Cigna is the latest insurer to stop contributions to some federal lawmakers following the riot at the Capitol last week.
Cigna said in an email that its political action committee will “discontinue support of any elected official who encouraged or supported violence, or otherwise hindered a peaceful transition of power.”
Cigna’s announcement is on the heels of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which vowed to stop political contributions to lawmakers who voted to object electoral college results from the presidential election following a riot at the Capitol. Other insurers and healthcare organizations are either reviewing their policies for political contributions or pausing them entirely.
Cigna’s political action committee spent $2.5 million this election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Of those funds, about $535,000 was given to Democrats and $458,000 to Republicans.
In its statement, Cigna added it will continue to evaluate its political contributions going forward.
“There is never any justification for violence or the kind of destruction that occurred at the U.S. Capitol last week, a building that stands as a powerful symbol of the very democracy that makes our nation strong,” Cigna said.
Similarly, UnitedHealth Group is pausing all political contributions at this time, according to a spokesman. He said United will be reviewing its federal contributions “to make sure they align with the values of the company.”
UnitedHealth’s political action committee has spent about $4.5 million this election cycle. Of that, about $526,500 went to Democrats and $656,000 went to Republicans.
A spokesperson at Centene Corp. said it will be taking this issue into consideration before it makes any contributions.
CVS Health, which owns insurer Aetna, said future political contributions are now under review, according to a spokesperson.
America’s Health Insurance Plans, which represents health insurers, is now reviewing its policies for political contributions, CEO Matt Eyles said in a statement.
“Our nation, the laws of our land, and the safety of our citizens and the political leaders who serve them, are paramount. These priorities will be front and center as we immediately review our policies governing political giving,” he said.
AHIP spent $342,000 this election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. About $143,500 went to Democrats and $127,500 went to Republicans.
The American Hospital Association is also currently reviewing its political contribution practices “to ensure they are guided by our association’s vision and mission as well as the democratic values we share as a nation.” The AHA spent $3.3 million this election term, with $756,800 going to Democrats and $408,000 to Republicans.
The American Medical Association’s political action committee doesn’t have any contributions planned at this time, but a spokesman said the committee’s board “carefully deliberates and considers all contribution decisions.” Discussions will occur at the regularly scheduled meeting of the AMA’s political action committee, he said.
The AMA’s PAC spent $1.7 million this election cycle, with $533,000 going to Democrats and $397,000 to Republicans.