The Cigna Group

Corporate brand

A United States-based global health services and insurance group operating through Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services.

Last updated October 16, 2026

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Overview

The Cigna Group is a United States-based, for-profit health services and insurance organization headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The company provides health benefit plans, medical and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, accident protection, pharmacy services, specialty care, and related administrative and clinical services. Its customers include employers, government organizations, unions, associations, individuals, and multinational companies with employees working across borders. The modern group was created in 1982 through the combination of Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and INA Corporation, the parent of the Insurance Company of North America. The Cigna name combines elements of the two predecessor names: CG and INA. The group's historical roots extend much further. Connecticut General was established in 1865, while the Insurance Company of North America was founded in 1792 and became the first stock insurance company in the United States. The predecessors gave the group a long-standing presence in commercial insurance before its later concentration on health benefits and health services. Cigna's business developed through a mixture of insurance underwriting, employer-sponsored health plans, international benefits, government programs, and acquisitions. It sold most of its life insurance operations to Lincoln National in 1997, helping sharpen its focus on health-related coverage. In 2011, it agreed to acquire HealthSpring, expanding its Medicare Advantage presence. The most consequential transaction in its recent history was the 2018 acquisition of Express Scripts, a large pharmacy benefit manager. Following that transaction, Cigna organized its health services portfolio under the Evernorth name, while retaining Cigna as the principal customer-facing health benefits brand. In 2023, the holding company adopted the name The Cigna Group. Its health benefits business became Cigna Healthcare, and its health services platform became Evernorth Health Services. Cigna Healthcare focuses on employer, individual, government, and international health benefits, while Evernorth includes pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy, care delivery, and other health services businesses. Express Scripts, Accredo, and eviCore have been associated with the Evernorth platform. The company has also pursued alliances and portfolio changes. It formed arrangements with organizations including Priority Health, Humana, and India's TTK Group, and it sold its Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Supplemental Benefits, and CareAllies businesses to Health Care Service Corporation in a transaction announced in 2024 and completed in March 2025. HCSC subsequently announced that the acquired Medicare products would use the Healthspring name. Cigna operates primarily through employer and group arrangements, although its activities have included government-sponsored programs, individual coverage, international health benefits, pharmacy services, and specialty care. Its international health benefits operations have served expatriates and multinational employers through medical, dental, behavioral, disability, travel, and life-related coverage. The company remains a major participant in the United States health insurance and health services sectors, but it has faced sustained scrutiny over claims administration, Medicare risk-adjustment practices, customer satisfaction, lobbying, and the conduct surrounding its unsuccessful proposed merger with Anthem.

History

The Cigna Group combines the histories of two major American insurance predecessors. Connecticut General Life Insurance Company was created in 1865 under a special act of Connecticut's governor. Insurance Company of North America, established in 1792, was the first stock insurance company in the United States. INA became particularly associated with its payment of claims after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, when it reportedly paid $650,000 despite the extensive losses suffered by policyholders. Cigna was formed in 1982 through the merger of Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, commonly abbreviated as CG, and INA Corporation, the parent company of Insurance Company of North America. The name Cigna was constructed from parts of the two organizations' names. The new company initially retained a broad insurance profile but gradually emphasized health benefits and related services. In 1997, it sold most of its life insurance operations to Lincoln National Corporation, a move that reduced its exposure to traditional life insurance and supported a stronger health-oriented strategy. During the 2000s and early 2010s, Cigna expanded its employer, international, and government-related health businesses. It operated in numerous countries and developed international health benefits for multinational employers and expatriate workers. These plans could combine medical, dental, behavioral, disability, business travel, and life-related coverage with international provider networks and claims administration. In 2011, Cigna agreed to purchase HealthSpring. The transaction expanded its Medicare Advantage business from a relatively small membership base to a substantially larger platform. Cigna also formed a strategic alliance with Humana in 2010 to offer Medicare Advantage arrangements to employer clients' retirees, and in 2011 established a joint venture with India's TTK Group to develop health insurance activities in India. Cigna's attempted combination with Anthem became one of the defining corporate events of the decade. Anthem announced its proposed acquisition of Cigna in 2015. The U.S. Justice Department challenged the transaction in 2016, arguing that it could harm competition. A federal court blocked the deal in 2017. Although the companies pursued appeals and subsequently brought claims against one another in Delaware, litigation over compensation and the failed merger ended with a 2020 decision rejecting both sides' claims. In 2018, Cigna agreed to acquire Express Scripts in a transaction valued at about $67 billion. Shareholders approved the deal in August of that year. The acquisition brought a major pharmacy benefit manager into the group and strengthened Cigna's ability to combine insurance, pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and health-management services. In 2020, the company placed Express Scripts, Accredo, eviCore, and other health services activities within the Evernorth portfolio. Cigna also formed a strategic relationship with Priority Health to pursue more affordable coverage for Michigan employers and customers. The organization adopted its present holding-company structure in February 2023. The parent became The Cigna Group, the health benefits business became Cigna Healthcare, and the health services business became Evernorth Health Services. This distinction reflected the group's evolution from a conventional insurer into a broader health services platform. In January 2024, Cigna agreed to sell its Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Supplemental Benefits, and CareAllies businesses to Health Care Service Corporation. The transaction, valued at approximately $3.7 billion and accompanied by a multiyear pharmacy-services agreement, closed in March 2025. HCSC later announced that the acquired Medicare products would be marketed under the revived Healthspring name. Cigna has repeatedly faced criticism regarding claim denials, customer service, lobbying, and government-program billing. A highly publicized 2007 dispute concerned the delayed authorization of a liver transplant for Nataline Sarkisyan; Cigna reversed its decision after public pressure, but she died before receiving the transplant. In 2023, reporting focused on an automated claims-denial process allegedly capable of rejecting claims without a detailed review. Earlier controversies included allegations concerning earnings reporting, criticism of Medicare risk-adjustment practices, and litigation connected with the Anthem merger. These disputes remain an important part of the group's public history alongside its acquisitions, rebranding, and international expansion.

