About HealthSpring (formerly Cigna Medicare)
The Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D businesses previously offered under the Cigna Healthcare brand were acquired by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the largest customer-owned health insurer and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
(source)
For the 2026 plan year, all acquired plans will be offered under the HealthSpring brand name.
HealthSpring (HCSC) now offers Medicare Advantage plans in its service areas and offers Medicare Prescription Drug plans nationwide.
The most significant change for 2026 is the rebranding and integration into HCSC. All HealthSpring plans must adhere to the latest federal mandates.
Company-Specific Changes (Acquisition & Rebranding)
| Change | Impact for Members |
| Cigna Healthcare Rebrands | All former Cigna Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans are now offered under the HealthSpring brand name. Customers will see this new brand on all 2026 plan materials. (source) |
| New Part D Brand Names | Stand-alone Cigna Part D plans like Cigna Healthcare Assurance Rx and Cigna Healthcare Saver Rx are being rebranded as HealthSpring Assurance Rx, HealthSpring Saver Rx, etc. |
| Focus on HMO and D-SNPs | HealthSpring is expected to prioritize HMO and Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), with potential consolidation of other plan types in certain markets. (Source) |
| Annual Notification of Unused MA Benefits | Plans will send a list, halfway through the year, about the coverage you have yet to use. |
Original Medicare Costs
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) costs are increasing for 2026.
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): The Part A deductible (per benefit period) is projected to increase for 2026 to approximately $1,716 (from $1,676 in 2025).
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): The Part B standard monthly premium is projected to increase to approximately $206.50 for 2026, and the annual deductible is projected to increase to approximately $288 (from $257 in 2025).
Note: All Original Medicare costs for 2026 are projections based on the Medicare Trustees Report until officially announced by CMS in the fall of 2025. Source for projections.
HealthSpring Medicare Plans Available
HealthSpring Medicare is a comprehensive Medicare service provider, offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage, and Medicare Supplement Insurance products.
HealthSpring Medicare Advantage Plans
HealthSpring Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are a type of all-in-one coverage that replaces Original Medicare. You get all of the benefits of Original Medicare with extras, including no-cost programs and services.
HealthSpring Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans offer numerous benefits, including:
- All-in-one coverage that blends Part A, Part B, and Part D into one plan, with plans commonly including dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
- Flexible plan options include HMO and PPO plans, as well as Special Needs Plans for those who qualify.
- Extra benefits on some plans include no-cost transportation and over-the-counter benefits, the Silver&Fit fitness program, and cost-saving perks.
- Part B Giveback is available for some plans, which puts money back into Social Security checks.
- Virtual care options for nonemergency urgent care, as well as behavioral health, speech therapy, and dermatology, are available.
- Low and No-Premium plans are available depending on the type selected.
HealthSpring Medicare Part D Plans
If you want to retain Original Medicare and add prescription drug coverage, you can purchase a HealthSpring Medicare Part D plan.
Part D Benefit Highlights (Reflecting 2026 Federal Changes):
- Low copays, even some plans with $0 copays for Tier 1 generics.
- Maximum out-of-pocket costs of $2,100 during the year (no donut hole).
- New for 2026, the Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) automatically renews, allowing you to choose monthly payments that help make costs more steady throughout the year.
- Save more with preferred pharmacies, with thousands available nationally.
HealthSpring Medicare Supplement Plans
If you plan to keep Original Medicare, you may wish to add Medicare Supplement plans or Medigap coverage.
Benefits of HealthSpring Medicare Supplement Plans:
- Pays for what Medicare does not, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- There are no networks to worry about – you can choose to get care from any provider without the need for a referral.
- Includes nationwide coverage, and some plans provide for medical emergencies outside of the US.
- It is also guaranteed to be renewable for life.
The core 2026 Supplement Plans offered by HealthSpring for Medicare Medigap coverage include:
- Plan A: Provides the most basic standardized coverage, paying for core coinsurance amounts after you have paid your Part A and Part B deductibles.
- Plan N: Offers lower premiums than Plan G in exchange for you paying copayments (up to $20 for doctor visits or up to $50 for ER visits) and responsibility for Part B excess charges (if applicable).
- Plan G: Offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new beneficiaries (eligible on or after 1/1/2020). Covers all Medicare gaps except for the Part B annual deductible.
- Plan F: This type of Medigap plan offers the most coverage and the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Plan F is only available if you first became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Enrollment Options for HealthSpring Medicare
There are several different enrollment periods for Medicare plans, depending on your age and plan needs.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP): This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan, or leave a plan. It runs from October 15 through December 7.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): Runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
- General Enrollment Period: Starts January 1 and ends March 31 for those who missed their IEP and are not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
You can get the coverage you need by filling out a form now that will show you the available policies for your area and needs. There’s no cost. Speak to a licensed agent for additional support.
