Cigna Disability Insurance

I applied for a short term disability from my job for debilitating fibromyalgia with Cigna being the STD provider. After being given a claim number and told to start my STD on October 3rd, I used the 7 vacation days required, provided Cigna over 150 pages of 4 doctors diagnosis, notes, x-rays, history, meds tried, etc. But when I called Cigna to find out about the approval of my claim, I, too, was given the run-around. People wouldn't give you their last names, transfers, and hold times were outrageous.

Finally on November 3rd I was sent a letter denying my claim with no real reason given other than they did not deem it medically necessary. They never even spoke with any of my providersnone. I filed an appeals packet on December 4th with an additional 50 pages of information, diagnosis and notes from a new independent doctor, and personal letters from 4 of the other providers that I've seen along with my own appeals letter. Cigna received this packet on 12/5 and by 12/6 I had a letter denying my appeal!

It has been a full time job just trying to get this STD approved. I wrote to all of their C-level executives, to state attorney's, and to insurance commissioners for both Philly and WA requesting that they re-open this case as they clearly never even looked at my appeals packet, nor had yet to speak with my doctors. To date, 1/3/12, Cigna has finally contacted 3 of my medical providers, but has not provided me with a conclusion. I'm still fighting. I'm fairly certain that my job is in the process of replacing me as the FMLA ran out on December 25th. The whole ordeal has been a nightmare.

CIGNA refused to pay my claim of out of pocket travel expenses. I lived on St. John, Virgin Islands and was transported to St. Croix via air on August 6 to have a stint inserted at the Juan F. Luis Hospital/St Croix Gastro Center LLC. I returned on September 13 to have the stint removed. CIGNA denied my claim. An appeal has been filed. I am out of pocket $250 and was receiving salary payments at that time.

After 4 surgeries on my spine in a 13-month time span, (two within 2 weeks of each other), three epidurals and numerous trigger point injections, the doctors would not release me to return to work. (I've always worked physical labor.) Cigna "misunderstood" my being released from the surgeon to after care physician as being released to work. This was between the 3rd and 4th surgeries. When they were contacted and informed of this "error", it became evident I was involved with either blatant and intention ignorance or thieves. Even after receiving the multitude of requested "more information", I still did not receive my LTD payment (in arrears) for months. When I was not released to return to the type of work I had been doing, my LTD should have rolled right over and began. That is how their sales representatives explained it. It has been almost a year and a half of hoop jumping and forms. I have had zero income since the last surgery.

People buy insurance to protect themselves and their belongings. I have lost everything I owned because of having Cigna Insurance. I mean that in the most literal sense, too. They have been supplied with more than enough information supporting my condition. (Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis). Now, having to hire an attorney, I'll lose 1/3 of what I should have been living on in the first place. As I have been investigating this company, I've learned that from 2008-2010, Cigna has posted profit gains of 364% which over doubles the next three companies combined (WellPoint, United, Humana, as reported by ABC News).

Their CEO, Edward Hanway retired on January 7, 2010 and received a $73 million retirement bonus (the same ABC News report which can be found online as I did). I am facing homelessness because of these thieves. If you have Cigna Insurance or you are an employer who offers Cigna Insurance, for God's sake get out now. This is the voice of first hand experience telling you this, and believe me, when/if the time comes you need your benefits you have paid for, you are in for **.

Kathy,

I have asked repeatedly for you not to make me go though all those screens.

You are not respecting reasonable accommodations along with coming between me and my doctors by continuously asking for things in a vague fashion and then asking for more and then stating that neither is and never was needed and only a evaluation by your doctor is and always the objective. I have lost 3 doctors over this, including my current that is already harassed by the government by helping me with pain medication and is no longer taking Medicare patients as a blanket cure.

Please send what you need to say in regular email or in written form.

Your messages are always ending up in the junk box as I already explained. I have lost the ability to keep track of logons and passwords that puts me at a disadvantage with all companies that do this and I do not electively do business with company that makes me jump though hoops just to get an email.

If you must use snail mail, then please do.

You know I have short-term memory problems yet you will not accommodate that disability and your office calls at all hours and leaves no voice mail.

Richard **

On December 13, 2011, at 1:04 pm, Kathy wrote:

"You have received a message from: **, Kathy L 629

Please do not reply to this email message. The return address is not monitored."

