Cigna acquires digital health startup Brighter

Cigna has acquired digital health startup Brighter, a maker of consumer-facing software designed to create deeper relationships between policyholders, care providers and health insurers.

The deal expands on Cigna’s current partnership with Brighter established in 2015. Its website enables users find and compare providers, out-of-pocket costs and view reviews from other patients, Mobi Health News reports.

According to the carrier, Brighter will continue on as a stand-alone business unit, serving its current portfolio of customers, and also become the “digital health engine for Cigna markets and segments,” it said, in a statement. The move also expedites the roll out of Cigna’s new mobile and desktop distribution platforms next year, developed in collaboration with Brighter.

“We’re committed to delivering superior experiences that better connect consumers with high-quality healthcare providers and wellness programs,” said David Cordani, president and CEO of Cigna, in a statement. “The acquisition of Brighter accelerates our progress towards these priorities and in establishing us as the leader in the digital transformation of our industry.”

Also see: Cigna gamifies health screenings with BioBall

DI: CignaCorp_02162017
Pedestrians walk passed signage at Cigna Corp. headquarters in Bloomfield, Connecticut, U.S., on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Anthem Inc.'s proposed $48 billion merger with Cigna Corp. could give the insurer the power to raise prices for employers both in the 14 states where it does business, as well as across the country, according to a witness in the U.S. government's lawsuit to block the deal. Photographer: Michael Nagle/bloomberg
Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Digital distribution Health insurance Healthcare costs Health and wellness Mobile technology Insurtech Cigna
MORE FROM DIGITAL INSURANCE