by a review committee of management and labor stakeholders, the state plans to transfer all dental coverage to Cigna beginning July 1 for up to five years - providing a larger network than the state's existing contract, and with a commitment to expand the network further.

The new contract, which remains under final negotiations, is projected to reduce the state's dental coverage costs significantly, by 13 percent, due to the larger contracted network and lower administrative fees from the carrier. The preliminary Cigna contract has an annual worth of $78.9 million, based on current enrollment. This is $11.7 million less per year when compared to the current contract.

Lembo said, " This new agreement - saving millions each year - recognizes that greater care and coverage results in better outcomes and costs. Cigna has not only offered the state a more affordable plan, but has committed to working with us to improve the oral health of plan participants, particularly those with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic kidney disease."

Lembo added, "The benefits of strong preventative oral health care - particularly for high-risk individuals - can significantly improve overall health. This preventative approach to dental and health care ultimately achieves long-term positive physical and financial outcomes. I thank the review committee for its diligence and thoughtful analysis of the various competing proposals."

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