Provider NewsFlash
September 2014
Change to Authorization Process for Cigna Shared Administration Plans
Purpose of this communication
To notify those providers servicingpatients covered under a CignaShared Administration (SAR) planof a change to the precertification process effective November 15, 2014.
What do I need to know?
Today, patients covered under a Cigna SAR plan are issued footprint authorizations. Footprint authorizations are authorizations that are not limited as to time or units and that are valid so long as the patient is eligible and the services are covered under the patient’s plan. Effective November 15, 2014, footprint authorizations will no longer be issued in connection with patients covered under a Cigna SAR health plan. Instead, providers will be required to obtain a CareCentrix authorization prior to delivery of all initial and ongoing services for patients covered under a Cigna SAR health plan. Any cases currently subject to a footprint authorization with dates of service on or afterNovember 15, 2014 will require a new authorization for services rendered on or afterNovember 15, 2014.
The Cigna SAR plan names affected by this change include the following:
SAR Plan NamesCIGNA NALC OAP FFS AREA 1
CIGNA NALC OAP FFS AREA 2
CIGNA NALC OAP FFS AREA 3
CIGNA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION LETTER CARRIERS PPO 1
CIGNA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION LETTER CARRIERS PPO 2
CIGNA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION LETTER CARRIERS PPO 3
CIGNA SAMBA PHS+ ZONE 1
CIGNA SAMBA PHS+ ZONE 2
CIGNA SAMBA PHS+ ZONE 3
CIGNA SAMBA OAP+ ZONE 1
CIGNA SAMBA OAP+ ZONE 2
CIGNA SAMBA OAP+ ZONE 3
CIGNA SHARED ADMIN PPO HIGH FFS 1
CIGNA SHARED ADMIN PPO MED FFS 2
CIGNA SHARED ADMIN PPO LOW FFS 3
See also the attached list of Cigna SAR plans.
What do I need to do?
Providers should contact CareCentrix to obtain a new authorization for all services for patients covered under a Cigna SAR plan with dates of service on or after November 15, 2014. Initial authorization requests, reauthorization requests, and edits to the service authorization form (SAF) can be submitted through the CareCentrix Provider Portal at
If you have a footprint authorization for an existing Cigna SAR patient that requires services on or after November 15, 2014, please contact CareCentrix to receive a new authorization. If you do not obtain a new authorization, you claims may be denied.
How do I confirm if my existing patient is covered by a Cigna SAR plan?
Refer to the plan name listed on the Service Authorization Form (SAF) previously issued for your patient. See the SAF form below for an example of a SAF form issued for a patient covered under a Cigna SAR plan.
What if I have additional questions?
Please call our Regional Care Center (RCC) at 877-466-0164. A representative would be happy to assist you.
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