2008-09-18 03:46:02 -

newsroom.cigna.com/ - CIGNA Chris Curran, 215-761-1560 Christopher.curran@cigna.com CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) praised U.S. Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) today for authoring a long-awaited mental health parity agreement, which the Senate Finance Committee has agreed to include in a tax package that could move through Congress this fall.

The new Mental Health Parity Act

builds on a 1996 Mental Health Parity law by requiring health insurance plans that offer mental health coverage to provide that coverage on par with financial and treatment coverage offered for other physical illnesses. The compromise legislation was developed in conjunction with mental health, insurance and business organizations. It does not mandate that group plans must provide mental health coverage, but will improve coverage for about 113 million Americans.

"This is an important milestone for mental health care in the United States," said Keith Dixon, Ph.D., a psychologist and president of CIGNA's health solutions organization, which includes its behavioral health care business. "At CIGNA we recognize that the mind and body are inter-connected, and one's mental health is every bit as important as one's physical health, so we are pleased to see this step toward parity. CIGNA commends the Senate Finance Committee for its action, and thanks Senators Domenici, Enzi and Kennedy for embracing this issue."

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.

Improves Coverage for 113 Million Americans