"The Big Picture" Newsletter

December 2007 Issue

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

Legislative Update

The new high risk pool’s board of directors held their first meeting in Raleigh to discuss its mission and plan future meetings. Governor Mike Easley signed H.B. 265 on August 31 creating the pool to provide health insurance to people whose health or medical history prevents them from receiving affordable coverage from health insurers. The state will fund the pool with an existing tax on health insurance premiums, $700,000 from the state’s general fund, and approximately $5 million from the Health and Wellness Trust Fund, which handles a portion of the state's share of the 1998 tobacco settlement. Pool enrollees will cover 65 percent of premium costs, which will be set at 150 to 200 percent of what a healthy person pays for private health insurance. Enrollment is scheduled to begin by January 1, 2009.

 

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Where We Are

Charlotte
11016 Rushmore Drive, Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28277
Toll-free: 800.880.4973

Who to Contact

Michael Foresman
704-540-2125 or toll free 800.880.4973, ext 5482125
Michael.Foresman@cigna.com

Where We Are

Raleigh
701 Corporate Center Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
Toll-free: 800.849.9300

Who to Contact

Susan Murray
919.854.8122 or toll free 800.849.9300, ext 8122
Susan.Murray@cigna.com

Where We Are

Winston-Salem
CIGNA HealthCare Triad Sales Office
1590 Westbrook Plaza Drive, Suite 103
Winston-Salem, NC 27103-2965

Who to Contact

Susan Murray
919.854.8122 or toll free 800.849.9300, ext 8122
Susan.Murray@cigna.com

Experienced Local Leadership

Charles C. Pitts, President and General Manager – CIGNA HealthCare of the Carolinas
Charles Pitts has over 20 years experience in the health care industry. Prior to joining CIGNA in 2006, Charles led the development and growth of multiple health plans for UnitedHealthcare. His responsibilities included financial, operational and leadership performance of health plans in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Charles earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University, and his MBA in Finance from the University of Alabama. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.