Cigna says AI tools to save customers $200 million in medical expenses over three years

NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - Health insurer Cigna said on Thursday that the artificial intelligence tools it is employing to identify patients with chronic or complex conditions will save customers $200 million in medical costs over the next three years.

Bryan Holgerson, a president at Cigna Healthcare, said the technology should reduce occurrences of more expensive health events, as costs for hospitalization and emergency services continue to increase. Cigna, using AI tools, plans to connect more members in its health insurance business to clinicians the company employs, such as nurses.

Cigna said the programming will allow its 1,250 clinicians to better manage a patient's healthcare needs and offer customized support earlier.

The changes will boost clinical access by 20% for people with conditions like cancer and heart or kidney disease, Cigna said in a press release. Cigna said it expects its new technology to help identify breast, colorectal and lung cancer earlier.

A Cigna spokesperson said company data estimates that customers using these clinical programs save $2,000 a year in medical costs.

The Cigna Group owns health insurer Cigna Healthcare, clinical business Evernorth Health Services and a pharmacy benefit manager, Express Scripts.

Rival UnitedHealth last week said tools the company has introduced this year have reduced the administrative burden for clinicians it employs through its Optum health services unit and increased the amount of time providers can spend treating patients.

CVS Health last week announced it plans to launch an AI assistant to call providers directly and book appointments on behalf of members.