New online tools available for Cigna dental customers and practices

What will it cost? When can I go? Which dentist should I see? These are the common questions a new set of online tools will help answer for Cigna (NYSE:CI) dental plan customers. The new tools will begin to be available in spring 2016 as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to help customers maintain good oral health.

“Finding a dentist, scheduling an appointment, and budgeting for dental expenses are all made easier by the enhancements we’re making to our online tools,” said Fred Scardellette, vice president, Specialty Networks & Operations for Cigna. “We’re working to make it as easy as possible for customers to use their plan as well as avoid cost surprises.”

A Cigna study last year found that many adults with dental insurance don’t take full advantage of their benefits, even though most dental plans cover preventive exams and cleanings at no or low out-of-pocket costs.

Through a licensing agreement with Brighter, Inc., a dental marketplace platform, Cigna dental customers will have access to improved cost and quality transparency tools, including dentist profiles and verified patient reviews to help compare dental offices and services. Most customers will be able to see actual fees for services by dentist, personalized to their specific plan details, including copays and deductibles, before they make an appointment. In addition, online appointment scheduling and electronic appointment reminders will be available at those network DPPO dentists who have elected to provide patients with these conveniences.