Cigna inks 3 Washington state deals

SEATTLE, June 7 (UPI) -- U.S. health insurer Cigna said Thursday it has entered into service contracts with three Washington state health providers.

The agreements are with Swedish Medical Center, MultiCare Health System and Providence Health System, cover all Cigna product lines offered in Washington, and include all hospitals and doctors affiliated with the three health systems, the insurer said.

The move is part of Cigna's plan announced last year to build its own network of doctors and hospitals.

"The inclusion of these three health systems in our network gives us a strong base from which to provide flexible product designs to employers in the state," said Daryl Edmonds, regional vice president for Cigna HealthCare Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions.