Cigna to Cover Cleerly’s AI Cardiovascular Imaging from October 1

The decision makes Cigna the latest major insurer to include coverage for Artificial Intelligence Enabled CT-Based Quantitative Coronary Tomography (AI-QCT) and Coronary Plaque Analysis (AI-CPA).

Cigna will begin covering Cleerly LABS Advanced Plaque Analysis, an AI-based cardiovascular imaging technology, effective October 1, 2025.

The decision makes Cigna the latest major insurer to include coverage for Artificial Intelligence Enabled CT-Based Quantitative Coronary Tomography (AI-QCT) and Coronary Plaque Analysis (AI-CPA).

With this move, Cigna joins UnitedHealthcare and EviCore in expanding patient access to the technology. Combined with Medicare’s 2024 coverage decision and a CPT I code scheduled to take effect in January 2026, coverage now extends to more than 61 million Americans.

“We’re witnessing a fundamental transformation in cardiovascular care,” said James K. Min, MD, founder and CEO of Cleerly. “Major insurers now recognize that advanced plaque analysis through our AI-QCT technology enhances clinical insights and supports clinicians in making more informed care decisions. This represents a pivotal moment for precision medicine in cardiology.”

Coverage Details

Under the new policy, all Cigna health plans will cover AI-QCT/AI-CPA imaging for patients who meet the following clinical criteria:

• Patients with acute or stable chest pain and no known coronary artery disease (CAD) who are eligible for CCTA.

• Patients classified by CCTA as intermediate risk, or CAD-RADS 1, CAD-RADS 2, or CAD-RADS 3.

• Cases where cardiac evaluation is negative or inconclusive for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

The coverage decision follows growing evidence supporting the clinical value of AI-based plaque analysis in cardiovascular care. Industry adoption is accelerating as payors align with the technology’s role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and informing treatment decisions.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the importance of expanding access to diagnostic innovations that support early and precise evaluation.

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