"The Big Picture" Newsletter

November/December 2009 Issue

Like the “Big Bang” but Better – CIGNA's Dental PPO Networks Continue to Expand

Larger dental networks will save clients and customers money

We’ve gotten network growth down to a science – it’s not rocket science, but our larger networks will save clients and customers money. We’ve significantly expanded our Dental PPO networks to meet the evolving needs of clients in all size segments and geographic locations. Larger networks mean employees are more likely to choose an in-network dentist – and that translates into real savings.

As more employees visit in-network dentists, the client’s net effective discount is greater because previously out-of-network claim dollars are paid in-network. This gives employees two ways to save money, too: network discounts and no balance billing.

How big are we?
We have more than 67,000 unique dentists in the Core Network, which translates to nearly 144,000 dentist locations*. And by year-end, we expect an overall network growth rate of 20% compared to last year. Average discounts in this Network are 35% for 2009. The larger Radius Network offers the greatest access to dentists at all discount levels. We have more than 73,000 unique dentists in the Radius Network, which translates to nearly 157,000 dentist locations*.

By December 2009, we expect an overall network growth rate of 32% over last year. And you can be sure our expansion efforts will continue into 2010 and beyond.

How do we do it?
Here are some reasons dentists choose to be in our networks:

1. Network dentists have access to our secure Internet-based platform where they can verify eligibility, check claims status, submit claims electronically and more. This tool also helps them manage day-to-day operations and increase operational efficiency – and ultimately gives them more time for their patients.

2. e-Onboarding, our paperless credentialing system, lets dentists sign their network application electronically. Dentists can then securely and quickly submit the required documentation over the Internet.

3. Our commitment to evidence-based dentistry connects network dentists to the best available scientific evidence, allowing for more informed treatment decisions between dentists and patients. This also helps clients because it ensures the right level of coverage and treatment.

4. Through our CIGNA Network Rewards Program®, network dentists can benefit from valuable discounts on products and services offered
   by leading industry vendors.

Our aggressive strategies and enhanced recruitment tools ensure that our networks will keep growing to offer our customers more choice.

*The term “dentist locations” refers to the total number of locations where each network dentist is contracted to provide services to CIGNA Dental customers. Data is as of September 2009.

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