"We are extremely pleased with today's action by the appeals court.  The court's dismissal of all appeals opens the door for the implementation of the landmark settlement agreement between the nation's physicians and CIGNA HealthCare.  Both parties are now able to move forward aggressively in the implementation of the many positive business practice changes and other benefits included in the agreement.  The settlement agreement provides for unprecedented adjustments in the healthcare delivery system that will have a significant positive impact on the healthcare provided to all Americans by allowing physicians to focus on what they do best:  care for patients.  The agreement also provides for a foundation controlled by physicians and focused on addressing key issues affecting the nations healthcare delivery system as well as payments to physicians and a return of the millions of dollars invested in the lawsuit by an extremely hard working and committed group of attorneys. "  

 

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., and MIAMI, April 22, 2004 - All appeals challenging an agreement between CIGNA HealthCare and some 700,000 physicians have been dismissed by a federal court of appeals, clearing the way for implementation of the settlement. 

The settlement resolves for CIGNA HealthCare the issues raised in physician lawsuits challenging the claims payment practices of the nation's largest managed care companies.

Under the Court-approved settlement, CIGNA HealthCare is, among other things, offering multiple alternatives for monetary compensation to physicians who participated in the class action, simplifying administrative requirements and procedures, and instituting new business practices intended to make it easier for doctors to work with the company in meeting the needs of patients.

CIGNA HealthCare also is committing funds to a foundation governed by representatives of state medical societies.  The foundation will consider funding for a range of health care initiatives such as expansion of the database of health care information available to patients and providers, broadening consumer access to cost-effective health insurance benefits, and enhancing quality patient care.

In addition, CIGNA HealthCare is establishing a Physician Advisory Committee through which physicians can offer input to CIGNA on ways to enhance the delivery of health care and maintain a strong, cooperative relationship between patients, physicians and the company.

Information about the settlement agreement, including details about business practice innovations and improvements, can be accessed at http://www.CIGNAPhysicianSettlement.com.

CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI),  headquartered in Philadelphia, and its subsidiaries constitute one of the largest publicly owned providers of health care, disability, life and accident insurance benefits in the United States and selected markets around the world. Web site: http://www.cigna.com.