Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

Cigna Corporation is a holding company and is not an insurance company. Its subsidiaries conduct various businesses that are described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (“2011 Form 10-K”). As used in this document, “Cigna” or “the Company” may refer to Cigna Corporation itself, one or more of its subsidiaries, or Cigna Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Cigna Corporation and its significant subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. These Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  

The Company is a global health services organization dedicated to helping its customers improve their health, well-being and sense of security. Its insurance subsidiaries are major providers of medical, dental, disability, life and accident insurance and related products and services, the majority of which are offered through employers and other groups (e.g. governmental and non‐governmental organizations, unions and associations). Cigna also offers Medicare and Medicaid products and health, life and accident insurance coverages primarily to individuals in the U.S. and selected international markets. In addition to its ongoing operations described above, the Company also has certain run‐off operations, including a Run‐off Reinsurance segment.

The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary, in the opinion of management, for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for the periods reported. The interim consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes in the Company's 2011 Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2012 and as updated by Cigna's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2012 (collectively, the “2011 Annual Report”).

The preparation of interim consolidated financial statements necessarily relies heavily on estimates. This and certain other factors, such as the seasonal nature of portions of the health care and related benefits business as well as competitive and other market conditions, call for caution in estimating full year results based on interim results of operations. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current presentation.

As explained further in Note 3, on August 31, 2012, the Company acquired Great American Supplemental Benefits Group for approximately $310 million, and on January 31, 2012, the Company acquired HealthSpring, Inc.for approximately $3.8 billion.