What you need to know
December 3 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We know that having a serious illness or chronic disability can be an overwhelming situation on its own. Combine this with your job responsibilities, and you may find you’re in need of specialized support. BAE Systems offers the Cigna Healthy Working Life program to help you manage a serious illness or chronic disability—while juggling your job—so you can be comfortable, safe, and healthy.
If you’re a full-time or part-time BAE Systems employee, you can participate in the Healthy Working Life program. The voluntary program is offered at no cost to you and can help you if:
- You’re at risk of being out of work
- You’re having discomfort at work
- It’s difficult for you to work due to your condition
How the program works
If you enroll in the program, you’ll be connected with a Cigna vocational coach who will conduct a personalized assessment and identify any barriers that prevent you from working safely and comfortably. Coaches are trained professionals who hold master's degrees and certifications in rehabilitation counseling and are Ergonomics Assessment Specialists. And Cigna will pay for new equipment, devices, or clothing that your coach may recommend, up to certain limits.
A vocational coach will:
Assess your skills, your ability to do your work, and how you’re feeling. They’ll match the requirements of your job with what they find. Based on their findings, your coach will create a customized plan and provide one-on-one coaching to help you overcome barriers.
Provide counseling and technical help if your illness or injury is affecting your ability to work.
Identify opportunities for job task and workstation modifications. If you’re in physical pain while at work, your vocational coach can help you explore job task modifications, workstation ergonomic adjustments (changes to your work environment to help you do your job), transitional work assignments, and assistive devices or clothing. Plus, your coach will collaborate with other health care professionals to support your treatment plan participation.
What information will Cigna share?
If necessary to implement a recommendation, your coach may speak with BAE Systems, with your consent. Coaches will only share the minimum information necessary with BAE Systems after Cigna has spoken with you first.
Is this program right for you?
This could be a great program for you if you:
- Are currently working full time or part time
- Have an ongoing serious health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, mobility issues, and vision or hearing impairments.
- Don’t have an active Workers' Compensation claim for your health condition
- Have been calling in sick more than usual, or coming in late or leaving early because of your health condition
- Are struggling to complete job tasks
- Are having pain or discomfort on the job
- Need new or different work-related equipment (e.g., a new chair) to be more comfortable while you work
Getting started
Before you take steps to get started, it’s important to have a conversation with your manager. Ask your manager to email or fax a referral form as well as a completed Cigna Authorization to Release Information form to Cigna. This form gives your Healthy Working Life program coach permission to communicate with your medical provider and other companies Cigna may work with to provide services. Once Cigna receives the form, a vocational coach will contact you within two business days to set up a private phone appointment.
Want to learn more?
Get more details about Cigna’s Healthy Working Life program by visiting the Resource Center Portal and reviewing the Cigna Healthy Working Life Program KBA (PRD917708).