The Cigna Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Cigna faces class action lawsuit over data breach
Lawsuit filed
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.
Company response
Denial — Cigna Group Inc.
We deny any wrongdoing and will vigorously defend our company in the litigation.
Source excerpt
The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 17 in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
We deny any wrongdoing and will vigorously defend our company in the litigation.
became aware of a cyber security incident occurring between October 21, 2024, and January 13, 2025
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.
2021
LINA Korea employees protest Cigna’s sale decision
Public backlash
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 excerpt
“Cigna has yet to inform us of the specifics of the bonuses, welfare and our status after the sale,” a LINA employee told The Korea Times, Friday.
Cigna is facing intensifying protest from LINA Korea's executives and employees for its recent decision to sell the life insurer to Chubb
2021
CVS sues Cigna over alleged Aetna trade-secret misuse
Lawsuit filed
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 excerpt
Aetna’s strategy for capturing more of this market was “highly confidential and would be invaluable to Cigna,” according to the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 9.
Aetna is asking the court for punitive damages, legal fees and an order to prevent Brown from working at Cigna for a year.
The defection of a top Aetna executive has prompted parent company CVS to sue Cigna in Rhode Island district court alleging the potential misuse of trade secrets.
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.
2020
Cigna and Express Scripts sue former employee
Lawsuit filed
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 excerpt
On Wednesday, Cigna Corporation and its subsidiary, Express Scripts Inc. filed suit against a former employee who was Director of Pharma Strategy and Contracting at Express and is accused of theft of trade secrets and violation of the confidentiality agreements that he signed as an employee of Express.
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.