Les, a former managing editor, insurance, at QuinStreet, has more than 20 years of experience in journalism. In his career, he has covered everything from health insurance to presidential politics. Read full bio >>
Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s. Read full bio >>
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Cigna has been in business since 1792. In 1792, at a meeting in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, a group of prominent citizens formed the Insurance Company of North America (INA). INA is the first marine insurance company in the United States, and it remains the nation’s oldest, stockholder-owned insurer.
In 1942, at the request of the U.S. Army, an INA company wrote accident and health insurance for the 30 men working on the Manhattan Project, without being told the nature of their employment.
In 1950, Connecticut General (a precursor to Cigna) introduced medical catastrophe (major medical) insurance, writing the first policy in the U.S. for its own employees. In 1954, Connecticut General introduced the first comprehensive medical case that combines group health and major medical into a single contract and in 1964, Connecticut General introduced group dental insurance for any employer with at least 35 employees.
Fast forward to 2009 when Cigna became the first and only health service company in the U.S. to offer live 24/7/365 access to its call center service representatives for medical, dental, and pharmacy plan customers and contracted health care professionals.
In 2018, Cigna completed a combination with Express Scripts, establishing a blueprint to transform the health care system to deliver improved affordability, choice and predictability through flexible, open and connected solutions.
Les, a former managing editor, insurance, at QuinStreet, has more than 20 years of experience in journalism. In his career, he has covered everything from health insurance to presidential politics.