The Oral Health Integration Program® (OHIP) – A Program for Diabetic Patients with Periodontal Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one out of ten people in the United States have diabetes^[i] (2022). 

Is the same ratio true of your patient population? 

The prevalence of diabetes and its potential impact on oral and overall health is top of mind for many: patients, caregivers, providers, insurers and more.  The results of a 2021 study published by the CDC noted “although people with diabetes were at increased risk for periodontal disease, they were less likely to practice everyday interproximal cleaning and less likely to obtain preventive dental care”^[ii]. 

This might leave you wondering what more you can do for your diabetic patients. 

Oftentimes, you and your team take on the task of coaching diabetic patients, providing them with motivation, education, and resources to help control their condition and attain optimal oral and overall health.  A beneficial program available to Cigna Dental diabetic patients* is the Oral Health Integration Program^® (OHIP) which provides enhanced dental benefits for services like scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance.  Additionally, eligible members can receive reimbursement for copays/coinsurance associated with these enhanced services. 

When you’re talking with your Cigna Dental diabetic patients about the importance of home care and routine dental visits, be sure to remind them to enroll in OHIP on myCigna.com, or provide them with the paper Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration Program^® Registration Form.

For more information about OHIP, visit the Cigna for Health Care Professionals portal (www.CignaforHCP.com).

* The Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration Program may not be available under all dental plans. Reimbursement under this program is subject to plan terms and conditions, including applicable annual benefit maximums and other exclusions and limitations.

[i] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/socialmedia/infographics/diabetes.html
[ii] https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/20_0594.htm