Hinge Health, a digital musculoskeletal (MSK) care company, launched nearly a decade ago with a focus on direct-to-employer sales. In recent years, it has expanded its reach by partnering with major health plans and is now the preferred MSK provider for the five largest national insurers in the U.S. by self-insured lives. Its latest partnership with Cigna Healthcare joins existing relationships with UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, and Health Care Service Corporation, along with several regional plans.
Through the new collaboration, Cigna’s self-insured clients can offer employees access to Hinge Health’s platform, which includes virtual physical therapy, coaching, real-time guidance, and a wearable pain relief device. It can also integrate with Cigna’s Pathwell Bone and Joint Solution for enhanced MSK support. The partnership streamlines contracting, onboarding, and billing for Cigna clients.
“Our goal is to reduce friction not just for members but also for employers,” said Hinge Health President Jim Pursley, noting clients can activate the service with minimal setup. The company operates on an engagement-based pricing model, billing per patient interaction.
Hinge is also expanding into other markets, including Medicare Advantage, the federal employee program, Veterans Affairs, and international offerings to support global workforces.
The Cigna deal follows Hinge Health’s IPO filing in March—the first digital health IPO in some time. While the market remains volatile, experts are cautiously optimistic due to Hinge’s high margins and presence in the large MSK space, the second-highest healthcare cost for employers after cancer. Competitors include Sword Health and Vori Health.
Looking ahead, Hinge is investing in new services like its women’s pelvic health and menopause programs, and has recently partnered with Amazon and Midi Health.
Click here to read the original news story.