I have lost doctors and have had delays that forced me into bankruptcy. I have received many versions of my contract and they are trying to say my condition is existing when I returned to work; then I received a flu shot that no one in my condition should have received, causing me neuropathy. Though I was making $100,000 a year and paying for part of the higher of 2 policies, they have discounted my benefit from $95,000 a year, taking SS disability from my benefit and then taking 50\100 off ending up with $2250 monthly and not adding cost of inflation as my policy dictates. They are asking for things and reports that they openly had no intention of using and want me to go to their doctor again. The description above is an email to a manager and it should speak for itself. I have lost most of my computer skills and it took me 10 times what normal people need to fill out or accomplish tasks.

Jan 17, 2010, I had emotional trauma. I received STD from CIGNA for 3 weeks. In May 14, 2010, I had a major relapse with the same trauma and file for STD and was denied. I was in such a bad state of mind that I was on medication to wake up and sleep. My family was all disorientated. After returning to work, I have appealed twice and have lost both times with really no explanation why.

I am not asking for help, as I have already contacted an attorney. I just want people to know about this company. I have never done anything like this but I am angry and want people to know what CIGNA is doing. I know all the horror stories, lawsuits and court documents I found on the Internet are not imaginary, as CIGNA has done with so many others. My short-term disability has been denied for no good reason. I have the same story as everyone else does: Paperwork! I think if anyone mentions paperwork to me again, I will scream! I will not bore anyone the rest of the details, just go to complaint boards and websites and read what others have said. I suggest that everyone who has been wronged by this company go to every media organization they can think of; the more complaints the better. You should also go to your state Insurance Commission. Last resort: I have been forced to hire an attorney.

I have been on disability since June 21, 2011. Cigna has sent me checks a couple of times. But there is always a struggle and fight before I get a check. One time they claim that they do not understand my doctor's handwriting; another time they said that my doctor is not filling out the form properly.

Now they are saying that my doctor need to be very detailed in explaining why I cannot return to work yet. My doctor will not send me back to work yet but Cigna is saying that I should be able to go back to work. I have not received a payment since August 15 and bills are piling up.

My workplace provides 100% STD for a period of 8 weeks. I had kidney cancer and after the operation remained home in order to recuperate for the 8 weeks.

CIGNA had me back to work after one week and I was never paid for the next 7 weeks. When I finally received the check, I paid an enormous amount of taxes, which CIGNA said I would get back at the end of the year. A great relief when the bills are due now.

It has been 9 weeks since I have been out of work due to my pregnancy. Cynthia ** is the person in charge of my short-term disability. After all this time, it is STILL under review. She will not take care of this. I have done everything I needed, on my behalf, even gone and done more than I was supposed to do (as in doing her job for her) to get this pushed along. She keeps using the excuse of medical records. When I had them sent immediately, she then said "she didn't know she needed to send a payment for the release of them." THIS IS HER JOB!

I told her two weeks beforehand that she needed to do this. She keeps giving me the run around. And she's even started to delay in returning phone calls, even one time claiming to have left me a message when she really didn't. For some reason, she wants to prolong my disability getting approved. I was told by my employer that it should take two weeks and I was told by others that it should take no longer than four weeks. It's been 9!

I am being treated for a mental illness. CIGNA is my employers FMLA and short term disability provider. By doctors orders I was taken off work 3/9/11. From the very start my experience with CIGNA has not been good. I was told after my first call to file a claim I would get a call from a claims manager in 5 days. Instead I received a letter saying they were unable to contact me. After several calls were made and my correct phone number was left I finally spoke to my claims manager only to be told "they are waiting for more information from my doctor". After 3 weeks I finally received the first of my "weekly" checks. Another 2 weeks went by and I had to call CIGNA again as to why I have not received any checks. I was again told :they are waiting for information from my doctor". No idea what they would be waiting for since I didn't have another apointment with them since the last one. I would get another check then wait another 2 weeks and go through the whole thing again!

