[February 15, 2012]

Cigna Study Shows Consumer-Driven Health Plans Can Save $9,700 Per Employee Over Five Years

When American workers engage in health-smart habits offered in consumer-driven health plans (CDHP), they reduced their health risks and lower their total medical costs an average of $9,700 per employee over a five-year period, according to a recent study of health care claims representing 1.1 million Cigna customers in consumer-driven health plans, PPOs and HMOs.

The Sixth Annual Cigna Choice Fund Experience Study, released today, shows individuals enrolled in Cigna Choice Fund^®, Cigna's consumer-driven health plan, lowered their costs without compromising care by becoming more engaged, informed and active health care consumers. Cigna's CDHP pairs a qualified medical plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). According to the study, when compared to customers in traditional PPO and HMO plans, those in a CDHP:

• Lowered their health risks: Cigna CDHP customers lowered their risk of developing or worsening a chronic condition. According to the study, when employers fully transitioned to offering only a CDHP option, individuals improved their health risk profile by 10 percent in the first year compared to customers in a traditional plan option.
• Reduced total medical costs: Cigna CDHP medical cost trend was 16 percent lower than traditional plans during the first year. Over five years, cumulative cost savings averaged $9,700 per employee enrolled in a Cigna CDHP compared to employees wo remained in a traditional health plan. Cost reductions were achieved without employers shifting out-of-pocket health expenses to their employees.
• Received higher levels of care: Cigna CDHP customers had consistent or higher use of over 400 evidenced-based medical best practices (than their counterparts in traditional plans. Cigna CDHP customers also sought preventive care, such as annual office visits and mammograms, more frequently than customers enrolled in a traditional plan.
• Were more engaged in health improvement: Through proper plan design plan and the use of incentives, Cigna CDHP customers were more likely to have completed a health risk assessment and participated in the Cigna Health Advisor^® health coaching program than those enrolled in a traditional plan.
• Were more savvy consumers of health care: Cigna CDHP customers enrolled in Cigna Pharmacy Management^® were more likely to choose generic medications and had 14 percent lower pharmacy costs compared to those in a traditional plan. In addition, CDHP customers used the emergency room at a 13 percent lower rate than individuals enrolled in HMO and PPO plans.
• More likely to compare cost and quality: Cigna CDHP customers were twice as likely to use myCigna.com online cost and quality information to help them select a doctor or to review potential medical costs than customers enrolled in traditional plans.

Cigna continues to improve its CDHP offering, including enhancing its online and mobile information. For example, Choice Fund customers can use their web-enabled mobile phone to look-up what expenses may be paid via their HRA and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, compare drug costs and find a doctor or facility. In addition, Cigna's new online bill pay feature, MyClaimPay, gives customers a convenient way to pay health care professionals directly from HRA and FSA funds on mycigna.com.

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 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 and vision care benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna, including links to follow us on Facebook (News - Alert) or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

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