Cigna Group announced a new program that will standardize the electronic submission of prior authorizations for the most frequently requested medical services, with the goal of covering more than 70 % of all prior‑authorization volume by the end of 2026. The company also reported that it has already cut overall prior‑authorization volume by roughly 15 % through earlier simplification efforts.
The standardization will apply to services that are most commonly reviewed, such as imaging studies, orthopedic surgeries, and other high‑volume procedures. Cigna will collect and incorporate provider feedback through a structured feedback loop that includes surveys and real‑time data analytics, ensuring that the format evolves to meet clinical and administrative needs.
The initiative is part of a broader, industry‑wide effort coordinated with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Other leading health plans—UnitedHealthcare and Aetna (CVS Health)—are pursuing similar electronic standards, reflecting a regulatory push to streamline prior‑authorization processes and reduce provider burden.
Cigna’s leadership highlighted the business impact of the program. "We want patients to get the care they need when they need it, and we want doctors and teams to be able to focus on patients—not paperwork. We are leading much‑needed improvements to make prior authorization clearer and more consistent. While this is important progress, we know there’s more to do as we continue our journey to deliver a simpler, more personalized health‑care experience to all those we serve," said Dr. Amy Flaster, Chief Medical Officer of The Cigna Group. By reducing administrative time and accelerating approvals, the company expects to improve provider satisfaction, lower operational costs, and strengthen its value proposition to employers and health plans in a market that increasingly rewards care coordination and cost transparency.
Cigna’s standardization effort dovetails with its broader digital transformation strategy, which includes expanding its Evernorth Health Services platform and enhancing digital tools for patients and providers. The company has already eliminated prior‑authorization requirements for certain tests and services, and the new initiative is expected to further reduce the need for manual approvals, positioning Cigna as a leader in efficient, patient‑centric care delivery.
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