Chapel Hill-based University of North Carolina Health and Cigna missed their Dec. 1 contract negotiation deadline, according to both organizations.
UNC Health hospitals, clinics and providers are all out of network, but some patients may qualify for continuity of care with Cigna, the health system said.
“We are hopeful Cigna will work with us to reach an agreement that puts patients first. Our goal remains a new agreement that’s consistent with our relationships with other insurance plans and supports the high-quality care that patients deserve,” a statement from UNC Health said. “We recognize that this situation is concerning and overwhelming for our patients. We will work closely with them to minimize any disruption in care.”
The statement encouraged patients to weigh other insurance options, as well. The health system sent letters informing roughly 65,000 Cigna members of the change, according to a spokesperson. They added all Cigna Group health plans are impacted.
A Cigna Healthcare spokesperson confirmed ongoing negotiations.
“Our goal is to keep UNC Health in network, and we have offered to extend our current contract. We remain engaged in discussions with a goal of reaching a fair agreement for our customers and their families,” a Cigna Healthcare spokesperson told Becker’s.
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