Company officials said Monday they are not pursuing a merger with rival Humana, causing Cigna's stock to rise in the markets.

The health insurer Cigna Group snatched away a lifeline from Humana on Monday morning, telling investors it has no intention of buying its flailing competitor.A potential tie-up between Humana and Cigna had been the great will they/won’t they story line in the healthcare sector over the past year.

Despite reports that merger talks were back on, Cigna officially squashed rumors that it was looking to acquire Humana in a statement on Monday. | Despite reports that merger talks were back on, Cigna officially squashed rumors that it was looking to acquire Humana in a statement on Monday.