CIGNA Announces Grant to Support the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2007

PHILADELPHIA -- According to the U.S. Surgeon General, people with disabilities and complex health conditions are at greater risk for oral diseases, which can further complicate their health1. In an effort to increase access to dental care for these populations, CIGNA is joining forces with the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH), a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association (ADA). Through a $20,000 grant provided by the CIGNA Foundation, the NFDH will enhance recruiting for its Donated Dental Services program whose goal is to return patients to good oral health.

"We are proud to support an organization that shares our goals of improving oral health and assisting individuals with disabilities," said Karen S. Rohan, president of CIGNA Group Insurance and CIGNA Dental, and member of the CIGNA Foundation board. "Our organizations have a shared emphasis on prevention and wellness, which recognizes that good oral health is an important part of good overall health."

NFDH's mission is to arrange comprehensive dental treatment and long-term preventive services for needy disabled, elderly or medically compromised individuals through a national network of direct service programs. In addition to the grant, CIGNA Dental will work to raise awareness of NFDH and promote participation in the Donated Dental Services program among its network of participating dentists.

"Preventive dental care is essential for everyone as poor oral health can potentially impact an individual's quality of life and ability to be productive at work, home or play. In fact, employed adults lose more than 164 millions hours of work each year due to dental disease or dental visits2," said Miles Hall, DDS, chief clinical officer for CIGNA Dental. "For people with physical and medical disabilities, even the simplest task such as flossing, can be a challenge. And, some conditions require prescription drugs that can cause a dry mouth and increase the chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth.3"

NFDH has more than 12,500 volunteer dentists and 2,600 volunteer laboratories that help needy disabled, elderly, and medically-compromised individuals through its Donated Dental Services program. The NFDH has additional programs designed to bring dental care to individuals who cannot easily travel to the dentist office, and also raise awareness of the importance of practicing good oral hygiene by traveling to schools and group homes. For every $1 spent, NFDH provides $15 worth of care.

"We are pleased to have support from CIGNA for this important cause," said Larry Coffee, D.D.S., president and chief executive officer for the NFDH. "As a result, we will be better able to reach a broader base of individuals through the continued expansion of our Donated Dental Services program."

For more information on the NFDH, visit www.NFDH.org.

1, 2, 3 Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America, 2000

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI) provides employers with benefits, expertise and services that improve the health, well-being and productivity of their employees. With approximately 47 million covered lives in the United States and around the world, CIGNA's operating subsidiaries offer a full portfolio of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits and group life, accident and disability insurance.

CIGNA Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from CIGNA Corporation and its subsidiaries. The CIGNA Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where CIGNA employees live and work.