The second-year results of a collaborative care program between Cigna and an Indianapolis-based health system show that the endeavor both improved the quality of care and lowered costs, according to an announcement from the companies. The insurer started its partnership with Franciscan St. Francis Health in 2013 as part of its Cigna Collaborative Care initiative, through which it forms accountable care organization-like arrangements with providers around the country. In its work with Franciscan, Cigna helps patients manage their chronic conditions through the use of registered nurse clinical care coordinators. Because of the program, Franciscan's medical cost is trending 4.3 percent better than the market, and the health system was able to reduce emergency department visits for non-emergency care by 21.3 percent. Announcement