Cigna Group and OpenAI Partner to Support Patients With Complex Conditions

The Cigna Group is partnering with OpenAI to develop AI-powered tools for patients with complex health conditions, beginning with cancer care and oncology support.

The collaboration will integrate OpenAI’s frontier reasoning models into Cigna’s clinical workflows and consumer-facing experiences. The companies said the initiative will help clinical teams identify patient needs earlier, coordinate care, and provide patients with information and next steps through Cigna’s existing channels and programs.

As part of the initial effort, oncology nurses and case managers at Cigna Healthcare and Accredo Specialty Pharmacy will receive AI-powered tools that bring together clinical, pharmacy, behavioral health, and benefits information. The combined view is intended to help care teams identify appropriate interventions and support based on individual patient needs.

The tools will also incorporate information provided directly by patients, including questions, reported side effects, and personal preferences. Cigna said this information can help its teams respond to concerns and coordinate support between in-person physician visits.

Katya Andresen, chief data, digital and AI officer at The Cigna Group, said the collaboration will combine OpenAI’s model capabilities with Cigna’s clinical expertise and healthcare context to anticipate patient needs and support more personalized care.

The companies plan to expand the collaboration beyond oncology and use a broader range of health intelligence capabilities across different patient needs over time.

The partnership builds on Cigna’s existing use of artificial intelligence. Accredo’s Pharmacy Forward program uses technology to address medication adherence and reduce time to treatment, while Cigna’s insurance business has also announced plans to use AI in personalized care management programs.

Nate Gross, M.D., head of health at OpenAI, said the goal is to use AI to make healthcare easier for patients and caregivers to understand and navigate while building on the expertise and judgment of clinical teams.

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