Connecticut’s banking sector was lauded for riding out the devastation of Superstorm Sandy with minimal disruptions.
State Banking Commissioner Howard Pitkin, told The Mines Wednesday nearly all the banks are up and running with only one, The Bank of Fairfield, shut down because of a loss of power. One credit union in the New London area, also had to shut down due to power loss. He said the challenges were greatest along the shoreline.
“There are not cash shortages or operational shortages,” he said. “Some ATMs have connectivity issues or lack power.”
While the property and casualty insurers are getting a lot of attention due to the massive bills they face from Sandy, the state’s other major insurance industry, health was dealing with the storm from a different perspective.
Aetna and Cigna, two of the state’s major health insurers, liberalized their policies to help customers who were affected by the storm.
Susan Millerick, a spokeswoman for Aetna, said the insurer does not expect the storm to have a big effect on it from injuries or other health claims related to the damage.
“In times like this, we will liberalize our policies and will allow early refills of prescriptions. Will extend deadlines for filing claims and appeals on claims,” she said. “And we remind people of our employee assistance program.”
Particularly its behavioral health counseling option, which is now open to customers who don’t have that service. She said people are stressed and need someone to talk to and this is a great option for them.
She said in an emergency situation, people should remember out of network charges do not apply.
For more information on Aetna, visit www.aetna.com
Likewise, Cigna loosened its standards for customers. The company will allow early refills for prescriptions, is waiving all pre-certification, referral and hospital admission requirements. It will pay out of network services at in network rates and its telephone help line is staffed and open for people coping with anxiety, stress or their issues related to the storm.
For information on Cigna, visit its website at www.cigna.com
