Cigna has confirmed a new shared network agreement that may allow certain Humana plans to be treated as in network under Cigna fee schedules beginning November 1, 2025. This agreement applies only in specific contracting situations and does not affect all Humana plans.
This page explains when the agreement applies, which Humana plans may be included, and what steps dental practices can take to prevent unintended participation or fee changes.
What the Cigna–Humana Agreement Does
Under this shared network agreement, certain Humana plans may be considered in network under a practice’s Cigna fee schedule if the practice has a direct contract with Cigna and is out of network with Humana.
Based on the information provided by Cigna, the plans potentially included are:
Humana PPO
Humana Federal VIP
Humana TeamCare
Humana Medicare Advantage plans are not listed as included under this agreement.
Practices With Direct Contracts With Both Cigna and Humana
If a practice has direct contracts with both Cigna and Humana, no action is required.
Direct contracts override shared network agreements, and each carrier will continue paying under its own fee schedule.
Direct Contract With Cigna Only
If the practice has a direct contract with Cigna and is out of network with Humana:
If the practice does not mind Humana being picked up under Cigna fees
No action is required. Humana plans listed under the agreement may automatically become in network under the Cigna fee schedule.
If the practice does not want Humana picked up under Cigna fees
The practice must opt out with Cigna before the effective date.
Opting out does not change the existing Cigna contract. It only prevents Humana from being added under the Cigna fee schedule.
Direct Cigna Contract With Humana Through Another Shared Network
If the practice has a direct Cigna contract and is already receiving Humana through another shared network agreement:
The practice should compare the current Humana fee schedule to the Cigna fee schedule
If the Cigna fees are lower, Humana may drop the current path and pay under the lower Cigna fees
In this case, opting out with Cigna is recommended to prevent a downgrade
Without an opt-out, Humana may choose the lowest-paying available fee schedule.
How to Opt Out With Cigna
Practices that wish to opt out can do so by either:
Calling Cigna at 800-882-4462, or
Emailing an opt-out notice to providerserviceunitdental@cigna.com
The opt-out request should include:
Practice name
Tax ID
NPI
A statement requesting to opt out of the Cigna–Humana shared network agreement
Practices should follow up to confirm the opt-out has been processed.
Key Notes and Limitations
The agreement does not guarantee Humana pickup
Medicare Advantage plans are not included
Opting out prevents pickup but does not terminate contracts
Summary
The Cigna picking up Humana shared network agreement may result in Humana PPO plans being treated as in network under Cigna fees for certain practices. Offices with direct Cigna contracts should review their current Humana participation and submit an opt-out if the agreement would result in unwanted participation or lower reimbursement.
