UNC Health, Cigna insurance miss deadline over new contract

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The deadline for UNC Health and Cigna to agree on a new contract before Cigna patients lose in-network coverage has come and gone.

UNC Health patients covered by Cigna now either face much higher out-of-network health care costs or will need to find a new provider. UNC Health tells ABC11 they sent notification letters to about 65,000 patients.

A Raleigh-based patient advocate said it's a difficult choice for patients.

"This time of year in particular, everyone's met their deductible, or they're close to meeting their deductible. So it has a financial and an emotional impact, especially if you're in treatment," said Rachel Vaughters.

Both Cigna and UNC Health say they are still working on ironing out a new contract.

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