Now I am trying to get back to work and my doctor wanted me to start out with a reduced schedule and increase hours until I am back to full time. That started 5/11/11. CIGNA is once again dragging there feet. They have not done anything with my claim since then and everytime I call to ask what is going on I get the same excuse "We need more info from your doctor"

I spoke to my doctor about the communication problem thinking maybe the doctor's office was dropping the ball. The doctor said after every visit she was sending them the notes from that visit and everytime she would get a call the next day aswking her to call CIGNA "they need more information" Everytime she called them she would tell them the same thing she faxed the day before. I have now told my doctor that I want to be released to work full time even when I know I am not ready too. I am so sick of dealing with CIGNA I would rather forgo treatment then keep dealing with them. They also keep requesting notes from my therepist. From what I have been reading phsycotherepy notes do not need to be given to them but they are asking for them anyway.

After falling twice (Dec 2007 and Jan 2008), I began to experience pain and severe headaches, continuous loss of feeling down my entire left side and my barely being able to literally hold my head up. I went to see a doctor and was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis, Degenerative Disc and severe Arthritis. My pain had gotten so severe it raised my blood pressure, forcing me on blood pressure medication. Since then, I have had to have three surgeries (neck 2008 and two spinal fusions 2009 and 2010), the last two of which were ten months apart.

I am currently out on disability recovering from a second back surgery. July 2009, I was placed on short term disability after my back pain left me unable to move and sending me to the emergency room. My pain was so severe my blood pressure rose to alarming numbers, forcing me on blood pressure medication and I was experiencing numbing up and down my entire left side. Long term disability was supposed to have started in January, however, CIGNA is denying me benefits, indicating that their hired professional said that I could have done my job during July 2009-October 2010 before surgery. How is it that LTD can go back beyond STD and override what has already been established through professional doctors and the decision makers of short term disability?

Unfortunately, my job consisted of lots of sitting and walking, often carrying supplies, setting up for conferences and meetings, and sometimes kneeling to fix computers, office machines, filing, ensuring my office run smoothly. Although I could barely walk, sit for or stand for 20 minutes (much less 45-60 minutes ride to/from work) and taking pain medication and muscle relaxers every four hours, CIGNA still denied me benefits although my doctors and I provided them with more information than they may actually need. My CIGNA Appeals Manager stated, although you were on narcotics, driving to and from work is not your occupation so it doesn't count. Why would CIGNA expect me to be a liability on the road or on my job?

CIGNA's decision to deny me benefits is surely all done in bad faith and is keeping me stressed and depressed. I believe that I am rightfully entitled and don't understand how they can get by with fraudulent and deceptive practices. I have been actively seeing doctors for more than two years. Not one of their doctors has seen me or my x-rays to justify denial, yet they continue to. I am currently trying to heal from a back surgery and I'm still not physically able to return to work at this time. CIGNA originally hired Allsup to submit a claim to SSI on my behalf, but once CIGNA denied me benefits, they placed a stop on their services. Because I need money quickly, I recently rehired Allsup myself to continue and for their services, it will cost me 25% of what I am to collect or $6000.00, whichever is less and the funds will be taken from what will be paid out to me, only if I am awarded SSI. CIGNA has placed me in situation to create debt and a loss to survive. I need your intervention, I need your help.

I searched for an attorney to help, but four out the seven that I have spoken with won't represent me and have stated it is not financially beneficial for them, unless I plan to be out for another year or more. The others want 40% and were unsure if they can help until they see my policy and my letters of denial. CIGNA has refused to provide me with my most recent letter of denial. I am stuck in the middle and cannot afford to get legal help or attention, and that is why I have come to you for your help. I looked into getting help from one of the Mortgage Programs for relief to avoid losing my home, but I don't qualify because my mortgage is current. I actually have to not pay my mortgage for a few months and be in threat of foreclosure to even qualify to apply.

I tried speaking with my lender and explaining my situation, hoping they would help or lead me in a direction for help because I may not be able to pay my November mortgage. Their suggestion was not pay on my loan or try and apply for refinance at a lower rate. I have depleted my savings. I am borrowing from family and friends, and prematurely cashing in savings bonds. I am to trying to and avoid losing my home and ruining my credit. I have my regular cost of living bills and a mortgage that I have been trying keep up with, not to mention the medical and pharmacy bills that continue to flow in as I continue to swim, but I am drowning here.

