Cigna Protects Its Workforce by Requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations or Testing for Employees Entering U.S. Worksites

Rhea-AI Summary

Cigna Corporation announced new vaccination requirements for its U.S. workforce amid rising COVID-19 cases. Starting September 7, remote employees must be fully vaccinated to enter U.S. worksites. Employees requiring onsite presence must also be fully vaccinated or provide two negative tests weekly from October 18. The policy aims to safeguard employees, clients, and communities. Over 90% of employees have been enabled to work from home, and Cigna has provided incentives like a $200 reward for vaccination. The company has been proactive throughout the pandemic, ensuring safety protocols are in place.

Positive

• Company implements strict COVID-19 safety measures to protect employees and clients.
• Over 90% of employees were enabled to work from home, enhancing safety.
• Cigna offers a $200 incentive for employees to get vaccinated.

Negative

• Onsite employees must comply with vaccination or testing protocols, which may face resistance.

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Aug. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the rise in the United States, Cigna has established new requirements to help protect its workforce. Employees who work remotely must be fully vaccinated before entering any U.S. worksite, beginning September 7. Employees whose roles can only be performed onsite, such as medical care providers, pharmacists, pharmacy home delivery specialists, and others, must be fully vaccinated or receive two negative COVID-19 tests per week, beginning October 18, before entering their worksite. This policy aligns with the company's firm belief that vaccinations are the best protection against contracting and spreading COVID-19, and its longstanding commitment to the health and well-being of its employees, their families and the communities where they live and work.

"It's clear we need to do more to stop the ongoing spread of COVID-19, and unlike many aspects of the pandemic, keeping our worksites as safe as possible is something we can control," said Dr. Steve Miller, Chief Clinical Officer of Cigna Corporation. "Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 not only protects our workforce and ensures we can continue to meet the needs of our customers and clients, it also helps protect our children and community members who cannot receive the vaccine for health reasons."

From the onset of the pandemic, the company rapidly responded to the needs of its workforce. More than 90% of employees have been enabled to work from home. This not only helped keep them safe, but also provided them the flexibility to adapt to the myriad of personal challenges caused by COVID-19. The company also provided all employees 10 days of emergency time off, which enabled them to stay home when ill, quarantine if needed, provide care to others and get vaccinated. Although the company intends to reopen offices throughout the fall, employees who can work from home will continue to have the option to do so.

Employees in the U.S. who must work onsite have continued to do so throughout the pandemic with safety measures in place, guided by internal clinical experts and based on CDC recommendations. The vaccination requirement will provide these individuals with an extra layer of safety and protection against COVID-19 while onsite.

To encourage employee vaccinations, Cigna announced earlier this year that those who become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive a $200 incentive award. In addition, the company has held vaccination clinics throughout the country to make it simpler for employees, their families and communities to get vaccinated.

This is the latest in a series of actions that Cigna has taken since the onset of the pandemic to protect its workforce, customers, clients and communities. Cigna was the first in its industry to waive customer cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and continues to protect customers from surprise out-of-network bills, increase the accessibility and availability of virtual care services and create access to lower prescription costs for the uninsured.

Given the significant difference in vaccine availability and local regulations outside of the U.S., the company will issue localized guidance for international employees.

About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service 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.

Media Contact
Meaghan MacDonald
1 (860) 840-1212
meaghan.macdonald@cigna.com

 

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SOURCE Cigna

FAQ

What are Cigna's new COVID-19 workplace requirements?

Cigna requires remote employees to be fully vaccinated to enter U.S. worksites starting September 7, 2021, and onsite employees must be fully vaccinated or provide two negative tests weekly from October 18, 2021.

When do the new vaccination policies for Cigna employees take effect?

The new vaccination policies take effect on September 7, 2021, for remote employees and October 18, 2021, for onsite employees.

What incentives does Cigna offer for employee vaccination?

Cigna offers a $200 incentive to employees who become fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

How many Cigna employees are working remotely?

Over 90% of Cigna employees have been enabled to work from home since the pandemic began.

Why is Cigna implementing these COVID-19 measures?

These measures aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, ensuring employee safety and the continuity of services to clients and customers.