2025
Medicare business sale closes
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Health Care Service Corporation completes its acquisition of Cigna's specified Medicare and related businesses.
2023
Holding company becomes The Cigna Group
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
The company adopts The Cigna Group as its holding-company name and formalizes Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services as principal business identities.
2023
Rebranded as The Cigna Group
2020
Evernorth platform is introduced
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Cigna places major health services businesses under the Evernorth brand.
2018
Express Scripts acquisition is approved
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Cigna shareholders approve the acquisition of Express Scripts, combining health benefits with pharmacy benefit management.
2017
Court blocks Anthem transaction
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
A federal district court blocks the proposed Anthem-Cigna merger on antitrust grounds.
2015
Anthem merger agreement is announced
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Anthem and Cigna announce a proposed cash-and-stock combination.
2011
HealthSpring acquisition is announced
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Cigna agrees to acquire HealthSpring, materially expanding its Medicare Advantage business.
1997
Most life insurance operations are sold
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Cigna sells most of its life insurance operations to Lincoln National Corporation.
1982
Cigna is created
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and INA Corporation merge, creating Cigna.
1982
Formed through merger of Connecticut General and INA Corporation
1865
Connecticut General is established
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company is created under a special act of Connecticut's governor.
1792
Insurance Company of North America is founded
[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Insurance Company of North America, later part of Cigna's historical lineage, is established as the first stock insurance company in the United States.

Products and positioning

A global health services group combining health insurance, employer benefits, pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy, and care-related services.

Health insurance
Cigna Healthcare employer plans
Employer-sponsored medical plans form the core of Cigna Healthcare's customer-facing business. They may include network-based medical coverage, behavioral health support, care coordination, wellness resources, and administrative services for companies and other groups. Cigna has historically served employers, unions, associations, and public-sector organizations, with plan structures varying by customer requirements and market.
Insurance
Dental and supplemental coverage
Cigna offers dental benefits alongside medical plans and has also provided disability, life, and accident insurance products. These offerings are commonly distributed through employers and group arrangements, where they supplement medical coverage and provide income protection or financial support following qualifying events.
International health insurance
Cigna Global Health Benefits
Cigna Global Health Benefits serves multinational employers and expatriate employees. Its international plans can include medical, dental, behavioral, disability, business-travel, and life-related benefits. The business uses international claims capabilities and provider networks to support employees working outside their home countries on short- or long-term assignments.
Pharmacy benefit management · 2018
Express Scripts
Express Scripts is the group's pharmacy benefit management business, coordinating prescription-drug benefits for health plans, employers, government programs, and other customers. Its activities include pharmacy network management, formulary and utilization services, claims administration, and tools intended to manage medication costs and access.
Specialty pharmacy
Accredo
Accredo is a specialty pharmacy business associated with Evernorth. It supports patients who use complex, high-cost, or specially handled medicines and may provide dispensing, clinical support, adherence assistance, and coordination with prescribers and health plans.
Healthcare management services
eviCore
eviCore is part of the Evernorth health services portfolio and provides specialty benefit-management and clinical decision-support services. Its work has included areas such as imaging, musculoskeletal care, cardiology, and other services where health plans use clinical criteria and prior authorization to manage utilization.
Cigna Healthcare
Health insurance and related services
Evernorth
Health services platform including pharmacy benefit management

