Cigna Study Shows ACOs Reduce Cost

This is the first proof by a health insurer that I have seen.

Preliminary results from two of CIGNA's collaborative accountable care pilot initiatives – CIGNA's approach to accountable care organizations, or ACOs – show that quality is improving and costs are being reduced. In New Hampshire, Dartmouth-Hitchcock is closing gaps in care 10 percent better than the market, while in Phoenix, Cigna Medical Group has lowered average annual costs per patient by $336. CIGNA plans to build on these successes with a national expansion of its accountable care initiatives in 2011.

http://newsroom.cigna.com/NewsReleases/CIGNA-s-Collaborative-Accountable-Care-Programs-Improving-Quality-and-Reducing-Costs.htm?view_id=3897