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Alerts
October 12, 2009Reminder: Important Information about H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine CoverageIn the event you did not see this alert last month, we hope you’ll have an opportunity to read this important information. The secretary of Health and Human Services has renewed the declaration that a nationwide public health emergency exists in relation to the H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has designated vaccination as the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza. In keeping with our mission to improve the health, well-being and sense of security of our customers, CIGNA will communicate to our fully insured clients that we will cover H1N1 flu shot administration in any setting at 100 percent of the Medicare allowable rate national average of $20.92. Deductibles will not apply – covered individuals will not be asked for a copay or coinsurance. Self-insured clients were given the option to opt-out of this process by October 9, 2009. This will be CIGNA’s standard approach until the potential for an emergency situation subsides. This communication relates to the swine flu vaccine called H1N1 only. Coverage for other vaccines will be in accordance with the individual’s plan. Because the federal government will be paying for the vaccine itself, CIGNA and other private health plans will only be asked to reimburse for the administration of the vaccine. We expect that both the traditional (i.e., physician offices) and non-traditional (e.g., health fair and retail pharmacy) sites will be used as distribution centers for the administration of the H1N1 vaccines. By providing first dollar coverage, CIGNA is supporting the CDC recommendations and stressing the importance of making every effort to provide vaccination to appropriate individuals across the country. For additional information, please contact your CIGNA representative.
September 17, 2009Important Update on H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine CoverageThe secretary of Health and Human Services has renewed the declaration that a nationwide public health emergency exists in relation to the H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has designated vaccination as the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza. In keeping with our mission to improve the health, well-being and sense of security of our customers, CIGNA will communicate to our fully insured clients that we will cover H1N1 flu shot administration in any setting at 100 percent of the Medicare allowable rate.1 Deductibles will not apply – covered individuals will not be asked for a copay or coinsurance. Self-insured clients have the option to opt-out of this process. This will be CIGNA’s standard approach until the potential for an emergency situation subsides. This communication relates to the swine flu vaccine called H1N1 only. Coverage for other vaccines will be in accordance with the individual’s plan. Because the federal government will be paying for the vaccine itself, CIGNA and other private health plans will only be asked to reimburse for the administration of the vaccine. We expect that both the traditional (i.e., physician offices) and non-traditional (e.g., health fair and retail pharmacy) sites will be used as distribution centers for the administration of the H1N1 vaccines. By providing first dollar coverage, CIGNA is supporting the CDC recommendations and stressing the importance of making every effort to provide vaccination to appropriate individuals across the country. Self-insured clients who do not wish to have 100 percent coverage must notify their CIGNA representative by October 9, 2009. For additional information, please contact your CIGNA representative.
July 8, 2009CIGNA HealthCare Customer Call Centers Now Open All Day, Every DayCIGNA is the only health service company that offers 24-hour customer service Moving even farther toward customer service excellence, beginning July 24 CIGNA call centers will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In February 2009, we became the first national health service company to take customer service inquiries on Saturdays and holidays for all its medical, dental, and pharmacy employee benefits plans. The tremendous feedback from the individuals we serve encouraged us to take this next step in making sure we’re there for them when they need us.
April 28, 2009CIGNA Preparedness for Potenital Spread of Swine FluCIGNA has activated its emergency preparedness team to closely follow the outbreak of swine flu and prepare for any potential surge in human infections. We are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control as well as local guidelines in impacted areas of the United States and abroad. Our medical management call centers are fully prepared to support the individuals we serve. There is an adequate supply of doctor-prescribed antivirals, including Tamiflu, which are available to covered individuals from retail and mail order pharmacies (including CIGNA’s Tel-Drug), physician offices and hospitals. At this point, our coverage policies and procedures remain the same with the exception of the refill restriction on Tamiflu, which has been lifted. When and if appropriate, we will adjust our coverage policies, including prior-authorization, to facilitate access to the proper medical services and supplies for all individuals served by CIGNA. Medically necessary services for the diagnosis and treatment of swine flu will be covered in accordance with the terms of the applicable benefit plan. Individuals traveling outside their local service area or traveling outside the United States who become ill should seek treatment immediately. Emergency or urgent care services are covered at the in-network benefit level regardless of where the care is recevied. The health and safety of the individuals we serve is of primary importance to CIGNA. We will continue to support public policy and facilitate access to appropriate medical services Further information is available at:
February 25, 2009More Americans “Live to Work” Than “Work to Live”CIGNA Survey Shows Most Link Work and Well-Being; Value Disability Insurance That Protects Income With the U.S. economy ailing and companies laying off millions of Americans who are anxiously searching for employment, a new CIGNA survey shows that for the majority of Americans, work means a lot more to them than a paycheck to cover the bills.
