FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Curran, 215.470-2414

 

Philadelphia, September 9, 2009 - - CIGNA (NYSE:CI) issued the following statement this evening following President Barack Obama’s health care reform speech to the Congress and the nation.

 

We support reform that will give all Americans access to quality, affordable health care coverage, and we agree that changes to the system are long overdue. 

 

We firmly believe that the President’s goal of enacting health care reform that provides security and stability for all Americans is achievable by strengthening the current system to include both a personal coverage requirement and a helping hand for those who can’t afford coverage. However, levying additional taxes or introducing an unnecessary government-run plan would be counterproductive - turning back the clock on quality, threatening consumers’ access and choice, and worsening the cost-shift burden within the health care system.

 

CIGNA joined the industry in proposing solutions that guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions, exclude the calculation of premiums based on health status or gender, and expand access in a cost-effective manner while preserving individual choice. We remain committed to such constructive, collaborative proposals and to working with Congress and all involved to arrive at a long-term solution that will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.

 

Together we can find the answer to our challenges that will ensure our health care system will benefit all Americans.

 

CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=18.