Consumer group sues Cigna, alleges discrimination

A consumer advocacy group has filed a class-action lawsuit against Cigna saying a new policy discriminates against people with HIV and AIDS and violates the federal health law by requiring them to get their medications from its mail-order pharmacy.

Consumer Watchdog filed the lawsuit Monday in South Florida federal court. It says sending the drugs through the mail puts privacy at risk because packages could end up at the wrong address or be seen by others. It also says the mail is not a reliable way to ensure people get their medications on time.

The group alleges that the policy also violates the Affordable Care Act because it discourages people with HIV and AIDS from choosing that company’s insurance plan by making it difficult to obtain medications.

Cigna had not responded to an e-mail seeking comment by Tuesday morning.