Cigna Plan Options: Open Access Plus vs PPO vs HMO Explained

🩺 Cigna Plan Options: What You Need to Know

Cigna plan options mostly come through employers, and the most common one is Open Access Plus. Beyond that, Cigna offers PPO and HMO-style plans, plus an Open Access Plus In-Network version. The main differences are referrals, out-of-network coverage, and price. In addition, Cigna is leaving the ACA marketplace after this year.

First, the chart below compares the four main Cigna plan types. Next, you will see whether Open Access Plus is an HMO or a PPO. Finally, you will learn what to do if you have a Cigna marketplace plan today. Want help now? Call 888-730-6001 for a free plan comparison.

🎯 Cigna Plan Options: The Short Answer

• 🟠 First, Open Access Plus: no referrals, with out-of-network coverage
• 🔵 Also, OAP In-Network: no referrals, in-network care only
• 🔷 Then PPO: the most freedom at the highest price
• ⚫ Finally, HMO: the lowest cost with a local network

📰 Big News for Cigna Members

• 📉 First, Cigna is leaving the ACA marketplace in 11 states
• 👥 About 369,000 individual and family members are affected
• 🏢 However, Cigna employer plans continue
• 🦷 Plus, Cigna dental plans continue

📞 Get Help Comparing Plans

Want to see how Cigna fits among all plan types? Our guide to the 7 types of health plans compares every option side by side.

Still unsure which Cigna plan options fit you? Call 888-730-6001, and a licensed broker will walk you through them.

🔀 Is Cigna Open Access Plus an HMO or PPO?

Cigna Open Access Plus is neither an HMO nor a PPO. Instead, it sits between them, which makes it one of the most flexible Cigna plan options. Like a PPO, it does not require referrals to see specialists. Cigna also recommends, but does not require, a primary care doctor.

The standard Open Access Plus plan covers out-of-network care at a higher cost. By contrast, the OAP In-Network version only covers out-of-network care in emergencies. So check which version your employer offers before you choose a doctor. Call 888-730-6001 if you need help reading your plan.

🟠 How Open Access Plus Works

• 🩺 First, no referrals needed for specialists
• 🧑‍⚕️ Also, a primary doctor is recommended but optional
• 🌐 Out-of-network care is covered, but it costs more
• 🗺️ Finally, a large national network of providers

🔵 How OAP In-Network Works

• 🩺 First, no referrals for in-network specialists
• 🚫 However, out-of-network care is covered only in emergencies
• 💵 Premiums are often lower than standard OAP
• 🔎 Finally, confirm every doctor is in the Cigna network

✅ Cigna Open Access Plus Network Rules

Out-of-network care can cost far more than you expect. Our guide to in-network vs out-of-network costs shows a real example.

Not sure which Cigna plan options your employer chose? Call 888-730-6001, and we will help you check.

⚖️ Cigna OAP vs PPO: Key Differences

Comparing Cigna OAP vs PPO is the most common question we hear about Cigna plan options. Both skip referrals, and both can cover out-of-network care. However, a PPO usually gives you more out-of-network freedom at a higher premium. Meanwhile, Open Access Plus often costs less while keeping no-referral access.

Many employers also pair Cigna plans with Cigna Choice Fund. That pairs a health savings account or reimbursement account with your medical plan. In other words, an HSA is an account, not a plan type. Call 888-730-6001 to compare the options your employer offers.

✅ When Open Access Plus Wins

• 💵 First, you want lower premiums than a PPO
• 🩺 Also, you want specialists without referrals
• 🏥 Most of your doctors are in the Cigna network
• 🧾 Finally, you rarely need out-of-network care

✅ When a Cigna PPO Wins

• ✈️ First, you travel often or live in two states
• 👨‍⚕️ Also, you want to keep a doctor outside the network
• 🌐 You value the widest out-of-network coverage
• 💳 Finally, you accept a higher premium for more freedom

📊 Cigna OAP vs PPO vs Other Plan Types

Want the general HMO vs PPO picture beyond Cigna? Our HMO vs PPO comparison and EPO vs POS guide each include a network diagram.

Still weighing these Cigna plan options? Call 888-730-6001 for a free review of Cigna OAP vs PPO.

📉 Cigna Is Leaving the ACA Marketplace

Cigna plan options are changing for marketplace shoppers. Specifically, Cigna will stop selling individual and family medical plans on the ACA marketplace after this year. The change affects about 369,000 members in 11 states. These are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. As a result, those members must pick a new plan for next year.

Open enrollment starts November 1. In HealthCare.gov states, you must pick a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Also, losing your plan opens a special enrollment period. Call 888-730-6001 so we can compare new plans before your Cigna coverage ends.

📋 What Cigna Marketplace Members Should Do

• 📅 First, mark November 1 on your calendar
• 👨‍⚕️ Also, list your doctors and prescriptions
• 🔎 Then compare plans from other carriers in your area
• ✅ Finally, enroll by December 15 to avoid a gap

🏢 Carriers Vivna Can Compare Instead

• 🟢 Ambetter marketplace plans
• 🟣 Oscar plans with virtual care
• 🔵 UnitedHealthcare plans
• 🟠 Molina Healthcare plans

✅ Get Ready for Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is the best time to switch without a gap. Our open enrollment guide covers every date and step.

