Cigna Corp. and BayCare Health System are extending their long-standing relationship through two new agreements that include the launch of a collaborative accountable care initiative with BayCare Physician Partners and a new three-year agreement for BayCare's 10 hospitals and other affiliated facilities to continue to be a part of Cigna's network through 2015. The new agreements became effective January 1, 2013.

Collaborative accountable care is Cigna's approach to accomplishing the same population health goals as accountable care organizations, or ACOs. The Cigna/BayCare initiative is designed to expand patient access to health care, improve care coordination, and achieve the "triple aim" of improved health outcomes (quality), affordability and patient satisfaction. The program will benefit approximately 13,000 individuals covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from among approximately 1,000 doctors affiliated with BayCare Physician Partners practicing in some 320 Tampa-area locations.

BayCare Health System hospitals and other facilities will continue to be available as an in-network option for all Cigna customers in Florida. Under the program, BayCare Physician Partners doctors monitor and coordinate all aspects of an individual's medical care. Patients continue to go to their current physician and automatically receive the benefits of the program.

There are no changes in any plan requirements regarding referrals to specialists. Patients most likely to see the immediate benefits of the program are those who need help managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.