PHILADELPHIA -- CIGNA today announced several ways it is helping its members affected by the devastating fires in California, including expedited handling of prescriptions, expanded access to employee assistance programs, and flexibility in handling claims.

The company is assisting members gain easier access to their needed medications by:
Allowing members in the affected areas to have their prescriptions refilled before the usual refill timeframe, without prior authorization.
Helping members switch lost prescriptions to CIGNA Tel-Drug®, the company’s mail order pharmacy, so those medications can be sent to the member anywhere in the United States.
Expediting shipping without a fee to affected California members.
Helping members with new prescriptions get those prescriptions filled regardless of where they may now be staying.
Facilitating access to specialty medications for members who may not be able to receive these medications through normal delivery channels, and making sure that medications requiring refrigeration are handled appropriately.
Members may locate pharmacies anywhere in the United States through the online Prescription Drug Price Quotes tool that can be accessed through mycigna.com.

CIGNA has also made its employee assistance program available to all its members, whether or not their plan sponsor has employee assistance services from CIGNA.

In addition, several medical, dental, life, accident and disability claims requirements have been temporarily suspended for CIGNA members in the affected area in California.

These actions will be in effect until November 4 or later if necessary. Members may call the number on their membership card or the CIGNA information line at 800.CIGNA24 .

As a Business of Caring, 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.
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