January 13, 2009CIGNA Study: Americans with CDHPs Cut Medical Costs Without Cutting CareStudy shows CDHP cost savings can help in an ailing economy CIGNA Choice Fund account-based consumer driven health plans (CDHPs) reduced medical cost trend by 13 percent relative to HMO and PPO plans, even as individuals enrolled in CDHPs use more preventive services and comply with their medical treatments, according to a new multi-year study that compares the health care claims experience of nearly 440,000 covered by CIGNA CDHPs and traditional HMOs and PPOs. Academy by CIGNA presents a complimentary 2009 CIGNA Choice Fund 3rd Annual Experience Study Webinar on February 4, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time featuring Adam Rudin, FSA, MAAA, Actuarial Senior Director, CIGNA HealthCare. To register for the Webinar, please click here and provide your name, address, title, company and e-mail address. We will provide a confirmation email with access information.
November 10, 2008CIGNA Plans Among Top Commercial Health Plans, According to U.S.News & World Report and National Committee for Quality AssuranceFour CIGNA HealthCare plans are among the top commercial health plans in the country, as they are listed among the highest ranked plans in this year’s ”America’s Best Health Plans,” conducted by U.S.News & World Report (U.S. News) and National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). For more information on state-specific results, please visit the links below: CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic Top-Ranked Plan in Maryland and Washington, D.C. for Third Consecutive Year, According to U.S.News & World Report and National Committee for Quality Assurance
August 22, 2008CIGNA Named “Best Managed Care Organization” and “Best EAP” in 2008 Business Insurance Readers Choice AwardsWe are very excited to share with you news of this special recognition of our health plan and employee assistance program. Click here for a special message from Matt Manders, President of CIGNA HealthCare Business Segments.
June 26, 2008David Cordani Named President, Chief Operating Officer of CIGNA CorporationCIGNA Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer H. Edward Hanway announced the appointment of David M. Cordani, 42, as president and chief operating officer of CIGNA Corporation. In this role, Cordani will have executive leadership responsibility for CIGNA's group disability and life insurance and international businesses as well as for CIGNA HealthCare, the organization for which he has served as president since July 2005. Read more information here. April 1, 2008Acquisition of Great-West Healthcare Complete!As of April 1, 2008, Great-West Healthcare is part of CIGNA. This acquisition further expands CIGNA's strong middle market position and accelerates its growth in the small segment, one of the areas targeted as part of CIGNA's strategic plan. This combined organization will offer clients an expanded suite of product and funding options. As CIGNA combines these two organizations, preserving service quality, maintaining account management relationships and preventing disruption to our clients and members will be a top priority. Clients can expect to continue to receive the same quality care and service that they have come to expect from CIGNA. Read more. March 14, 2008CIGNA to Launch New HRA and Online CoachingWe're excited to announce that beginning March 31, CIGNA members will have access to a new, more powerful Health Risk Assessment (HRA) and new online coaching programs designed to drive higher levels of engagement in preventive and health improvement practices. The new tools are available through our new Health and Wellness Center portal on myCIGNA.com and mycareallies.com. Through our exclusive arrangement with the University of Michigan Health Management Research Center (UM-HMRC), members will have access to a customized version of the nationally-recognized University of Michigan HRA, which includes productivity questions designed by Ron Kessler of Harvard Medical School. This new HRA replaces the WebMD Health Quotient™ HRA we were using. Learn more about these exciting new capabilities in the Big Picture newsletter. Click here to watch a demo of new features. Click here to download a fact sheet on the new CIGNA Health Risk Assessment. Click here to download a fact sheet on the new CIGNA Online Coaching Programs. January 9, 2008CIGNA HealthCare PPO Plans Nationwide Earn Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality AssuranceIn a press release issued today, CIGNA HealthCare announced it has earned full accreditation for its PPO plans nationwide from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The “Full” accreditation – currently NCQA’s highest accreditation rating for a PPO – underscores the quality of CIGNA HealthCare' benefits plans. November 26, 2007CIGNA to Acquire Denver-based Great-West HealthcareIn a press release issued today, CIGNA announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Great-West Healthcare, headquartered in Colorado. This transaction will broaden CIGNA's distribution reach and provider network in key geographic areas of the country, particularly the Western regions of the United States, and expand the range of health benefits and products it offers, particularly to small to mid-sized employers. More details to follow in the December issue of "The Big Picture" newsletter. October 17, 2007Report Shows Success of CIGNA Consumer Driven Health PlansCIGNA releases ground-breaking second year study results underscoring the success of our consumer driven health plans (CDHP) product suite in delivering quality care while reducing costs over a sustained period of time. October 11, 2007CIGNA Announces Special Producer Incentive ProgramCIGNA HealthCare understands that choice is important. That's why we're offering a special AwardperQs program that allows your firm to earn points for