Cuomo targets Aetna, Cigna

New York Atty. Gen. Andrew Cuomo warned health insurers Aetna Inc. and Cigna Corp. on Thursday that planned programs that rank physicians on quality and cost would be likely to confuse or deceive consumers.

In letters to the insurers, Cuomo took issue with the design of Aetna Aexcel and Cigna Care Network programs that would encourage members to use specialists whom the insurers have identified as delivering quality care while containing costs.

Cuomo said the insurers failed to disclose ranking data and said he was concerned that consumers might be steered to doctors based on faulty criteria.