2008-11-10 05:14:01 -

newsroom.cigna.com/ - CIGNA HealthCare Kathleen Keenan, 215-761-4756 Kathleen.Keenan@cigna.com CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic has been recognized as the top-ranked health plan in Maryland and Washington, D.C. for the third straight year in this year's annual ranking of health plans conducted by U.S.News & World Report (U.S. News) and National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic is also the top ranked

plan in Virginia this year.

The HMO and POS rankings are based on the voluntary submission of health care quality results as measured through HEDIS(R) (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set); customer service scores based on member surveys through CAHPS(R) (Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems); and scores on NCQA accreditation surveys.

"We are honored to be recognized as the highest ranked health plan in Maryland and Washington, D.C. by U.S. News and NCQA for the third consecutive year and we are pleased that we are also the top-ranked plan in Virginia," said Thomas Martel, president of CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic. "This recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing individuals with the highest quality health care, as well as access to information and programs that help them to stay healthy, productive and well."

"America's Best Health Plans is a practical tool that helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing a health plan," said NCQA President Margaret E. O'Kane. "It lets consumers know which plans have demonstrated they can deliver the highest levels of care and service."

CIGNA HealthCare has a long history and record of success in seeking external validation of its quality improvement programs. CIGNA has earned full accreditation -- the highest rating possible -- from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its PPO and Open Access Plus plans* nationwide. In addition, 22 of CIGNA HealthCare's 23 NCQA-accredited HMO and POS health plans have earned Excellent accreditation status and one plan holds Commendable status. All 23 plans have earned Distinction for NCQA's Quality Plus Member Connections and Physician and Hospital Quality standards. The Member Connections standards assess a plan's Web-based and telephonic consumer decision support tools. The Physician and Hospital Quality standards assess how well a plan provides members with information about physicians and hospitals in its network to help consumers make informed health care decisions.

hese plans are offered through Connecticut General Life Insurance Company

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 47 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com.

-- Plan is Also the Top-Rated Plan in Virginia --