each new medical account with a Shared Returns funding arrangement sold by your firm. See this August 1, 2007CIGNA HealthCare Acquires Indiana-based Sagamore Health NetworkIn a press release issued today, CIGNA HealthCare announced that it has acquired Sagamore Health Network, Inc., the largest leased health care provider network in Indiana. Sagamore provides access to an extensive, highly-regarded preferred provider network consisting of 9,400 primary care physicians, 26,600 specialists, 1,100 ancillary providers and 210 hospitals. Sagamore also offers access to a broad range of utilization review and case management services. December 13, 2006CIGNA Expands Consumer Engagement Capabilities with University of Michigan and vielifeIn a press release issued yesterday, CIGNA HealthCare announced a long-term agreement with the University of Michigan that gives it access to intellectual property developed by Professor D.W. Edington, Ph.D. and the researchers within the University of Michigan Health Management Research Center (UM-HMRC), a world-wide leader in studying how health choices influence total health and productivity, quality of life and health care economics throughout a lifetime. In a related press release issued today, CIGNA HealthCare announced the acquisition of U.K.-based vielife, a leading international provider of online health management and coaching programs. These agreements reinforce CIGNA HealthCare’s ability to lead the industry in consumer engagement. The integration of vielife’s consumer interface platform with CIGNA's robust portfolio of health and wellness programs and the expanded health advocacy programs, analytic capabilities and reporting abilities available through UM-HMRC, enables CIGNA to begin developing the industry’s next generation of integrated health advocacy programs. December 1, 2006CIGNA HealthCare to Acquire Memphis-based Mid-South Administrative GroupIn a press release issued today, CIGNA HealthCare announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Memphis-based Mid-South Administrative Group, LLC. (MSAG). Existing customers of MSAG may either continue their current arrangements and access their existing provider networks, or choose from CIGNA HealthCare’s suite of products and services, including access to its national provider network. October 31, 2006CIGNA HealthCare Introduces HealthePassSM to Help Patients Pay for Health CareWill leverage American Express expertise, endorsed by the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)Today CIGNA is announcing HealthePass, a comprehensive new solution designed to simplify and improve payment processes to help patients anticipate and manage their health care costs, shorten provider revenue cycle and help address patient bad debt. HealthePass is being developed leveraging the expertise of American Express, Thomson MedStat, and Metavante. October 25, 2006CIGNA HealthCare Expands Voluntary Product PortfolioLaunches Fundamental Care to bridge the gap between limited-benefit and traditional major medical plansWe are excited to announce the expansion of CIGNA HealthCare's voluntary product portfolio with the launch of Fundamental Care. This plan is designed to bridge the gap between limited-benefit and traditional major medical plans. October 18, 2006CT General Assembly Sets Maximum Copays for MRI and CAT Scans - Effective October 1, 2006Please be aware that the General Assembly enacted a new law applicable to group and individual health insurance policies delivered or issued for delivery in Connecticut. In response to PA 06-180: Access to Imaging Services Act, effective October 1, 2006, CIGNA HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc. and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company will limit applicable in-network member co-payments as described below. Member co-payments for all combined magnetic resonance imaging, (MRI) or computed axial tomography (CAT) will not exceed $375.00 annually or exceed $75.00 for each in-network MRI or CAT. If the imaging services are rendered by the prescribing physician during an office visit, only the applicable office visit co-payment, will apply. Additionally, CIGNA HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc. and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company Member co-payments for positron emissions tomography (PET) will not exceed $375.00 annually or exceed $75.00 for each PET. Please note that the Connecticut law allows carriers to require member co-payments of up to $400.00 annually and $100.00 for each in-network PET service, but CIGNA's approach is to assess all its 'Advanced Radiology' Imaging Services (MRI, CAT and PET) at $75.00 per scan and to apply a uniform $375.00 annual co-payment cap to PETs (in addition to the $375.00 co-payment cap for combined MRIs and CATs) for in-network services to be consistent. Please note that this change is applicable to Connecticut General Life Insurance Company insurance policies and CIGNA HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc. commercial HMO plans effective 10/1/06. Your Certificate of Coverage and Summary of Benefit language will be updated upon renewal and the annual co-payment caps of $375.00 will begin on that plan renewal date. October 17, 2006Creditable Coverage Annual Disclosure ReminderUnder the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, new Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) went into effect on January 1, 2006. Under the new legislation, employers whose plans provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible active employees and dependents as well as Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents are required to:
