The Cigna Group - CI STOCK NEWS

Cigna Healthcare and Infirmary Health have established a Medicare Advantage agreement, enabling Cigna's MA customers to access Infirmary Health's network of hospitals, facilities, and doctors in-network. The agreement includes value-based components aimed at improving customer health, reducing costs, and achieving high-quality ratings. Infirmary Health, Alabama's largest nonprofit healthcare provider, serves 11 counties with over 700 doctors and 6,500 staff members, treating more than 1.5 million patients annually across southern Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and southern Mississippi.

The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) reported strong Q3 2024 results with total revenues increasing 30% to $63.7 billion. Shareholders' net income was $0.7 billion ($2.63 per share), including a $1.0 billion non-cash loss related to VillageMD. Adjusted income from operations reached $2.1 billion ($7.51 per share), up from $2.0 billion ($6.77 per share) in Q3 2023. Total customer relationships grew 12% to 183.5 million, with pharmacy customers increasing 22% to 120.0 million. The company reaffirmed its 2024 outlook for adjusted income from operations of at least $28.40 per share.

The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) has announced its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.40 per share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on December 19, 2024, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 4, 2024.

Cigna Healthcare, part of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), is investing $600,000 to address food insecurity among older Americans. The funds will support 54 community-based organizations across 12 states, impacting an estimated 1.4 million people in need. Programs receiving support include food- and nutrition-based initiatives, food pantries, mobile food deliveries, and nutritional meal boxes.

Dr. Jennifer Gutzmore, chief medical officer for Cigna Healthcare's Medicare business, emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity to improve health outcomes among seniors. The investment aims to support older adults in maintaining balanced nutrition for their well-being. According to Feeding America, almost 7 million seniors are food insecure, with projections suggesting this number could reach 9 million by 2050.

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), a global health company, has announced the release of its third quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The results will be released no later than 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET to review the results.

Participants are advised to dial in by 8:15 a.m. ET. The call-in numbers are: (888) 566-1889 (Domestic) and (773) 799-3989 (International), with the passcode 10312024. A replay will be available from 12:30 p.m. ET on October 31 until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 14, 2024.

The conference call will also be available as a live internet webcast on The Cigna Group's Investor Relations website. The company's news release and financial supplement will be accessible on the same website no later than 6:30 a.m. ET on October 31.

Cigna Healthcare has announced its 2025 Medicare plans, offering a wide range of options including Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare Supplement, and standalone Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). The company aims to provide value, stability, and choice for every lifestyle and budget. Key features include:

- Many MA plans available for $0 premium, with some offering money back on Social Security checks
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits included in all MA plans
- A new 'living needs allowance' in many Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNP)
- Incentives up to $200 for completing health screenings and activities
- Three PDP options: Saver Rx, Assurance Rx, and Extra Rx

Cigna Healthcare continues to offer MA plans in 29 states and D.C., Medicare Supplement plans in 48 states and D.C., and PDP plans nationwide. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, with most plans effective January 1, 2025.

The Cigna Group's 2024 Vitality In America Report reveals a 2% increase in high vitality among Americans, the first improvement since 2022. Key findings include:

1. Gen Z adults show the lowest vitality but significant improvements in autonomy and competence.
2. Sleep quality is strongly linked to vitality, with high vitality individuals 5x more likely to feel well-rested.
3. High vitality workers demonstrate greater job satisfaction and performance.
4. Manager relationships significantly impact worker mental health and vitality.
5. Prolonged sitting during work hours negatively affects vitality.

The report suggests opportunities for employers to enhance workforce vitality through improved workplace connections, manager-employee discussions, and promotion of health benefits.

Express Scripts, a subsidiary of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), has responded to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recent action on insulin. Andrea Nelson, Chief Legal Officer of The Cigna Group, criticized the FTC's move as part of a pattern of unsubstantiated attacks on pharmacy benefit managers. Express Scripts argues that the FTC's action, if successful, could drive drug prices higher by forcing PBMs to include drugs on formularies regardless of cost or clinical necessity.

The company intends to vigorously defend itself to protect its ability to lower drug costs for clients and consumers. Express Scripts highlighted its 2019 initiative to cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $25 for a 30-day supply, predating government action. The company also referenced its recent lawsuit against the FTC, demanding the retraction of what it calls a flawed report on pharmacy benefit managers.

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and Business Roundtable hosted a Workforce Mental Health Summit in Washington, bringing together business executives, policymakers, and community leaders. The event, part of the Business Roundtable Mental Health Initiative, aimed to address the mental health crisis affecting employees across America.

Key highlights include:

• David M. Cordani, Chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group, emphasized the importance of employers in supporting worker mental health
• U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Pete Ricketts discussed policy recommendations for addressing mental health challenges
• CEOs from Accenture, USAA, and Rockwell Automation shared insights on mental health's impact on businesses

The summit underscored the critical need for collaboration between public and private sectors to tackle mental health issues, which affect over 20% of U.S. adults and cost the economy an estimated $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity due to depression alone.