Philly insurer: Obama health bill "not a sustainable solution"

Following passage of the healthcare bill in Congress yesterday, Cigna, the Philadelphia-based for-profit health insurer, said it "recognizes the historical significance of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" and "fully supports" its goals of getting everyone covered.

Also: "Some of the aspects of reforms addressed by this new law are overdue, such as eliminating pre-existing conditions from coverage decisions, providing full coverage for preventive services, and opening up access to many who are not currently insured."

BUT: "It is Cigna's strong belief that this law does not adequately improve quality and address the dramatic cost increases of our health care delivery system.

"In particular, we must change from pay per service (or quantity) to pay for outcomes and efficiency

"Without continued participation of all stakeholders to offer constructive solutions, the current proposal will only expand access and further erode affordability and quality of care for all.  This is not a sustainable solution to America's rising health care cost problem.

"'As this law is implemented over time, it is our hope that lawmakers and regulators will remain engaged with CIGNA as active participants in the discussion on how best to ensure every American is provided with quality, affordable health coverage," concluded David Cordani, president and CEO. "'We will continue to work with employer partners to help them and their employees navigate the health care system, manage their health risks and stretch their health care dollars further'."