Cigna Healthcare has reached an agreement with Infirmary Health, enabling Medicare Advantage customers to access Infirmary Health's network of hospitals, facilities, and doctors in the US.

The partnership, which includes value-based components, aims to enhance patient health and reduce costs.

Infirmary Health, a non-profit healthcare provider based in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama, operates three acute care hospitals.

The organisation serves a broad region, including 11 counties in southern Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and southern Mississippi.

With a team of over 700 doctors and 6,500 staff members, Infirmary Health treats more than 1.5 million patients annually.

Infirmary Health president and CEO Mark Nix said: "Infirmary Health's new agreement with Cigna Healthcare will benefit our patients, physicians, and other providers across the region.

"By embracing Cigna's Medicare Advantage programmes, we will continue to deliver the high-quality care that seniors expect, while ensuring they remain in network."

The agreement also extends to Cigna Healthcare's employer plans, where Infirmary Health is already an in-network provider.

Cigna Healthcare Medicare Alabama and Georgia market president Daniel Strobel said: "Infirmary Health has a long-standing history of providing quality care, and this agreement will allow for greater access to care for thousands of our customers across the region.

"We look forward to collaborating with Infirmary Health to bring best-in-class service to our local communities."

Cigna Healthcare, a subsidiary of The Cigna Group, offers a range of products and services.

The company holds contracts with Medicare for offering Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans, as well as Part D Prescription Drug Plans in selected states, and with certain State Medicaid programmes.

Enrolment in Cigna Healthcare products is subject to contract renewal.