If you've treated CIGNA subscribers during the past decade, look through your recent mail closely. Cigna will be settling claims resulting from a class-action lawsuit filed by physicians that alleges the company routinely shorted payments to physicians for services performed.
Any physician group or physician organization that filed a claim between Aug. 4, 1990 and Sept. 5, 2003 and did not choose to opt out of the settlement is eligible for a share of the settlement money.
First, eligible physicians will need to choose to participate in one of two funds.
Doctors who do not want to find and submit documentation of claims they filed with CIGNA can opt to be part of a $30 million fund to be divided among physicians. They will need to fill out the "Category A Proof of Claim Form" with signed certification.
The other option is the Claim Distribution Fund. In this fund, physicians have three ways to claim money and can make claims under all three areas. The AMC/NOMA urges all physicians wishing to participate in the Cigna settlement to carefully read the CIGNA settlement documents, which the company is sending to physicians by mail. Whether you choose Category I or Category II compensation could affect your amount of recovery. For more information, visit the HMO Settlements web site: http://www.hmosettlements.com/ or call (866) 809-8003.