Cigna, Amazon Alexa Offer Voice Control Beneficiary Education

March 13, 2018 - Cigna is entering the voice control product space with an Amazon Alexa feature called “Answers by Cigna” that educates beneficiaries about complex health insurance terminology and customizes health benefits information.

Answers by Cigna is a free skill download that helps members learn the definitions of over 150 health insurance terms such as coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximums. Users are encouraged to contact their payer to help tailor individual an Amazon Alexa device with health plan-specific information.

Cigna is the first payer to enter the voice product market. A widespread lack of literacy around common terms like “premiums” and “formulary,” as well as surging consumer interest in voice-enabled devices, prompted the payer to create a new way for beneficiaries to learn about their plans.  

“Voice control offers an exciting and innovative way for Cigna to educate and engage people about health care in a way that is convenient for them,” said Rowena Track, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Cigna.

“The applications for voice control are expanding every day and we see great potential as we continue to simplify and personalize our customers’ healthcare journeys. Our work with Amazon Alexa provides us with experience and expertise as we evolve our voice platform and introduce new personalized services throughout the year.”