BLOOMFIELD, Conn., November 07, 2008 - Four CIGNA HealthCare plans are among the top commercial health plans in the country, as they are listed among the highest ranked plans in this year’s ”America’s Best Health Plans,” conducted by U.S.News & World Report (U.S. News) and National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
In the 2008 rankings, CIGNA HealthCare of New Hampshire, which finished in the top 10, and three CIGNA plans in New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine) ranked among the top 50 health plans in the nation. Thirteen additional CIGNA plans are rated among the nation’s top 100 commercial plans, and several CIGNA plans were named as the highest-rated plan in their markets. For the third consecutive year, CIGNA HealthCare MidAtlantic was the top-ranked plan in the state of Maryland and in the District of Columbia, also achieving this distinction for the first time in the state of Virginia. CIGNA HealthCare of North Carolina was the top-ranked plan in North Carolina for the second consecutive year. And for the first time in 2008, CIGNA plans are the top-ranked plans in the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Texas.
The rankings of HMO and Point of Service plans are based on the voluntary submission of health care quality results as measured through HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set); customer service scores based on member surveys through CAHPS® (Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems); and scores on NCQA accreditation surveys.
"More and more, individuals are seeking value for their health care dollar, and we are pleased that this independent ranking shows CIGNA plans are delivering that value through a focus on quality and service,” said Dr. Jeff Kang, chief medical officer for CIGNA.
"America’s Best Health Plans is a practical tool that helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing a health plan,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “It lets consumers know which plans have demonstrated they can deliver the highest levels of care and service.”
CIGNA HealthCare has a long history and record of success in seeking external validation of its quality improvement programs. CIGNA has earned full accreditation -- the highest rating possible -- from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its PPO and Open Access Plus plans nationwide.* In addition, 22 of CIGNA HealthCare's 23 NCQA-accredited HMO and POS health plans have earned Excellent accreditation status and one plan holds Commendable status. All 23 plans have been awarded Distinction status for NCQA's Quality Plus Member Connections and Physician and Hospital Quality standards. The Member Connections standards assess a plan's Web-based and telephonic consumer decision support tools. The Physician and Hospital Quality standards assess how well a plan provides members with information about physicians and hospitals in its network to help consumers make informed health care decisions.
CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and 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 47 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com.
*These plans are offered through Connecticut General Life Insurance Company
