Title: CIGNA Launches Enhanced Oral Health Benefit During Pregnancy

Author:

Section/SPIG: Oral Health

Issue Date:

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The benefit enhancement for members with both CIGNA medical and fully insured dental coverage covers periodontal scaling and root planing at 100 percent when performed during pregnancy; an additional cleaning during pregnancy for women who don't require scaling and root planing, based on the potential risk of "pregnancy gingivitis"; and treatment of inflamed gingiva around wisdom teeth during pregnancy at 100 percent. The decision to create this maternity benefit was based on published studies regarding the possible correlation between periodontal disease and premature, low birth-weight babies, and the desire to remove barriers that might keep expectant mothers from getting the proper oral care they need. The full news release is at:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-05-2005/0004160278&EDATE.