In good faith, my doctors and I have met all of CIGNA's request, falling very short of satisfying them. I am the minority in this situation and I have tried all that I know to do and must come to you. That is why I am asking you, my Congressman for help. Long term disability benefits are in place to offset lack of income in the event one becomes medically unable to work, and this is not happening. CIGNA has wrongfully denied me. CIGNA has denied me again, for the third time, therefore now forced to get a disability lawyer that I cannot afford to after money that I am entitled to. Enclosed are letters of denial from CIGNA. In each letter, you will see CIGNA has changed their reason for denying me benefits for different reasons, allegedly paid and outside source for their opinion of some written information. Never was I asked to be seen by their doctors. CIGNA reached back to July 2009. After two trips to the ER, I was placed out off work on short time disability and not January 2010 when long term disability was to start. How is that so?

I got hurt at home. The doctor took me off work and had surgery. The doctor wouldn't let me go back to work so I started drawing my LTD from Cigna which is from Dallas, Texas.

The first check came on November 2009. Then on May 2010, I got a letter from them saying I no longer meet there regulations to draw my LTD, which I paid for, partly through the company I worked for. \

I asked Cigna if I need to get an attorney to get my LTD started back. They said, "No. Let us review your claim." Now, this was back in May and the last part of September.

I got a letter saying they were not going to pay me all this time. I'm still under the doctor's care. I got my Social Security started and I told Cigna. Their reply was, "We don't care what Social Security did." I might have to have more surgery on my neck which I was disabled for in the first place.

All my bills are behind now and I can't borrow any money for any bank or loan company. Cigna wants me to have a test done but my doctor told them that it would further damage me but they still insist that I have it done.

I had an injury to my shoulder. My family doctor tried to see if it would heal and it didn't. So I got an MRI at my expense (large deductible on my health coverage). Cigna has hemmed and hawed all the way, many times asking for the same forms to be filled out by my doctor several times. I received one payment from them and that's it. The MRI showed a torn ligament in one of the rotator cuff muscle. Now, they want me to go to specialists, etc. before they send any more money. The specialist I called is reviewing my case at the time, but might recommend rest and PT over surgery. I still can't work. Cigna now wants reports from the specialist, their diagnosis, etc. (more stalling).

Cigna stalls and stalls. It's Disability insurance (short time). With a torn ligament in the rotator cuff, I can't work (drive truck), legally won't pass a physical, so DOT law prevents me from working --so does my company. But they want more and more while stalling. I can't afford the gas money and co-pays running to these doctors anymore. That's what the insurance is supposed to be there for. I am selling my personal possessions to pay the bills. I am sweating the end of the month when the car payment, rent, etc. are due. I am facing having to lie-say I am better and go back to work-risking tearing the ligament more. I understand people bilk them daily. But an MRI at my own expense, which shows a tear? It's cut and dry-pay up so I can sleep at night and get the shoulder fixed. I want and need to go back to work, not looking for a free ride. What they pay just barely gets me by compared to my normal paycheck. I'm talking to a lawyer tomorrow.

I went on short term disability thru Cigna. I was approved. I had my surgery done on my right wrist and had it fused together. Anyway, I'm collecting the disability and about half way through. I get a letter to fill out both myself and the Dr., I had to send it in by a certain date and it said right on top that it had to be in by this date in order for me to continue receiving my disability. Cigna takes it upon themselves to move me over to long term disability and this surgery is only a 3 month recovery, 3 months = 12 weeks and short term is 12 weeks. Now, I'm sitting here with no money coming in and I'm going to lose my house as I've eaten up all my savings because of Cigna!

I was employed by KBR contruction and had disability insurance through employment. I fell while at home one weekend and tore my ACL ligament in my left knee. On February 11, 2010 I had surgery to have the ligament repaired. Have been to surgeon every 4 weeks since surgery and go to physical therapy 2 times weekly. The doctor will not release me to go back to work until strong enough. I was layed off from my job but disability is still active. The problem is that every 4 weeks I have to update medical records and even after doing so and sending information required they still want to find reason to not send weekly checks. As of now, I have not recieved a check in two weeks and I have a family and bills to pay. The case worker never seems concerned about the problem and says the checks are sent when they are sent. I feel it is their legal obligation to make sure it is professionally handled in a timely manner. Case worker seldom returns calls. I am left with no options without a release from my surgeon.

Here we go again. Mike was finally awarded Long Term Disability for his Moderately severe Crohns Disease, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Vascular Disease and Rhumetiod Arthritis. After nearly 2 years of fighting Cigna for STD we were able to move forward with the LTD in December of 2009.