 Creditable Coverage Summary & Fact Sheet(PDF) for more information and feel free to share it with your clients. It was created to assist you in determining whether or not a group plan is creditable using the simplified test. Who Must Send Notices of Creditable Coverage All employers that provide prescription drug coverage to any Medicare-eligible person must provide annual Notice of Creditable Coverage to the Medicare-eligible persons in that plan. The only exception is for employers that provide coverage under a contracted Medicare Part D Plan (i.e., Employer PDP). For more information on creditable coverage, including Creditable and Non-creditable coverage templates, please refer to the CMS website:www.cms.hhs.gov. These templates can also be obtained through your CIGNA Sales Representative. New Optional Service for Creditable Coverage Notices While it is the responsibility of the employer CIGNA can provide assistance with this process as an optional service. As an optional service, CIGNA can distribute notices as a direct mailing. This service is available to all non-Guaranteed Cost (participating) clients. This option is available to Guaranteed Cost (fully insured, non-participating) clients on a limited basis. Employers should contact their CIGNA Representative for more information. When Must Notices Be Sent The CMS regulation specifies the times when creditable coverage disclosures must be made to Medicare Part D eligible individuals. At a minimum, annual disclosure must be made at the following times:
In addition to the creditable coverage notification process for Medicare-eligibles, employers must disclose their creditable coverage status to CMS on an annual basis. The disclosure form is online and must be completed online. The form can be found at: www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/ccdisclosure/default.asp and instructions for completing the form can be located at: www.cms.hhs.gov/CreditableCoverage/Downloads/Disclosure2CMSGdnc.pdf(PDF)For further information the complete official guidance regarding Creditable Coverage can be found at: www.cms.hhs.gov/creditablecoverage "CIGNA" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation. Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. These operating subsidiaries include Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Tel-Drug, Inc. and its affiliates, CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc., Intracorp, and HMO or service company subsidiaries of CIGNA Health Corporation and CIGNA Dental Health, Inc. September 14, 2006CIGNA HealthCare announces strategic alliance with MVP Health Care/Preferred CareWe are excited to announce a new strategic alliance with MVP Health Care/Preferred Care to offer on a national basis a broad suite of health insurance and self-funded health benefit plans to companies with sites and employees in upstate New York and other states. Read the announcement from MVP Health Care/Preferred Care and CIGNA HealthCare. "CIGNA HealthCare" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation. Products and services are provided by these subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. These subsidiaries include Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc., Intracorp, and HMO or service company subsidiaries of CIGNA Health Corporation and CIGNA Dental Health, Inc. "CIGNA Tel-Drug" refers to Tel-Drug, Inc. and Tel-Drug of Pennsylvania, L.L.C., which are also operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation. June 28, 2006CIGNA Dental Announces Medical Claims Integration CreditContinues Turning Evidence into ActionMore and more studies show a link between gum disease and conditions such as premature birth, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Studies continue, but CIGNA is taking an industry-leading position now, putting our "money where our mouth is" with up to a 1% savings on medical claims. Effective immediately, new clients who package CIGNA medical and dental plans with Well Aware for Better Health® for heart disease and diabetes will receive a medical claims integration credit of up to 1%. New medical/dental cases without Well Aware qualify for up to a 0.5% credit. Similar credits will also be applied to existing accounts that add either medical or dental coverage. The driving force behind this credit is the introduction of the CIGNA Dental Oral Health Integration ProgramSM (PDF) (OHIP).Call your CIGNA representative today to learn more. June 21, 2006CIGNA HealthCare to offer Health Plans for the Working Uninsured through acquisition of Star HRGIn a press release issued today, CIGNA announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Star HRG, an operating division of HealthMarkets, Inc., and a leading provider of voluntary, limited benefit, low-cost health plans and other employee benefits coverage for hourly and part-time workers and their families. Through the acquisition, CIGNA HealthCare will gain a significant presence, turn-key expertise, and immediate market-leading capabilities in the voluntary group health marketplace. In addition to hiring the executive team and employees associated with Star HRG, the acquisition includes the entire Star HRG product suite and brand names, such as the Starbridge family of products; administrative, distribution and service capabilities; and membership. The product portfolio includes medical and pharmacy coverage, employee assistance programs, and additional supplemental products such as dental and vision care. June 21, 2006CIGNA HealthCare Earns J.D. Power Call Center Certification for "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience"CIGNA HealthCare has been recognized for call center operation customer satisfaction excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Call Center ProgramSM - one of a select few companies in the nation to receive this certification. This certification recognizes call center personnel and procedures for courtesy, knowledge, concern for the customer, usefulness of the information provided, convenience of operating hours, ease of reaching a representative, and timely resolution. |
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