Cigna: Company Overview

Cigna ranks as one of the largest and oldest insurance institutions in the country.

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About Cigna

In 1792, a group of citizens formed the Insurance Company of North America (INA), the first marine insurance company in the U.S, the country’s oldest stockholder-owned insurer. The first insured hull and cargo was for a ship called America, which sailed from Philadelphia to Northern Ireland. In 1794, INA issued its first insurance policy, for a sea captain, to mitigate the risk of death. In 1865, the Governor of Connecticut signed a special at of the General Assembly incorporating the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, which helped make Hartford, CT, “the insurance capital of the world.”

In 1871, the Chicago Fire burned for two days, leaving 100,000 people homeless and 2,000 acres of land destroyed. INA paid $650,000, one of few insurers who paid in full. In 1906, INA and subsidiaries paid losses of $4,772,000. In 1912, Connecticut General formed a new accident department and then a new group department in 1918. In 1919, it began marketing accident and sickness insurance, its first foray into health insurance. In 1926, INA and Connecticut General began to move into aircraft insurance. Connecticut General wrote the first individual accident coverage for regular flyers. In 1942, INA wrote accident and health insurance for the 30 men working on the Manhattan Project.

In 1946, INA grew in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Near East as well as Central and South America. In 1950, Connecticut General introduced major medical insurance by insuring its own employees. Four years later, they introduced the first comprehensive medical case combining group health and major medical into one policy.

In 1964, Connecticut General introduced group dental insurance for employers with 35 employees and more. In 1969, Connecticut General established an HMO to serve Columbia, MD. In 1970, Connecticut General expanded to provide group insurance and pension services to international companies for employees abroad. In 1977, they wrote the first expatriate employer group policy, and today Cigna Expatriate Benefits is one of the largest healthcare insurers in the world, covering more than 250,000 expatriates and family members. INA also formed International Rehabilitation Associates (IRA) to market rehabilitation services to insurance companies and other organizations.

In 1978, INA went into the prepaid health plan business and acquired HMO International, which operates hospitals in the U.S and abroad as well as an HMO in Oakland, CA. INA then built a network of HMOs throughout the U.S. In 1980, INA purchased Los-Angeles-based Ross-Loos, the country’s oldest HMO, founded in 1923.

In 1982, Connecticut General Corporation and INA merged operations and their health insurance businesses. In 1984, Cigna acquired an international insurance underwriting association called American Foreign Insurance Association (AFIA), reaching customers in more than 100 countries. In 1990, Cigna acquired Equicor, the sixth-largest provider of employee benefits in the U.S. In 1994, Cigna joined the March of Dimes as a national sponsor and raised $7.6 million. Today Cigna continues to be a supporter and over 20 years has raised nearly $30 million.

In 1997, Cigna acquired Healthsource, Inc to grow its existing network of health care plans. In 1998, Cigna sold its individual life insurance and annuity business to Lincoln National Corporation to focus on healthcare. In 1999 it sold its property and casualty business to ACE Limited. In 2004, it sold its financial and retirement business to Prudential Financial Inc. In 2002, Cigna launched the world’s first online network of physicians for employees on global assignments, including the Chinese and Mexican markets. It also created a customer portal.

In 2005, Cigna offered web-based second-opinion services for expatriates through its e-Cleveland Clinic. In 2007, the Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN) received a $1 million grant from the Cigna Foundation and Cigna celebrated 20 years of operations in Korea and Hong Kong. In 2009, Cigna became the first and only health service company to offer live 24/7/365 call center service for medical, dental and pharmacy plan customers and health care professionals.

In 2010, Cigna acquired Vanbreda International and became the international leader in benefits for people living abroad. In 2011, Cigna launched the Go You campaign to meet the needs of every Cigna member. Cigna continued to expand globally, launching programs in Singapore, Turkey, India, UK, Brazil and Africa. Cigna also acquired Great American Supplemental Benefits, offering products, including voluntary benefits, limited benefits, low-cost health plans, disability, employee benefits for hourly and part-time workers (and families) as well as Medicare supplements to seniors and other individuals.

In 2012, Cigna celebrated 30 years of formation. They acquired HealthSpring to focus on senior health. In 2013, The Cigna Foundation won a Global Healthy Workplace Award and announced its venture with MyFitnessPal, a web-based food log used to track progress towards health goals. In 2014, Cigna launched the “Together, all the way” campaign to share it’s evolved brand story. In 2015, Cigna committed to the US Department of Health & Human Services 50/90 goals.

In 2016, technology was the priority. Cigna’s created the Cigna One Guide, a proactive engagement to stay healthy, and Cigna SureFit, a collaboration between physician’s networks and hospital groups to optimize services for customers. Cigna’s Health Improvement Tour (HIT) began offering free health screenings and coaching to individuals without health care access. In 2017, Cigna acquired Brighter, to engage consumers digitally and connect them with providers. Cigna also continued to reduce opioid use by sponsoring forums, like “Addiction in America” in Washington D.C and “Generation Listen” for NPR and more. In 2018, Cigna completed its merger with Express Scripts to improve affordability and choice. Together they invested $200 million to support local communities on topics of health. They also launched Healthier Kids for Our Future to improve the health and well-being of children across the globe.

