Cigna Removes Barriers for At-Home Phototherapy Treatments Throughout the U.S.

Cigna Expands Access to At-Home Phototherapy for Skin Conditions

In a significant move to enhance patient care, Cigna has announced a major policy change that expands coverage for at-home phototherapy treatments. Effective from July 15, 2025, the insurance provider will remove prior restrictions, granting access to convenient, medically validated treatments for individuals affected by conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.

Through this new directive, approximately 19.2 million Cigna clients will now benefit from an increasingly popular method of treatment that has been proven to deliver effective results. Previous barriers that limited at-home care have now been dismantled, reflecting a growing trend among health insurers to utilize phototherapy as a viable alternative to traditional in-clinic treatments.

Rising Demand for Home Phototherapy

This policy change comes on the heels of a similar decision made by Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), which has expanded its coverage to approximately 47.5 million members nationwide. Collectively, Cigna and Elevance's new policies mean that more than 66.7 million Americans will now have access to safe, non-invasive treatments from the comfort of their own homes.

The necessity for this service is underscored by the statistics: an estimated 8 million Americans live with psoriasis, over 16 million suffer from eczema, and nearly 6.5 million are affected by vitiligo. Many of these individuals rely on phototherapy to manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and ensure better long-term outcomes.

Benefits of the Policy Change

The endorsement of home phototherapy by Cigna is a substantial win for both patients and healthcare systems. It is noted that this accessibility may reduce patients' out-of-pocket expenses by up to 90%, significantly easing the financial burden associated with ongoing treatments. Additionally, early intervention via at-home care can potentially decrease the reliance on costly biologic drugs, which have become synonymous with high treatment costs in dermatology.

The peer-reviewed LITE Study, which focused on comparing home-based phototherapy to traditional in-office treatments, revealed that home phototherapy yields comparable efficacy, with adherence rates being about three times higher. This is largely attributed to the convenience of eliminating the need for multiple clinic visits each week.

A New Era for Dermatologic Care

Padma Sundar, Chief Commercial Officer at Phothera, emphasized the significance of this decision: "With the backing of major health plans like Cigna and Elevance, we are marking a significant moment for dermatologic care in the United States. This amplified access ensures patients no longer have to navigate the complexities of cost and accessibility to receive proven treatments in their own homes."

Phothera, the company leading advancements in phototherapy solutions, is dedicated to synergetic partnerships with healthcare providers to deliver effective treatments directly to patient’s residences. Their commitment extends beyond mere access; through direct collaborations with insurance providers and financial assistance initiatives, Phothera is focused on making care accessible irrespective of personal or geographical barriers.

In conclusion, Cigna's policy modification to allow unrestricted access to home phototherapy represents a pivotal shift in how skin conditions are treated. By embracing innovative solutions, insurers can play a crucial role in enhancing patients' lives, ensuring that regardless of a patient's situation, they have every opportunity to manage their health effectively.