Controversies

2025
Cigna faces class action lawsuit over data breach
A Florida resident filed a class action lawsuit against Cigna Group Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut on Dec. 17, alleging the company failed to protect private information in a data breach that occurred between October 21, 2024, and January 13, 2025, and was not disclosed until November 2025. Cigna denies any wrongdoing and said it will vigorously defend the litigation.
Source
2023
Automated claims-denial allegations
Investigative reporting alleged that Cigna used an electronic process known internally as PXDX to deny claims without physicians opening and reviewing the relevant patient files. The allegations intensified debate over automation, prior authorization, and insurer accountability.
Source
2021
LINA Korea employees protest Cigna’s sale decision
LINA Korea executives and employees protested Cigna’s decision to sell the life insurer to Chubb, criticizing the lack of consultation and the uncertainty over bonuses and employees’ status after the sale.
Source
2021
CVS sues Cigna over alleged Aetna trade-secret misuse
CVS sued Cigna in Rhode Island district court, alleging potential misuse of Aetna confidential information and trade secrets related to its Medicare Advantage strategy. The lawsuit sought punitive damages, legal fees and an order preventing former Aetna executive Timothy M. Brown from working at Cigna for a year; the allegations are not stated as established findings.
Source
2020
Medicare diagnostic-coding lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Cigna, alleging that the company submitted unsupported patient diagnostic codes connected with Medicare Advantage, Medicare, and Medicaid payments.
Source
2020
Cigna and Express Scripts sue former employee
Cigna Corporation and its subsidiary Express Scripts filed suit against a former employee, accusing him of theft of trade secrets and violation of confidentiality agreements. The claims are allegations in the complaint.
Source
2007
Nataline Sarkisyan transplant coverage dispute
Cigna initially refused authorization for a liver transplant for teenager Nataline Sarkisyan. Following protests and public scrutiny, the company reversed its decision, but Sarkisyan died while awaiting the transplant. A later federal court dismissed related claims, including on ERISA preemption grounds.
Source

2010Customer service initiative
United States
Cigna received a J.D. Power customer-service award for its call centers, reported as the fourth consecutive year of recognition.
Outcome. External recognition
Source
2009Customer experience program
United States
Cigna received recognition in the Gartner and 1to1 Customer Experience Excellence Awards for its customer relationship and service approach.
Outcome. External recognition
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Sell Medicare businesses to HCSCM&A
Background
Cigna reviewed its government-program portfolio while retaining a continuing role in pharmacy services.
Action taken
The company agreed to sell its Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Supplemental Benefits, and CareAllies businesses to Health Care Service Corporation.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in March 2025, with Evernorth continuing to provide pharmacy benefit services under a four-year service agreement.
Transaction value. Approximately $3.7 billion (2024 agreement; closed March 19, 2025)
Source
2020
Create the Evernorth health services identityStrategy
Background
Following the Express Scripts transaction, Cigna wanted to distinguish its diversified health services activities from its insurance and health benefits business.
Action taken
The company organized Express Scripts, Accredo, eviCore, and related services under the Evernorth name.
Aftermath
The group developed a dual identity centered on Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services.
Source
2018
Acquire Express ScriptsM&A
Background
Cigna aimed to combine health benefits with pharmacy benefit management and broaden its health services capabilities.
Action taken
Cigna agreed to acquire Express Scripts in a transaction valued at approximately $67 billion.
Aftermath
Express Scripts became a central part of the later Evernorth health services platform.
Transaction value. Approximately $67 billion (2018 announcement)
Source
2011
Acquire HealthSpringM&A
Background
Cigna sought to expand its Medicare Advantage membership and government health-plan capabilities.
Action taken
Cigna agreed to acquire HealthSpring for approximately $3.8 billion, using a combination of equity, cash, and debt financing.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Cigna's Medicare Advantage platform.
Transaction value. Approximately $3.8 billion (2011 announcement)
Source
1997
Refocus through life-insurance divestitureStrategy
Background
Cigna was reshaping its portfolio toward health benefits and related services.
Action taken
The company sold most of its life insurance operations to Lincoln National Corporation.
Aftermath
The divestiture reduced the group's traditional life-insurance exposure and reinforced its health-oriented direction.
Source

Recent events

2025
Cigna Medicare transaction closes[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
M&A
HCSC completed the acquisition of the specified Cigna Medicare and related businesses on March 19, 2025.
2024
Cigna agrees to sell Medicare businesses to HCSC[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The Cigna Group agreed to sell its Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Supplemental Benefits, and CareAllies businesses to Health Care Service Corporation for approximately $3.7 billion.
2023
Cigna changes holding-company name to The Cigna Group[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company renamed its holding company The Cigna Group and designated its health benefits and health services businesses as Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services.
2020
Cigna launches Evernorth branding for health services[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Other
Cigna reorganized and rebranded major health services activities, including Express Scripts, Accredo, and eviCore, under Evernorth.
2018
Cigna agrees to acquire Express Scripts[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Cigna announced a transaction valued at approximately $67 billion to acquire pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.
2016
U.S. Justice Department challenges Anthem-Cigna merger[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
Lawsuit · M&A · Regulation
The Department of Justice sued to block the proposed merger on antitrust grounds, and a federal district court later prevented the transaction.
2015
Anthem announces proposed acquisition of Cigna[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Anthem announced an intended cash-and-stock acquisition of Cigna valued at approximately $47 billion.
2011
Cigna agrees to acquire HealthSpring[1]The Cigna Groupen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Cigna agreed to acquire HealthSpring for approximately $3.8 billion, substantially expanding its Medicare Advantage platform.

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