Cigna Facts & Ratings

Year Founded 1792
Medicare Star Rating 3.5 stars (out of 5)
BBB Rating A+
NAIC Complaint Index 1.15% for individual health
NAIC Complaint Index 0.90% for group health

Cigna Mobile App Rating

iOS 4.8 stars (out of 5) 125K users
Android 3.2 stars (out of 5) 15.9K users

The Cigna app allows you to view your digial ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.

Pros & Cons of Cigna

  • Cigna ranks as one of the largest and oldest insurance institutions in the country.
  • Cigna offers individual health insurance and group health insurance.
  • Offers Medicare products.
  • Cigna only provides full coverage in 12 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Cigna Enrollment Process

Cigna is available through the health insurance marketplace, by searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes here. Each state has their own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov. Also, remember that CareSource only covers Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Georgia and West Virginia.

How to file a claim with Cigna

To file a claim with Cigna Health Insurance, use this form. Follow instructions on page 2 of the form. Mail your completed claim form with original itemized bills, to the Cigna HealthCare Claims Office, which is printed on your Cigna HealthCare ID card. For questions you may call 1 (800) 997-1654.

Common Questions about Cigna

Is Cigna good insurance?

Cigna is a trusted name when it comes to health care. They have a relatively low complaint ratio considering the size of the company. They also offer health insurance to U.S. expatriates living abroad.

What are Cigna Health Benefits?

Cigna offers health benefits for individuals and families. They also offer dental insurance, Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, other supplemental insurance plans and international health insurance. You can also get Cigna group health insurance if you buy it from your employer.

What insurance plans does Cigna offer?

Cigna offers health benefits for individuals and families. They also offer dental insurance, Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, other supplemental insurance plans and international health insurance. You can also get Cigna health insurance if you buy it from your employer.

Does Cigna offer a life insurance plan?

Yes, Cigna offers term life insurance, group life insurance and final expense whole life insurance. You can buy a plan for individuals or through employers that offer it.

What states does Cigna cover for individuals and families?

Cigna offers individual health insurance plans for individuals and families in AZ, CO, FL, IL, KS, MO, NC, TN, UT and VA.

How does the Cigna Telehealth Connection program work?

With Cigna Telehealth Connection, you can connect with a board-certified doctor via video chat or phone to get prescriptions for minor conditions.

What is Cigna Healthspring?

Cigna HealthSpring is a health services company that caters to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to personalize their care plans at an affordable cost.

What lab does Cigna insurance use?

Cigna has an extensive participating national laboratory network that includes Quest Diagnostic and LabCorp.

Does Kaiser take Cigna insurance?

Kaiser only accepts Kaiser insurance.

Does Cigna cover In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

Infertility is a covered condition with cigna. Medical expenses related to the treatment of infertility are reimbursable, generally up to one year. Medical diagnosis is required. Pre-seem moisturizer is not reimbursable.

What does Cigna dental insurance cover?

Cigna Dental 1500 is $35 a month and covers up to $1,500 in restorative car, per year after deductible and coinsurance (deductible for individual: $50, family: $150) and Orthodontia covered up to $1,000. Cigna Dental 1000 is $30 a month, covers up to $1,000 in restorative care per year, after deductible and coinsurance (deductible for individual: $50; family: $150) without coverage for orthodontia. Cigna Dental Preventive is $19 a month and only covers preventive care if it’s in-network.

Does Cigna health insurance cover epidurals?

Epidural anesthesia is used to control pain during childbirth and is usually covered with a doctor’s prescription.

How does Cigna out-of-pocket maximum work?

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’d pay for medical expenses in a year. This money includes deductibles, copays and coinsurance. If you reach the max, your health plan will cover the rest of your care for the year. Depending on the plan, maximums vary. It’s best that you speak with an agent about your specific policy.

Is Cigna Health Savings Account (HSA) worth it?

An HSA is a bank account you own to pay for health care expenses or put towards retirement. The money is taken from your paycheck pretax. You can use it now for health care expenses or save it for the future. You can even take it with you if you change jobs or retire.

What types of supplemental insurance does Cigna offer?

In addition to Medicare Supplements, Cigna offers Lump Sum Heart Attack and Stroke Insurance, Lump Sum Cancer Insurance, Cancer Treatment Insurance and Whole Life Insurance.

Cigna Contact Info

Address 900 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone 1 (800) 997-1654
Website https://www.cigna.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CIGNA/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/cigna
Twitter https://twitter.com/Cigna
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/cigna/

Methodology

The information listed on this page is from our own in house research. It is accurate as of the article publish date. Visit the carrier website for additional information.

 

How Does Cigna to Other health Insurance Companies?

Cigna vs Aetna Cigna vs Anthem
Cigna vs CareSource Cigna vs Kaiser Permanente
Cigna vs Molina Cigna vs WellCare

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