Cigna, New York Life launch fund to support families of healthcare workers who died fighting COVID-19

Cigna and New York Life are partnering to provide financial support to the families of healthcare workers who died fighting COVID-19. Through their respective foundations, the two insurers are launching the Brave of Heart Fund, which will offer grants to the families to avoid financial hardships and pay for behavioral and mental health services. Each company will seed the fund with a $25 million donation. New York Life will also match the first $25 million in outside donations, the companies said Tuesday. The fund is aiming to reach $100 million in total. Cigna will also provide families with behavioral and emotional health support to help them navigate feelings of grief, according to the announcement. Families of physicians, nurses, technicians, orderlies, cafeteria workers, custodians, volunteers and others on the front lines are eligible for the funding. Eligible families can receive up to $75,000.