Cigna Launches ALEXA Skill to Improve Health Literacy

Cigna announced it is entering the voice control space with the launch of “Answers by Cigna” skill for Amazon Alexa, becoming the first global health service company to offer a skill aimed at personalizing and simplifying health benefits information . The new hands-free skill is designed to demystify language about healthcare by providing instant and easy-to-understand answers to more than 150 commonly-asked health care questions.

A 2017 survey on health literacy found that 20% of respondents did not understand the word “premium” and 66% did not understand the word “formulary.” When people do not understand the terms used in their health plan, they are less likely to take full advantage of their benefits. The new skill is designed to enhance this knowledge.

“Voice control offers an exciting and innovative way for Cigna to educate and engage people about healthcare in a way that is convenient for them. The applications for voice control are expanding every day and we see great potential as we continue to simplify and personalize our customers’ healthcare journeys. Our work with Amazon Alexa provides us with experience and expertise as we evolve our voice platform and introduce new personalized services throughout the year” – Vice President of Digital Marketing at Cigna, Rowena Track.

The “Answers by Cigna” skill for Alexa is available to everyone in the Amazon Alexa Skills Store or by saying, “Alexa, enable Answers by Cigna.” To use the “Answers by Cigna” skill for Alexa, users can simply ask their health-related questions, like “what’s a formulary?,” and receive an easy-to-understand response.

Recall insurers with voice computing skills here.