Losing one of your Cigna plan options on the marketplace? Call 888-730-6001 for a free plan switch review.

🦷 Cigna Plan Options That Continue

Not all Cigna plan options are going away. In fact, Cigna’s employer medical plans continue, including Open Access Plus and PPO options. Cigna dental plans also continue for individuals and families. So the change mainly affects people who bought medical coverage on the marketplace.

Vivna is an appointed, authorized broker with Cigna. That means we can still help with Cigna dental, supplemental, and other Cigna plan options. Plus, we can pair Cigna dental with a new medical plan from another carrier. Call 888-730-6001 to see your options.

✅ Cigna Coverage Still Available

• 🏢 First, employer plans, including Open Access Plus
• 🦷 Also, Cigna dental plans for individuals and families
• 🧩 Supplemental coverage through Vivna
• 👨‍⚕️ Finally, access to the Cigna provider network at work

🔗 Related Cigna Guides From Vivna

• 🦷 Dental, vision, and supplemental plans from Cigna
• 🏥 Provider network guide for Cigna members
• ❓ Cigna Healthcare FAQs
• 🦷 Dental insurance options

✅ Keep Cigna Plan Options for Dental

Switching medical plans does not mean losing your dentist. Our dental and vision insurance guide shows how to keep coverage steady.

Want to keep Cigna dental while changing medical plans? Call 888-730-6001 for help.

🧭 Which Cigna Plan Options Fit Your Situation?

The right choice among Cigna plan options depends on where your coverage comes from. Below, a simple table matches six common situations to a Cigna option. First, use it as a quick starting point. Then confirm the details with a licensed broker.

Workers with Cigna through a job usually choose between OAP and a PPO. On the other hand, marketplace members need a new carrier for next year. Meanwhile, anyone can still add Cigna dental. Call 888-730-6001 for a personal recommendation.

💡 Questions to Ask Yourself

• 👨‍⚕️ First, are my doctors in the Cigna network?
• ✈️ Also, do I need care outside my home state?
• 🏦 Then, do I want an HSA or HRA?
• 💵 Finally, how much can I spend each month?

✅ Tips Before You Enroll

• 🔎 First, search each doctor in the Cigna directory
• 💊 Also, check your prescriptions on the drug list
• 📄 Then read your plan’s summary of benefits
• 📞 Finally, ask a broker to double-check everything

📊 Compare Total Costs, Too

Premiums and deductibles shape your real cost. Our guide to premium vs deductible trade-offs shows which plan costs less.

Need help choosing among Cigna plan options or replacing one? Call 888-730-6001 for a free quote.

❓ Cigna Plan Options FAQ

Shoppers ask us about Cigna plan options every single day. So below are short answers to the six most common questions. In fact, each answer reflects what our brokers explain on real calls.

Need help with your exact Cigna plan? Reach a licensed broker at 888-730-6001. No question is too small.

🔀 Is Cigna Open Access Plus an HMO or PPO?

Neither, because it is an open access plan. Like a PPO, it needs no referrals, and the standard version covers out-of-network care at a higher cost.

⚖️ Is Cigna OAP the Same as a PPO?

No, but they are similar. Both skip referrals, but a PPO usually offers broader out-of-network coverage at a higher premium.

📝 Do Cigna Open Access Plus Plans Require Referrals?

No, Cigna Open Access Plus plans do not require referrals to see specialists. Still, Cigna recommends choosing a primary care doctor.

🌐 Does Cigna OAP Cover Out-of-Network Care?

The standard OAP plan does, at a higher cost. However, OAP In-Network covers out-of-network care only in emergencies.

📉 Is Cigna Leaving the ACA Marketplace?

Yes, Cigna will stop selling individual and family medical plans after this year. Affected members should pick a new plan during open enrollment.

🤝 Can a Broker Help Me Replace My Cigna Plan?

Yes, a licensed broker can compare other carriers in your area for free. Call 888-730-6001 to get started.

📞 Compare Cigna Plan Options With Vivna

Sorting through Cigna plan options is easier with an expert in your corner. Vivna brokers compare networks, premiums, and plan types for free. Plus, we help individuals and families across most of the country. After all, real answers beat hours of confusing research.

Best of all, getting started takes just a few minutes. Simply call, request a quote online, or send us a message. Either way, you reach a licensed broker who listens. Or reach us directly at 888-730-6001 during business hours.

🚀 Easy Ways to Reach Us

• 📞 Call 888-730-6001 for instant broker help
• 📝 Request a free health insurance quote online
• 💬 Send a message to our licensed team
• 🩺 Compare all types of health plans

🌐 Trusted Outside Resources

• 🟠 Cigna Open Access Plus overview
• 📰 Cigna update for individuals and families
• 🏛️ HealthCare.gov guide to plan types
• 📅 HealthCare.gov dates and deadlines

✅ Why Families Choose Vivna

Vivna is a licensed, independent brokerage with an A+ BBB rating. We work with Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, Oscar, Molina, and 50+ carriers. As a result, you compare more plans in one call.

Our help is always free, with no pressure to buy. Call 888-730-6001 and let us find the right plan for you.