As Temperatures Rise, Cigna Offers Medicare Advantage Customers Rides To Cooling Centers at No Extra Cost

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Cigna has announced that it will offer free transportation to community cooling centers for its Medicare Advantage customers during the summer. This service is aimed at assisting older adults who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Cigna's initiative is critical, as over 650 Americans die annually from such conditions, primarily those aged 65 and older. Customers can utilize their transportation benefits for rides to cooling locations, libraries, or senior centers. The company emphasizes the need for community support during heat emergencies, encouraging families to check on elderly loved ones.

Positive

• Free transportation to cooling centers for Medicare Advantage customers
• Addresses significant health risks for older adults during summer heat
• Enhances community support and outreach initiatives

Negative

• None.

Older adults are disproportionally impacted by oppressive heat

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures rise across the country, Cigna will provide its Medicare Advantage customers rides to community cooling centers to safely find relief from the heat. Any Medicare Advantage customer with a transportation benefit can now use this service throughout the summer at no extra cost.

"Older adults tend to be more susceptible to heat-related conditions, often because they have pre-existing medical conditions or take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that limit the body's ability to control its temperature," said Joseph B. "J.B." Sobel, M.D., chief medical officer, Cigna Medicare. "Cigna is committed to helping older adults stay safe and healthy, and free rides to cooling centers is one important way to avoid preventable heat-related illnesses this summer."

More than 650 people in the United States die each year from heat-related illnesses, with the majority being people who are aged 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some additional risk factors include living alone and being without access to air conditioning.

Cigna Medicare Advantage customers can now use their same-day transportation benefits for rides to a community cooling center or other public locations with air conditioning, such as a library or senior center, in addition to doctor's appointments, the pharmacy, or to receive COVID-19 vaccines or boosters. To schedule a ride, customers or caregivers should call the number on the back of their customer ID card.

During heat emergencies and summer power outages, Cigna advises family members to check on their older loved ones, neighbors, and seniors in their community. To learn more about weather-related resources available in your area, such as utility assistance, visit https://cignacommunity.findhelp.com/ and enter your ZIP code. For tips on how older adults can cope with summer's heat, go to https://newsroom.cigna.com/tips-for-protecting-older-adults-during-summer-heat.

About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health services company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. 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, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies 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.

Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has over 190 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Cigna contracts with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. Some content may be provided under license. © 2022 Cigna

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Media Contact
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Kelly.mathews@cigna.com 
(423) 260-9267

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SOURCE Cigna

FAQ

What is Cigna offering for Medicare Advantage customers during summer?

Cigna is providing free transportation to community cooling centers for its Medicare Advantage customers.

Why is Cigna offering rides to cooling centers?

This initiative aims to help older adults avoid heat-related illnesses, which disproportionately affect them.

How can Cigna customers schedule rides to cooling centers?

Customers can schedule rides by calling the number on the back of their customer ID card.

What health risks are associated with heat for older adults?

Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related conditions due to pre-existing medical conditions and medications.

What resources does Cigna suggest for community support during heat emergencies?

Cigna encourages families to check on older loved ones and provides information on local resources and assistance.