BLOOMFIELD, Conn., April 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna is
introducing a broad range of new initiatives to encourage and
expand access to COVID-19 vaccinations. These incentives include
offering paid time off to receive the vaccination, an incentive
award for employees who are fully vaccinated and transportation to
vaccine appointments at no cost for most Medicare Advantage
customers.
"Even as vaccination rates increase, we are in a race against
more contagious variants, and we must remain vigilant," said Dr.
Steve Miller, Cigna's chief clinical
officer. "Cigna is committed to doing our part to build a community
of immunity – both by encouraging our employees to get vaccinated,
and by providing resources to our customers, clients and
communities to ensure they can access vaccines."
For employees, Cigna is offering:
Incentives for those who are fully vaccinated: Starting
now, Cigna employees in the United
States who are enrolled in the Cigna Medical Plan are
eligible to receive a $200 incentive
award for being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.1 A
study shows that similar health incentive programs improve health
outcomes and lower total medical costs an average of 10 percent.
Employees can self-report that they have received the vaccine, and
the award will be deposited into their Health Savings Account (HSA)
or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). While rewarding
vaccinations, the company is not requiring vaccinations.
Extended deadline to use paid time off through 2021:
Cigna has extended the deadline for benefits-eligible employees to
use up to 10 days of paid "emergency time off" (ETO) for
COVID-19-related reasons, including to receive the vaccine or
recover from it if needed, dependent care or taking a mental health
day. The time off, originally provided to employees in 2020, now
can be used through the end of 2021. To date, over 875,500 ETO
hours (nearly 110,000 days) have been used by over 25,300
employees. This time is in addition to regular paid time off (PTO)
for benefits-eligible employees.
In the communities we serve, Cigna is providing:
No-cost transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccination
sites: Most of Cigna's Medicare Advantage customers are
eligible to receive transportation to and from vaccine sites at no
extra cost. Over 500,000 customers in 23 states are eligible
for four one-way trips, up to 60 miles each way, to get their
vaccine. The program allows for four trips since some vaccines
require two doses. Transportation for one adult companion is also
included to accommodate caregivers.
Direct outreach to vulnerable seniors to encourage
vaccination: Cigna is conducting direct outreach to customers
most at-risk for COVID-19 in key communities to provide them with
resources about how to get vaccinated and help them make
appointments. This effort is part of the Vaccine Community
Connectors pilot initiative that aims to enable the vaccination of
two million seniors age 65+ in vulnerable and underserved
communities.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in our health care
system that drive disparities in health care access and outcomes,"
continued Dr. Miller. "We are steadfast in our commitment to use
our resources and expertise to ensure that vaccine uptake does not
exacerbate existing inequities, and we can have a greater impact
through partnerships across the industry."
Cigna is also providing vaccinations on-site for clients that
have Employer Worksite Health Centers, as vaccine supply allows. To
learn more about Cigna's full efforts to support customers,
clients, communities and employees throughout the pandemic, please
visit Cigna's COVID-19 Resource Center.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company
dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of
those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability,
affordability and access to quality care through integrated
capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance
whole person health. All products and services are provided
exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna
Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company,
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or
their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their
affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite
of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health,
pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related
products. Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and
jurisdictions, and has more than 175 million customer relationships
throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®,
including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter,
visit www.cigna.com.
Media Contact
Justine Sessions
1 (860) 810-6523
justine.sessions@cigna.com
1 The $200 award will
be deposited into an HSA or HRA, subject to the $800 annual maximum for incentives. This award is
a part of Cigna's standard medical plan incentive program and
eligibility rules associated with that program apply. This
incentive is only open to Cigna employees and not covered
dependents due to self-reporting requirements.
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SOURCE Cigna