UNC Health and Cigna Contract Talks Threaten Coverage, Costs

Negotiations between UNC Health and insurer Cigna stretched into the Thanksgiving holiday, and the existing contract expired on Sunday November 30. UNC Health warned that, absent a new agreement, its hospitals, clinics and providers were increasingly likely to become out of network for Cigna members as of December 1. “Unfortunately, progress has been difficult,” UNC Health said in a statement. “It’s increasingly likely that as of Dec. 1, UNC Health hospitals, clinics and providers will be 'out of network' for Cigna members. That will mean higher costs and disruptions for Cigna patients.”

UNC Health told about 65,000 Cigna members in recent letters that they could face larger copays and other out of pocket charges if the contract was not resolved. The notices urged patients to check whether they qualify for limited continuity of care protections and to contact Cigna to determine eligibility. UNC Health said it will work closely with patients to minimize disruption.

For Wake County residents who use UNC Health for primary care, specialty visits, outpatient procedures or hospital services, the potential change could mean unexpected bills or the need to change providers. Patients with scheduled care should verify coverage now with both their insurer and their UNC Health provider to learn whether visits will be treated as in network and to explore options for continuity of ongoing treatments.

The dispute highlights how contract negotiations between large health systems and insurers can affect day to day access and household budgets. Even brief periods out of network can raise costs for emergency and scheduled services, and continuity of care protections are often limited in duration and scope. Patients who believe they may be eligible for protections must contact Cigna directly to confirm terms and any deadlines.

UNC Health said it was continuing efforts to reach a fair agreement with Cigna and to reduce disruption for patients. Residents affected by changes should call their insurer and their UNC Health clinic for the most current information about coverage and billing.