Cigna, The University of Tennessee Medical Center Expand Network Agreement for 2016

Cigna (NYSE:CI) and The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UT Medical Center) are expanding their network relationship. Effective January 1, 2016, UT Medical Center and more than 800 affiliated doctors and other health care professionals who are part of University Physicians' Association, Inc. (UPA) will be part of the Cigna LocalPlus network. The medical center and UPA physicians already participate in Cigna's Open Access Plus network.

The expansion means that people who choose either a Cigna Open Access Plus or LocalPlus network plan for 2016 during their employer’s fall open enrollment period can do so knowing that services from The University of Tennessee Medical Center and UPA physicians that are included in their benefits plan will be covered at the in-network benefit level when their plan takes effect in January.

“Working together with The University of Tennessee Medical Center, we are pleased to expand access for our LocalPlus customers,” said Greg Allen, president of Cigna in Tennessee. “We look forward to continuing to provide access to quality, customer-focused and affordable health care to people in the Knoxville community and to helping our customers to improve their health and well-being.”

“Opening access to healthcare services for as many individuals as possible throughout our region is of tremendous importance for the health of our community,” said Joe Landsman, President and CEO of The University of Tennessee Medical Center. “Our expanded relationship with Cigna through the LocalPlus plan will provide a valuable option to benefit health outcomes and overall well-being of patients and their families who would like to choose the physicians and services of The University of Tennessee Medical Center but are currently unable to do so.”

“UPA’s alliance with The University of Tennessee Medical Center and Cigna further strengthens healthcare access for all patients in our region,” said Dr. Robert Elder, President of University Physicians Association, Inc.

Cigna customers with questions about their plan can call Cigna customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the number on their Cigna ID card.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. 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 including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 89 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

About The University of Tennessee Medical Center

The mission of The University of Tennessee Medical Center, the region’s only hospital to achieve status as a Magnet® recognized organization, is to serve through healing, education and discovery. UT Medical Center, a 581-bed, not-for-profit academic medical center located in Knoxville, Tennessee, serves as a referral center for Eastern Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky and Western North Carolina. The medical center, the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, is one of the largest employers in Knoxville. For more information about The University of Tennessee Medical Center, visit online at www.utmedicalcenter.org.

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CignaJim Angstadt, [e-mail] University of Tennessee Medical CenterJim Ragonese, [e-mail]