CIGNA Expands Reporting of Its Quality Scores as Part of Efforts to Improve the U.S. Health Care System

Business Wire, Oct 2, 2008

Just how much does improved quality save? In 2003 CIGNA developed the Quality Value Model[c] to demonstrate the costs savings that can be attributed to gains in quality care. The Quality Value Model is a mathematical model that quantifies the estimated savings that result from compliance with 27 of the measures of clinical effectiveness examined by the NCQA.

In calculating savings, the model estimates direct medical costs and indirect costs of lost productivity avoided because an individual received appropriate care, and compares them to the cost to comply with the measure, such as the cost of an office visit and/or certain test or procedures. Based on CIGNA's 2007 results, the total savings attributable to compliance with these evidence-based standards of care is estimated to be approximately $355 per member per year - $149 in direct medical costs and $206 in indirect productivity savings. The Quality Value Model will be updated with the newly available 2008 data.

Editor's Note: To schedule a Webcast demonstration of Care Connections or the health assessment, contact Joe Mondy by phone at 860-226-5499 or joseph.mondy@cigna.com.

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI), one of the nation's leading health service companies, is dedicated to helping the people we serve improve their health, well-being and security thorough a diversified portfolio of benefits and services. Serving approximately 47 million people throughout the United States and around the world, CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries offer a full portfolio of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits as well as group life, accident and disability insurance. To learn more about CIGNA visit www.cigna.com.

1 New England Journal of Medicine, March 16, 2006.