From insuring merchant ships in 1792 to engineering gene therapy access and predictable copays today, The Cigna Group’s innovations mirror America’s growth – protecting enterprise in the early republic, expanding workplace benefits in the industrial era, and now orchestrating benefits and health services to help people live healthier, more vital lives.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, that arc of progress offers a powerful lens on our own history. Born at the nation’s beginning through the Insurance Company of North America and strengthened over generations by Connecticut General, The Cigna Group has evolved alongside America’s economy, workforce, and expectations of care. At pivotal moments – including paying claims and supporting families after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and introducing the precursor to modern employer benefits in 1913 – our focus has remained constant: serving customers when it matters most.

Explore the timeline below to learn how more than two centuries of milestones reflect the changing needs of people, employers, and communities.

 

 

INA is founded in Philadelphia as the first U.S. stock (capital) insurer; originally focused on marine coverage to protect American commerce.

 

INA is incorporated and authorized to write marine, fire, and life – an early example of multi‑line protection for customers and merchants navigating a young economy.

 

Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC) is formed – the second pillar of what would later become Cigna. 

 

Chicago Fire response: INA pays all claims in full, reinforcing the principle of "customer first."

 

INA expands to China as one of the first American insurers underwriting there – an early example of global service for customers and trade. 

 

CGLIC introduces Accident & Health insurance, widening protection beyond life coverage. 

 

CGLIC issues its first Group Life policy, a precursor to modern employer benefits.

 

Aviation insurance: INA and CGLIC begin insuring flight – ahead‑of‑its‑time coverage for a new mode of travel. 

 

CGLIC emerges as a leader in Group Health, covering hospital and surgical benefits for working families. 

 

INA insures workers attached to the Manhattan Project (without knowing the project’s nature), enabling coverage for a workforce engaged in top‑secret national service. 

 

CGLIC introduces one of the first “major medical” policies in the U.S., helping families manage unforeseen, high medical costs. 

 

Corporate and health diversification: INA and CGLIC form modern holding structures; INA expands into health insurance – setting the stage for integrated health services. 

 

CIGNA is formed by merging INA and Connecticut General, combining commercial, life, and health expertise under one enterprise.

 

Express Scripts is founded, pioneering home delivery pharmacy and later specialty pharmacy and benefit innovation that will become central to affordability and access. 

 

Express Scripts creates the first PBM drug formulary with the goal of guiding people to clinically sound, cost-effective medications. 

 

Express Scripts establishes a dedicated research function and pioneers the industry’s first drug trend reporting, setting a benchmark for transparent, data‑driven pharmacy management that customers and plan sponsors rely on.

 

Brand modernization to “Cigna” (from CIGNA) reflects a more consumer‑centric posture and simpler experience for individuals navigating benefits.

 

Cigna completes its combination with Express Scripts, creating a platform to integrate medical, behavioral, and pharmacy for better outcomes and lower costs.

 

Embarc Benefit Protection launches to make million‑dollar gene therapies accessible with $0 patient out‑of‑pocket and predictable plan costs – an affordability milestone.

 

Cigna launches Evernorth, a health services platform uniting pharmacy, care, and data capabilities to deliver affordable, predictable, and simple care – serving even those without Cigna medical coverage.

 

Evernorth launches industry‑first Digital Health Formulary, curating clinically‑vetted digital tools (e.g., MSK therapy, diabetes prevention) so employers and members can adopt them.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cigna announces it is waiving customer cost-sharing and copayments for COVID-19 treatment. To provide additional support for the medical community, medical professionals from Cigna and its subsidiaries were deployed to help increase capacity by delivering much-needed care to patients.

 

Evernorth acquires MD Live, expanding 24/7 virtual care for medical and behavioral health – meeting people where they are.

 

The Cigna Group launches brand evolution, forming The Cigna Group, Cigna Healthcare, and Evernorth Health Services, clarifying how we serve people through both benefits and payer‑agnostic services.

 

Express Scripts launches Copay Assurance, with predictable caps at $5 for generics, $25 for preferred brands, and $45 for preferred specialty medications, improving adherence and lowering patient costs.

 

Express Scripts launches EncircleRx for GLP-1s, setting the standard for how to cover GLP-1s predictably and affordably, producing positive results for patients. 

 

Evernorth launches EnGuide Pharmacy and GLP‑1 support, expanding specialized home‑delivery and clinical coaching for obesity/diabetes therapies – providing better experiences and spend optimization.  

 

Evernorth launches Signature Pharmacy Benefit Services, innovating the industry's first rebate-free pharmacy benefit model designed to improve transparency, lower costs, and support local pharmacies.

The Cigna Group’s legacy of customer-first innovation lives not only in archives and innovations, but in the people who carry it forward today. Across generations, employees have helped transform new technologies, new therapies, and new practical solutions – expanding access, improving affordability, and making care more predictable and personal. As America marks 250 years of striving, progress, and possibility, The Cigna Group remains guided by the same customer‑first purpose that shaped its earliest day – building on what came before while helping shape a healthier future for what comes next.