In a year defined by transformation in care delivery and rising demand for mental health support, Cigna Corp. (NYSE: CI) reported its fastest-growing segment in 2021 was behavioral health, cementing the insurer’s commitment to integrated care and digital access. According to the Bloomfield, Connecticut-based company’s fourth-quarter and annual earnings report, Cigna behavioral health growth surged 9.4 percent, with customer relationships climbing from 36.9 million in 2020 to 40.4 million by the end of 2021. This outpaced growth in every other division of Cigna’s diverse portfolio, including its U.S. Government segment, which saw an 8.9 percent increase, ending the year with 1.5 million members.
Behavioral Health Moves to the Forefront
The milestone reflects a larger industry shift. No longer treated as a secondary benefit, behavioral health is now a central focus in payer strategies — and Cigna behavioral health growth is among the clearest indicators of this trend.
Cigna’s member base spans more than 185 million individuals, and the increasing share seeking behavioral health services reflects a transformation in both demand and delivery. This is especially apparent as Cigna strengthens its investment in digital behavioral care, aiming to reduce barriers and broaden reach.
The Role of Innovation: Meru Health and Ginger.io
One of the driving factors behind Cigna behavioral health growth is the insurer’s aggressive expansion of virtual care solutions. In 2021, Cigna became the first payer to offer in-network coverage for Ginger.io, a virtual behavioral health platform providing text-based therapy, coaching, and psychiatry.
The insurer doubled down on this approach with the recent announcement that Meru Health, a clinically backed digital mental health provider, would expand its offerings nationwide to all eligible Cigna members. Meru offers a holistic care program combining therapist support, biofeedback tools, and medication management — and it fits seamlessly into Cigna’s goal of tech-forward, evidence-based care.
These moves signal a shift not just in service delivery but in the insurer’s broader mission. Cigna behavioral health growth is rooted in a belief that whole-person care is not optional — it’s essential.
Evernorth at the Center of the Strategy
Powering much of Cigna’s growth in behavioral health is Evernorth, its health services division, which owns MDLive — a key telehealth platform used to deliver virtual mental health services.
Cigna CEO David Cordani noted during the earnings call that Evernorth is rapidly expanding its behavioral health network and digital infrastructure. “Evernorth is continuing to expand our virtual care services by leveraging our MDLive platform as well as expanding our behavioral care network,” Cordani said. “Our research reinforces that total healthcare costs decrease when people diagnosed with behavioral conditions receive coordinated, sustained treatment.”
This cost-effectiveness is a compelling argument for expanding access. Cigna behavioral health growth is not just clinically justified — it’s financially strategic. By addressing behavioral health needs early and consistently, Cigna is aiming to reduce ER visits, hospitalizations, and long-term care expenses across the board.
Member Navigation Still a Challenge
Yet as the number of in-network digital behavioral health tools expands, so does confusion among members about where to start.
Doug Nemecek, chief medical officer at Evernorth, recently pointed out that many members have trouble understanding which solution is best for their needs. “We can put platforms like Ginger, Meru Health, or Equip into our network,” he said, “but when patients start to look for providers and see those names, they don’t know which one is right for them.”
Improving this member journey is likely the next frontier in Cigna behavioral health growth. Enhanced digital guidance, care coordinators, and personalized navigation tools could make it easier for members to access the right care at the right time.
A Strong Year for Revenue, With Room to Grow
Cigna closed 2021 with $174 billion in revenue, an 8.5 percent increase from the year prior. Net income, however, dropped 36.6 percent to $5.4 billion, driven partly by increased utilization and expanded investment in virtual care and behavioral health.
Still, with 40.4 million members now connected to behavioral health services, Cigna behavioral health growth remains a bright spot in the company’s long-term strategy.
The integration of behavioral and physical health, digital-first platforms, and member-centered navigation is shaping a model that other insurers may follow — and Cigna is well-positioned to lead the way.
Looking Ahead: Behavioral Health as a Core Business Driver
In 2022 and beyond, Cigna plans to deepen its behavioral health footprint. That includes continuing to expand virtual access, leveraging data from Evernorth, and investing in comprehensive care models that recognize the vital link between mind and body.
Cordani summed it up succinctly: “Integrated care models are essential. You can’t solve one without addressing the other.”
If current trends continue, Cigna behavioral health growth is not just a highlight of the past year — it’s a signpost pointing toward the future of healthcare.
