The Cigna Foundation is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help California residents recover from wildfires sweeping the state, and will match Cigna employee donations made to the American Red Cross, up to $100,000.

“Our hearts break when we see the terrible destruction from these fires and we are committed to supporting the relief efforts of the American Red Cross. We also encourage anyone feeling stressed or anxious about the wildfires to use our 24x7 telephone help line, which is available to all people in affected communities. Working together with national and local relief organizations, we hope to help make this difficult time easier for everyone affected,” said Mary Engvall, executive director of the Cigna Foundation.

For all residents in affected areas, Cigna is providing access to its 24x7 telephone help line. Phone lines are staffed with qualified clinicians who are available to speak with people about how to cope with anxiety, stress or other issues. People who do not have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna can call toll-free 1.866.912.1687. Customers who have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna should call the telephone number on their Cigna ID card or call 1.800.244.6224.

To ensure Cigna customers continue to have ready access to prescriptions, Cigna has lifted prescription refill requirements in affected areas. The company will also allow greater flexibility for prior authorizations, pre-certifications and referrals for medical care and filing claims. If in-network services or providers are not available due to the fires, out-of-network services will be covered at the in-network benefit level.

Customers with questions on any aspect of their pharmacy or medical care may call the number on their customer ID card or call 1.800.244.6224. Customers who have a smartphone may access their ID card and other personal health benefits information through the myCigna app, which is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market on Google Play.

Cigna also provides a list of online resources for physical and mental self-care during challenging times, including wildfires, which are available in English and Spanish in the Disaster Resource Center on Cigna's website.

Cigna will continue to monitor the situation and will take additional steps to help our customers as needed, in concert with emergency or disaster declarations by local, state and federal authorities, to ensure customers continue to have access to pharmacy and medical care.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation, founded in 1962, is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation is committed to working together with nonprofit organizations that are creating innovative approaches to improving the health and security of individuals and communities everywhere. The Foundation’s primary grant making focus is on health equity, with an emphasis on sharing the expertise and energies of Cigna's people with our nonprofit partners.

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 Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York, or their affiliates. 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 over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com. For more information about Cigna's proposed acquisition of Express Scripts, please visit www.advancinghealthcare.com.