Cigna Expands Group Voluntary Product Offerings

As the cost of healthcare benefits continue to rise, ¹ more employers are looking for ways to control costs. ² In some cases, employers find offering voluntary benefits, which are paid for by the employee but cost less than similar coverage purchased individually, helps assure they can offer a competitive benefits package and retain the best talent. Even with major medical coverage, unexpected costs associated with an accident or critical illness can stretch a family’s financial resources and cause only more heartache. That’s why Cigna's group voluntary product suite now includes Accidental Injury and Critical Illness coverage.

“When unexpected events strike a family, the potential financial impact can worsen the emotional strain,” said Mike Witwer, vice president, Cigna Voluntary. “Cigna Accidental Injury and Critical Illness voluntary insurance help provide added protection, when it’s needed most.”

For example, when a major illness strikes, even with underlying comprehensive medical coverage, out-of-pocket costs have to be paid for treatment and recovery, along with any uncovered expenses associated with being ill. Heart disease and stroke alone can cause among the highest expenses. ³ Cigna Critical Illness voluntary insurance offers coverage that helps provide additional financial protection so employees and their families can focus on getting better.

Likewise, serious accidents can disrupt a household. According to the National Safety Council, approximately one in eight Americans seeks medical treatment for accidents every year. ⁴ Cigna Accidental Injury voluntary insurance offers coverage to help provide the financial protection needed to help with out-of-pocket expenses from life's unexpected events.

“As current and potential employees evaluate their career path, companies may find offering voluntary benefits to bolster their benefit packages can help provide a competitive advantage to attracting and retaining the best talent,” Witwer said.

At this time, Cigna’s Group Critical Illness and Accidental Injury products are available for employers with 250 to 5,000 employees in most states. Cigna's full suite of group voluntary products includes group universal and term life, accidental death and dismemberment, disability, accidental injury, critical illness, dental and vision. Cigna provides the tools and resources that make it easy for employees to enroll and employers to manage voluntary benefits.

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.

¹ “ Further Acceleration in US Healthcare Cost in February 2012,” Standard and Poor’s press release, April 19, 2012

² “Bouncing Back,” by Eastbridge Consulting Group, Inc., 2012 http://www.eastbridge.com/Bouncing%20Back_BR_0712.pdf

³ Himmelstein D, Thorne D, et al. “Medical Bankruptcy in the United States: Results of a National Study.” American Journal of Medicine 2009. http://www.pnhp.org/new_bankruptcy_study/Bankruptcy-2009.pdf

⁴ National Safety Council, Industry Facts Summary 2011

Copyright Business Wire 2010