NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 21, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- CIGNA Government Services, L.L.C. of Nashville, Tenn., has been named a 2006 Achievement Award winner in the annual Excellence in Tennessee recognition program administered by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE). The award will be presented at the 14th annual Excellence in Tennessee Awards Banquet on Feb. 22, 2007, at the Sheraton Music City in Nashville.

CIGNA Government Services, L.L.C. has provided services to Medicare since 1991. This work involves performing a wide array of administrative services, including claims processing under Part B of the Medicare program.

"The Tennessee Excellence Awards offer something most organizations desire, but few attain: confirmation of being the best," said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. "Winners of these awards have demonstrated a level of organizational aptitude that is only seen in the most dynamic, forward- thinking, competitive organizations in the world."

Through an annual evaluation and assessment process, TNCPE recognizes organizations that have achieved the highest standards of excellence in their operations and results. The program uses the Criteria for Performance Excellence established by the Baldrige National Quality Program as the evaluation tool.

Recipients of Achievement Awards have demonstrated significant progress in building sound processes using performance improvement principles. These organizations have many practices from which other organizations can learn and grow.

"We're not just honoring businesses, schools, hospitals and non-profits that are good at what they do now," said TNCPE president Katie Rawls. "These winners have taken on the challenge of attaining a high level of excellence for the long term. They realize that this is a continuing process and that tools like the Baldrige criteria are available to help them on their journey. It's this ongoing commitment to excellence that I find truly inspirational."

"This award demonstrates our commitment to becoming the partner of choice for our customers and providers," said Jean Rush, president of CIGNA Government Services. "I am proud of our organization, and the people who have worked hard to position us as an industry leader with a focus on excellence in all that we do."

About CIGNA HealthCare

CIGNA HealthCare, headquartered in Bloomfield, CT, provides medical benefits plans, dental coverage, behavioral health coverage, pharmacy benefits and products and services that integrate and analyze information to support consumerism and health advocacy. "CIGNA HealthCare" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI). Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.

SOURCE: CIGNA HealthCare

CONTACT: Gloria Barone, CIGNA, +1-215-761-4758, Gloria.barone@cigna.com

Web site: http://www.cigna.com/

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