Join us for a live interactive web meeting Hosted by CIGNA’s G. William Hoagland, Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs Client Web Meeting Wednesday, April 7, 2:00 pm ET (1 pm CT, Noon MT, 11 am PT) Broker and Consultant Web Meeting Wednesday, April 7, 3:30 pm ET (2:30 pm CT, 1:30 MT, 12:30 PT)

The long, drawn out legislative debate on health care reform is coming to a conclusion. But, of course, in many ways the real debate and very difficult process of implementing the legislation has only just begun.

CIGNA values our shared business relationship. That relationship is inextricably linked with this new law, its interpretation and most importantly its implementation. We are all in this together.

Given the complexity and magnitude of the health care reform legislation, our approach toward it has been cautious and watchful for a number of reasons. First, the Act signed into law by the President on March 23 was amended by further legislation (The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act) that was approved by Congress on Thursday, March 25. The task of interpreting the law, to the extent sufficient details are included in the bill, can now begin.

Second, you are also likely aware of legal challenges being mounted by some states concerning key aspects of the legislation. These actions will not only make the implementation schedule even more problematic with a law as complex as this but may also have unintended and unforeseen consequences.

Third, once we have a final bill, we will all discover that it delegates to the Secretary of HHS, Treasury, and Labor extensive authorities for interpreting many provisions impacting our business relationship. Some of these regulations will come quickly such as setting the medical loss ratio requirements or defining dependent eligibility on a parent’s insurance plan, while others such as the employer and individual mandates and minimum benefits will be longer in development.

Nonetheless, it is our responsibility as business partners to provide you with our best thinking on what this legislation will mean for you and when we can expect implementation. It is our further responsibility to reflect our and your concerns as regulations are drafted, proposed and finalized. Finally, with our collective real world experience, I am hopeful that we can revisit certain provisions in the law for refinement or amendment in the coming Congress.

In the immediate timeframe, where we are confident of the legal interpretation and how we will implement those provisions, we will continue to keep you informed through your CIGNA representatives. We are resolute in our desire to make your and our transition to this new health care landscape as efficient, effective, and painless as possible. I commit CIGNA, my management and my business team members to help you as we address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Click here to view a high-level timeline for the key provisions of the Act. As has been our practice, we will host web meetings regarding the provisions of the Act. The next web meetings will occur on April 7. We will offer a session for clients at 2:00 pm ET and a separate session for brokers and consultants at 3:30 pm ET that you are welcome to join.

We look forward to our discussions on health care reform on April 7.

David M. Cordani
President and Chief Executive Officer