During that time we vacated our home to move 700 miles away into his parents basement. We knew we could not afford the battle with Social Security and Cigna while paying a mortgage.

Today we were informed that we would be receiving a letter of denial because Mike no longer meets the criteria of being disabled. The basis were from his last Dr.s office on record-Dec. and his last colonoscopy-July. They stated they have no current information. No one called us to let us know we were under review.

Mike was at the Dr. on May 7th. A quote from the Dr.'s narrative, "His both disorders are chronic disorders without reasonable expectation for cure. However, there is expectation being able to control his colitis symptoms. He is at risk for flare of his pyoderma with minor trauma. Since his has been documented to have severe course, he was at risk of developing ostemyelitis and ultimate amputation. I would recommend indefinite disability which precludes him for standing, Lifting, bending, or assuming a reasonable hourly wage for more then one working hour a day.

I presume this will be indefinite. I see no future change in improvement in this prognosis."

If we knew they were reviewing, we would have gladly sent the info.

This is yet another tactic to keep us in the dark so we have to go through the appeal process.

And this is the 3rd doctor to send them the same diagnosis in 7 months. I would like to know the credentials of there review board.

The stress is sickening.

I went out on leave to due to medical and home issues. I was diagnosed as having depression. I filed my claim on Oct. 27, 2009 the last day I worked was Oct. 26, 2009. Every time I spoke with my case manager she would say that I will have an answer for you the end of the week, or the next time I talked to her it was by noon, and the next time it was by the next morning! I contated my employer and the HR department was suppose to contact them. I told them on today Dec. 4, 2009 that I was going to file a complaint. I left the house to pick up my kids and only to find on the voice mail that she was calling to update me on my case but no other info was added. I checked the status by phone and it said my case was closed. I am so mad and angry. For two months I've been told my case was in review.

i paid my ltd insurance just in case, not expecting to need it. i worked 8 years, never missed a day of work. i worked for sprint, and while out of town working, there was a bad snow storm. i drove tractor trailer for them delivering to the work centers. well i was unable to leave, my truck was stuck, and my boss made it clear he wanted me to find a way to leave and get back. even made a joke i was chicken. well sprint use to teach safety 1st. anyway the wrecker finally got out itself, and came to pull me out.

well they had scraped the parking lot where i was staying and as i walked out to my truck, i fell. onlookers said i flew up and when i hit i bounced. i got up knowing i was hurt. anyway i had back surgery and have permant disability and loss of feeling in my leg. the ltd/cigna paid a while, then dropped me saying their doctor said i could work.

they told me if i sent a letter from my doctor, or have him send it, they would give me my benefits back. 4 differant doctors sent letters, plus i received social security benefits. i exhausted all my retirement paing thru cobra trying to keep my benefits updated thinking cigna would give me back my benefits thru sprint. after 18 months, they still denied me. cigna had no right to discontinue my benefits.

i lost all my benefits, my wife and i both have had other health issues and are in debt due to no coverage plus i spent all my retirement trying to fight to get them back and keep it thru cobra so when they gave me back my benefits, there wouldn't be any lapse. i'm out over $20,000 at least not counting the cost for sickness that has happened since. i want cigna to know i'm not taking it. i have a lawyer, but i'm worried he's not helping. it's been about 3 or 4 yrs. i had to vent, this has hurt me and my family. i was hoping too retire and live happy with my family.

In december or january I had called to get a update on my claim and the rep i had been dealing with was being promoted and a new rep was assigned to the claim .The new rep started over requesting info from the Doctors office . My first check should have been sent out on January 6th but the claim was marked as closed due to the company stating I was still at work . I have not worked since the first part of October 08 . My last day at work was 10-7-08 but i was paid to 10-10-08 .I was contacted on 4-9-09 and was told my claim had been denied . I have asked for the forms for reconsideration and to have them look at this problem . My doctor had stated that I can not work in any capacity due to chronic back pain and neuropathy in both feet . I have ben taking morphine for several years for back pain . In the last 2 years or so i have had a burning sensation in both feet diagnosed as neuropathy . I am unable to bend , stand or walk for any length of time . David Poff

My house will be forclosed on soon . I am filing for bankrupcy soon .I am depressed . I am not able pay my bills .

