Latest News

CIGNA to Launch New HRA and Online Coaching
Tools enable earlier risk identification and intervention  

Beginning March 31, CIGNA members will have access to a new, more powerful health risk assessment (HRA) tool designed to help drive higher levels of member engagement in preventive and health improvement practices. 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 UM-HMRC questionnaire, which also includes productivity questions designed by Ron Kessler at Harvard Medical School. All HRA data responses are analyzed through the sophisticated UM-HMRC’s Trend Management System™ (TMS), which in turn helps us connect members with the most appropriate prevention and health improvement intervention strategies – including our new online health coaching tools.

Click here for more information.

Survey Shows CIGNA Well Informed Program Well Received Among Members and Physicians
Letters providing detail on gaps in care found to be accurate and helpful

A survey of members and physicians participating in a pilot of the CIGNA Well Informed gaps in care program (see Big Picture, December 2007 issue) shows a positive response from both groups.

Approximately three quarters of the members found the information accurate and helpful, and planned to discuss the information with their physician. Over 80 percent of physicians said they would most likely adjust treatment plans based on Well Informed program information, and that the program would help to improve patient compliance with treatment plans.

Please click here for more information.

CIGNA Enhances Suite of Online Tools for Members
Personalized Claim Information Now Available to Disability Claimants

When an unexpected illness or injury strikes, the ability to conveniently access information can be invaluable. That’s why CIGNA is now providing personalized claim information online for covered employees who are out of work due to a disability. The new online tool is the latest addition to the company’s suite of consumer-friendly, web-based information and transaction capabilities.

Please click here for more information.

Product Spotlight

CIGNAPlus Savings^® Program an Affordable Solution for Retirees, Part-Timers and Seasonal Employees
Programs cover the most costly and prevalent diseases facing population today

CIGNAPlus Savings^® is a dental discount program that provides employers with the opportunity to offer their retirees, part-timers or seasonal employees access to quality dental care at discounted rates. The program is an excellent complement to – or in some instances a replacement for – CIGNA Dental’s conventional product offerings.

Please click here for more information.

Regional News

What's happening locally
CIGNA HealthCare news for your area

Get the latest CIGNA HealthCare news for your part of the country. Every month, we post new articles of interest and update the states to which they apply. Here's where you'll also find up-to-date local contact information to help you with your questions and concerns. Want to know the news for your area? Find out here.

(NOTE: States with new articles of special interest are highlighted in blue.)

Health Care News and Trends

Baby Boomer Retirements Present Health Care Challenges
Increased cost and lower productivity result from aging workforce and rise in chronic conditions

Ensuring the availability of health care coverage for baby boomers who retire before they are eligible for Medicare is an emerging challenge for America, according to a newly published white paper by Kenneth Sperling, senior vice president, CIGNA HealthCare Senior & Retiree Services.

In the white paper “The New Health Care Gap: Sustaining the Continuum of Health Care for Early Retirees,” Sperling describes the emerging issue of health care gaps for early retirees and how the looming crisis may be addressed by the creation of integrated health and financial services vehicles that meet the needs of both employers and pre- and post-Medicare eligible retirees.

Please click here to download the white paper.

Webinars and Newsletters

Best Practices for Employee Health and Productivity Webinar Series
CIGNA-sponsored webinar series features timely information on critical issues for employers

Each session features an expert exploration of factors that impact overall health and total costs, and the dollars and sense of an integrated approach to employee benefits. Join us for session two on April 3 at 12:00 pm Eastern Time, as we present If Change Were Easy, Anyone Would Do It: How to motivate employees to change if they aren't sure how.  Learn how effective coaching techniques and skills are moving the needle toward improved health behaviors that enhance overall health, productivity and quality of life.

Session two speaking panel:

PETER MILLS, M.D. Chief Health Officer, Health Solutions, CIGNA

JODI ARONSON PROHOFSKY, Ph.D. L.M.F.T., Senior Vice President of Health Solutions Operations, CIGNA

Please click here to register for the sessions.

The Changing Environment of Healthcare Conference Call Available for Replay
Academy by CIGNA conference available until March 19

If you missed the conference call featuring William Hoagland, CIGNA Vice President of Public Policy on The Changing Environment of Healthcare, a replay is available until March 19.

Replay Phone Number: Replay Passcode:

888.203.1112 2752754

Latest News From Other CIGNA Producer Newsletters

CIGNA Voluntary Limited-Benefit Plans – Winter, 2007/2008 Newsletter

CIGNA Group Benefits Bulletin - Special Health & Productivity Newsletter

CIGNA Dental Quarterly Newsletter – Winter 2008

"CIGNA," "CIGNA HealthCare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered service marks of CIGNA Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by CIGNA Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. All products and services are provided exclusively by such operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. Such 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. In Arizona, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. In California, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of California, Inc. In Connecticut, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc. In Virginia, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic, Inc. In North Carolina, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. All other medical plans in these states are insured or administered by Connecticut General Life Insurance Company.

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