Cigna's Chief Nursing Officer Susa Gaca And National Accounts Chief Operating Officer Ann Asbaty Provide Tips On How To Best Use Your Health Benefits.

To use your health plan most effectively for the rest of 2012, now is the time to determine what you’ve spent on health care to date, prepare for future health care needs, and make a proactive plan to manage your health, Cigna is telling consumers in a new YouTube video series. Because women make approximately 80 percent of health care decisions for families, Cigna's YouTube series features two Cigna women executives discussing tips for consumers about how they can make good health care choices and best use their health plan benefits.

Among the topics covered are:

PLAN. “We’re often great at budgeting household expenses like our mortgage, groceries or vacations, but many of us don’t think about budgeting for health care expenses,” says Ann Asbaty, chief operating officer for Cigna national accounts. “The more you can anticipate upcoming costs, the more you can save while still receiving the quality care you expect for you and your family.”

Spend one night reviewing your health care expenses. Know what you have spent to-date and think about what your future costs may be. Knowing this information can help you budget accordingly.

PREPARE. There are a few things that you can do now to be prepared to make quick decisions when you need to:

• Know where the nearest urgent care facility is. These facilities provide the same quality of care for non-emergency situations as an emergency room, but usually have shorter wait times and are typically less expensive.
• Check your health plan to see if they offer a 24/7 nurse hotline to provide you with health-related information around the clock.
• Keep the phone number handy for your local pharmacy. Prescriptions can often be called in quickly, right from the doctor’s office, saving time.

PREVENT. Taking advantage of preventive services offered by your health plan could mean the difference between life and early death. Susan Gaca, chief nursing officer at Cigna, recommends, “Visit your doctor each year for a checkup – make the appointment on a memorable day so you remember each year to go! Also, take advantage of the no-added-cost services offered by your health plan, such as access to health coaches and nurses, who can answer questions and provide advice.”

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 71 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

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