"The Big Picture" Newsletter

July/August 2009 Issue

CONNECTICUT EDITION

CIGNA Introduces Individual Plans in Connecticut

CIGNA HealthCare has introduced new plans for Individuals in Connecticut with June 1, 2009 effective dates. The plans offer many of the benefits that have traditionally only been available to larger employers such as access to a 24-hour health information line and tools to help people understand their own personal health risks and take action to prevent a serious health event.

Individuals and their families will have access to a network of more than 500,000 quality health professionals and facilities throughout the country. In Connecticut, this includes more than 14,000 doctors and more than 30 hospitals.

In Connecticut, there are three Health Savings plans and four Open Access plans available for individuals and families. The Health Savings Plans are high-deductible health plans used in combination with a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for certain medical expenses (now or in the future) that may not be covered by the health plan. The new plans include a broad range of benefit levels which enables you, the broker, to find the plan that is right for your customer.

For more information, contact Nancy Melton at nancy.melton@cigna.com.

 

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Where We Are

900 Cottage Grove Road
Hartford, CT 06152

Who to Contact

Brian Cuddeback
Telephone: 860.226.4833
Fax: 860.226.2333
Brian.Cuddeback@cigna.com

Experienced Local Leadership

Donald M. Curry, President and General Manager
Mr. Curry was appointed President and General Manager of New England and appointed as President of CIGNA Healthcare subsidiaries in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut in October of 2002. He is responsible for the overall financial results of the Region to include Sales and Distribution of Cigna’s products and services, Provider Contracting, Medical Management and Regulatory oversight.

Prior to Mr. Curry’s most recent appointment, he served as Vice President of Consumer and Commercial Markets for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. He joined the company in April 1991 as Vice President of Sales, and assumed the position of Vice President of Marketing in November of 1991. Commencing September 1994, he was responsible for identifying New Venture opportunities for the organization designed to expand products and services into new markets.

Mr. Curry has over 35 years experience in the health and employee benefit field, primarily in managed care, focused on marketing and the distribution of health care products and services to the marketplace. Prior to joining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, he was Vice President, National Accounts for Blue Cross of California, where he was charged with all marketing, operations and financial activity, including the management of Pharmacy Benefit Programs. During his career, Mr. Curry has held a variety of positions with Continental Insurance Company, Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the Life Insurance Company of North America.

Mr. Curry has been an active member and guest speaker at meetings of the Life Insurance Marketing Research Association, the Mass Marketing Insurance Institute and a guest lecturer at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and the Rutgers Graduate School of Business.

He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Curry and his family reside in Bedford, New Hampshire.

Charles Catalano, President and General Manager
Charles Catalano is president and general manager of the New York and New Jersey health plans. He is responsible for Sales, Account Management, and Client Services in New York, New Jersey and Southern Connecticut, leading a seasoned sales and account management team that brings integrated medical, behavioral, pharmacy, dental and vision solutions to area employers and their covered medical lives. As General Manager he is also responsible for coordinating CIGNA HealthCare’s competitive offerings and product position in the local market.

Catalano has held various sales and sales leadership positions throughout metropolitan New York and New Jersey beginning his career with The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States more than 30 years ago. Mr. Catalano received his BA in Social Science from the City University of New York. He and his family reside in New Jersey.