Cigna links up with upstart Oscar for small business health insurance

Cigna is partnering with tech-savvy payer startup Oscar Health to jointly sell commercial health plans to small businesses as the Bloomfield, Connecticut-based payer looks to capitalize on Oscar's simplified strategy to expand its footprint in the small group market. The partnership, branded as "Cigna + Oscar," includes integrated medical, behavioral and pharmacy services along with access to a high-performing network of providers. The two payers will share risk under a reinsurance agreement. The co-branded plans will launch in select markets this year pending regulatory approvals.