Cigna: Contracting system blackout period coming soon

Information about an upcoming contracting system blackout period: Online contract submission will be unavailable from June 28 – July 20.

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As recently shared, exciting Medicare Advantage (MA), Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), and Supplemental Benefits (CSB) business technology changes are coming your way in late July! These changes include the implementation of a new contracting system.

To successfully transition to this new system, Cigna must retire their current contracting portals, ExpressWay (CSB) and Producer Express (MA/PDP).

This activity requires a system blackout period from June 28 – July 20, during which time recruiting and contracting capabilities will not be available.

Please note: Agent appointments will continue to be processed during this period.

What to expect during the blackout period:

• June 27 is the last day to submit contracts through ExpressWay, Producer Express and the third-party vendor, SuranceBay (CSB).
• Please review submissions closely for accuracy and completion as incomplete or inaccurate contracts may not be processed.
• For CSB: Paper contracts may be submitted during the blackout period, but will not be processed until the new contracting system is operational.
• July 10 is the deadline to complete all contracting requirements.
• At the end of the business day, all open but incomplete contracting requests will be closed, and must be re-submitted when the new contracting system is operational.
• July 21, the new contracting system is expected to open and you will be able to resume agent and agency contract submissions.

2026 MA & PDP Certification Update

Due to this and other business technology changes, 2026 Certification for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans will be delayed until late July. Cigna will share details on 2026 certification, products and benefits in the near future.

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 Excited to learn more?

Cigna will share more specifics about the new system and provide training dates and resources soon.

As a reminder, you can expect recruiting and contracting enhancements to include:

• Streamlined onboarding – Process automation to improve the onboarding and allow agents to start selling sooner. This includes real-time license and background verification, training notifications, and a new licensing status dashboard.
• Better reporting – More visibility to recruiting, downlines across lines of business, and ready-to-sell status.

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