The Cigna Group - CI STOCK NEWS

The Board of Directors of Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) has declared a cash dividend of $1.00 per share on April 28, 2021. This dividend will be paid on June 23, 2021 to shareholders on record as of the close of business on June 8, 2021. Cigna emphasizes its commitment to delivering quality health services and maintaining strong shareholder returns through regular dividend payments.

Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) will present at the 2021 BofA Securities Health Care Conference on May 13, 2021, around 8:00 a.m. ET. Brian Evanko, Cigna's executive vice president and CFO, will lead the presentation, available via live webcast on Cigna's investor relations page. Cigna is dedicated to enhancing health and well-being through integrated health solutions across more than 30 countries, serving over 175 million customers globally.

Cigna is launching initiatives to enhance access to COVID-19 vaccinations, including paid time off for employees to get vaccinated, a $200 incentive for fully vaccinated staff, and free transportation for Medicare Advantage customers to vaccination sites. These measures aim to support community immunity and reduce health disparities. The company extended the use of emergency time off for COVID-19-related reasons through 2021, with over 875,500 hours already claimed. Cigna's outreach includes direct assistance to vulnerable seniors, reinforcing its commitment to equitable health care.

Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) will announce its first quarter 2021 financial results on May 7, 2021. The results will be released by 6:30 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET. Participants are encouraged to dial in by 8:15 a.m. ET for the live call. The call can be accessed domestically at (800) 857-1657, and internationally at (773) 799-3811, with a passcode of 572021. A replay will be available until May 21 and a webcast will be provided on the company’s website.

Cigna and Oscar Health have partnered to offer Cigna + Oscar small business health insurance in various California regions. The initiative aims to address the needs of small businesses, especially in light of the pandemic, as 88% prioritize employee health. The partnership combines Cigna's extensive provider networks with Oscar’s tech-driven customer service to offer affordable and comprehensive plans. Key features include expected monthly savings, behavioral health benefits, and access to 24/7 virtual urgent care. The two companies will share risks under a reinsurance agreement and plan future expansions.

Cigna has appointed Robert Pettigrew as the new president of its Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama, Mississippi, and Northwest Florida. Pettigrew, who has nearly 15 years of experience with Cigna, will lead the expansion of Medicare products in these regions. Cigna aims to enhance accessibility to affordable healthcare through a variety of MA offerings, including a $0 premium plan. The company is growing its presence in key areas such as Birmingham, Huntsville, and the Florida panhandle.

Cigna has appointed Lisa Wagamon as president of its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in the Carolinas, aimed at expanding its presence in the region. Wagamon brings over two decades of experience in healthcare, focusing on Medicare, Medicaid, and provider network development. Cigna's MA plans are gaining traction, offering comprehensive benefits including Parts A, B, and D coverage, sometimes at no extra cost. The company provides a $0 premium plan and operates various MA offerings across key locations in North and South Carolina, enhancing access to affordable healthcare.

AM Best has issued Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of “bbb” for various senior unsecured notes by Cigna Corporation, totaling $4.3 billion. The notes, due between 2024 and 2051, aim to redeem maturing debts and support general corporate purposes. Cigna's financial leverage stands at over 39%, with expectations to decrease to below 40% by year-end 2021 due to improved earnings and asset sales. The outlook remains stable, as existing ratings for Cigna and its subsidiaries are unchanged.

Evernorth, Cigna's health services portfolio, announced a definitive agreement to acquire MDLIVE, a leading virtual care platform. This acquisition aims to enhance Evernorth's offerings, providing more affordable and connected patient care experiences. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to finalize in Q2 2021, pending regulatory approvals. Cigna anticipates that the acquisition will impact its adjusted earnings per share positively, with at least $20 projected for 2021.