My husband has suffered from Crohns disease for over 20 years. Last year he developed are rare symptom called Pyoderma Gangrenosum, which basically is a open wound on his ankle that keeps growing, and can cause the loss of his leg. From impropper wound care he developed a massive dvt. Under doctors orders, he was told to go out on temporary disability. Of course, after a couple of months of being jerked around, Cigna denied, the 2 weeks pay he was looking for(after he used all of his sick and vacation time). So to keep our house, hubby went back to work, unhealed.

Consequences, The pyoderma kept growing. He is now in therapy 5 days a week to get it under control. He has applied for temp disability again, And the run around has started. PG along with Crohns have been a battle in itself. Why should we have to battle a company for a few thousand dollars that Hubby has paid alot into? It is all sickening.

I have been on long term disability from Cardinal Health since 2000. I had cancer in 1997 and radiation. I was on FML when I was ready to go back to work my position was gone, so I found a job at Cardinal in 1999 they talked me into taking long term disibility. In 2000 a section of my bowel died from the radiation, so I had to have part of it removed. After that I got adhesions and had to have three more surgreys. So I started collecting long term disability from cigna. I have chronic pain in my stomach and chronic diareaha. In 2005 I had to go in for four more surgreys due to adhesions, and I got an infection. Now I have multiple problems along with pain and chronic diareaha and depression.

One week before my check was due in Aug 2008 I got a call from Cigna saying my case was closed and I owe them 4000.00 in over payment. What happened was I changed Doctors to see if I could find somebody that might have an answer for my medical problems. All Doctors have told me the same thing.

When I went back to see my Doctor he wrote a letter to explain what happened and stated that I still could not work, but they will not except that letter. So I lost my mobile home in Florida and had to move in with my son in Ohio and ask him for help with my meds and bills. If I had complained of a sore back I could understand them not beleiving me, but I did not fake 7 surgreys just so I could collect 800.00 a month. It just does not seem fair.

Loss of money , Lost house, sick all the time, stress, had to file chapter 12.

Two years ago I had a deep vein thrombosis followed by a pulmonary embollism. This illness has left me permanently disabled because of the swelling that happens to my leg when standing on it for more than one hour at a time. I also have permanent lung damage and experience shortness of breath from almost anything I do. I have been receiving LTD payments for the past two years.

In November of this year I was sent a letter from CIGNA stating that they would like my case to be re-evaluated and required my doctor to perform a complete physical exam on me, which he did. In December, my disability check did not direct deposit into my bank account which prompted me to call Drusilla at CIGNA to find out what was going on. At such time she informed me that my LTD claim had been denied because my illness no longer prohibited me from working.

We will not be able to pay our bills.

In October, 2004, I left my job at BMG in New York City after seven years, due to the ongoing debilitating symptoms of an autoimmune disorder called Behcets Disease. The pain, neuropathy, fatigue, photosensitivity, and cognitive dysfunction caused by this disease proved to be too much for me to continue working at my job as Vice President of the Copyright Department.

I am covered for disability benefits through my job by CIGNA Group Insurance. Unfortunately, CIGNA has refused to pay any long term benefits, citing what my wife and I believe are spurious reasons for defaulting on their contractual obligation. Despite medical support from recognized specialists knowledgeable about this rare disease, testimonials from employees at BMG, CIGNAs initial granting of short term disability benefits for this condition, and my being approved for Social Security benefits following a medical review, CIGNA is maintaining their position even though their doctors have never even seen me.

My wife and I have had to hire legal counsel to request that CIGNA provide documentation under ERISA law and regulations that support their position. We sent a detailed response that included further doctors letters and treatment records, however CIGNA replied that they are affirming the previous denial. The cessation of income and mounting legal fees are causing my family severe financial hardship. We do not feel that CIGNA has been full or fair in reviewing this claim, and are denying benefits using stall tactics in an apparent effort to bankrupt and discourage our efforts in securing the benefits to which we are contractually entitled.

A quick online search reveals numerous instances in which insurance companies have behaved similarly, often using the exact same boilerplate language to deny claimants of their benefits. In some industries, this type of apparently collusive practice is viewed as anti-trust. We believe that CIGNA's denial was a foredrawn conclusion, and is patently unfair.