Electronic Claim Payments (EFTs and ERAs)
Electronic deposit of claim payments and automated electronic reports streamline payment processes to help providers get paid more quickly.
Benefits of Electronic Claim Payments
Enrolling in both Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) can help expedite the delivery of your payments from Cigna Healthcare℠, make it easier to reconcile patient accounts, and much more.
What is an EFT?
EFT, also called direct deposit, transfers claim fee-for-service and capitated payments directly into your bank account. When you enroll in EFT, you can:
- Eliminate paper check mail delivery and handling.
- Access funds on the same day of the deposit.
- Increase efficiency and improve cash flow.
- View a separate remittance report online for each deposit, which shows the:
- Deposit transaction
- Details about the claims processed
- Payments included in that fund transfer
- Easily reconcile payments using a single remittance tracking number:
- Ask your bank to provide the payment related information from field 3 of record 7 on the EFT report they send to you
- "Reference Identification Field" (or TRN02) on your ERA
- Number located on the first page of your online remittance report
How do I enroll to receive EFTs?
- Log in to CignaforHCP.com
- Select Working with Cigna
- Select Enroll in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Options
- Complete the electronic enrollment form
Cigna Healthcare then will send a "pre-note" transaction to your bank to verify all the banking information is correct. If the pre-note is:
- Not returned to Cigna Healthcare: You will begin receiving EFT on your next payment cycle
- Returned to Cigna Healthcare with errors: Cigna Healthcare will contact you to obtain correct banking information
To check the status of your EFT application:
- Log in to CignaforHCP.com (if you have not registered yet you will need to do so)
- Select Working with Cigna
- Select Manage EFT Settings
For more details and vendor requirements, go to the Cigna for Health Care Professionals website.
What is an ERA?
ERA provides a HIPAA-compliant detailed explanation of how Cigna Healthcare processes claims from health care providers. ERA can be automatically loaded into your accounts receivable system. If you enroll in ERA, it can help you:
- Reduce costs and save time.
- Reduce posting errors.
- Shorten the payment cycle.
How do I enroll to receive ERAs?
- Notify your Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) vendor that you would like to enroll for Cigna Healthcare ERA.
- Provide enrollment information as instructed by your EDI vendor (if you use more than one TIN, complete a separate enrollment for each TIN).
- Your EDI vendor will send the completed enrollment information to Cigna Healthcare for processing; Cigna Healthcare will finalize your registration within 10 business days of receiving it.
- You may begin receiving ERAs on your next payment cycle.
For more details, go to the Cigna for Health Care Professionals website.
Overpayment Recovery
In the event that you have received overpayment, please return the funds to Cigna Healthcare at:
Cigna Healthcare
P O Box 188012
Chattanooga, TN 37422
For Cigna Healthcare for Seniors, please return funds to:
Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc.
Government Programs - Overpayment Recovery
11001 N. Black Canyon Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85029
Checks should be made payable to Cigna Healthcare.
To ensure we apply the refund correctly, please include a copy of the explanation of payment you received.
If you work with multiple payers, enroll in EFT through the Council for Affordable Quality Health Care website.
