Cigna, UNC Health sign long-term agreement ending contract stalemate
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Good news for UNC Health patients who have Cigna as their insurance provider.
Friday, UNC Health announced they have reached and inked an agreement with Cigna Healthcare. This will allow its customers across North Carolina to continue receiving in-network care from UNC Health providers, clinics and hospitals.
The previous contract expired at midnight on Nov. 30.
The new deal
The new deal covers all Cigna Healthcare commercial plans and will be retroactive to Dec. 1.
Patients who paid UNC Health upfront while out of network will be refunded as appropriate by UNC Health as Cigna Healthcare completes claim processing.
UNC Health will communicate with affected patients as quickly as possible to ensure they are aware of the new agreement with Cigna Healthcare and that care with their UNC Health providers will not change.
"This new agreement with Cigna Healthcare will benefit our patients across the state as well as our providers," said Dr. Matt Ewend, Chief Clinical Officer at UNC Health. "Our patients will not face increased costs and the stress of going out of network or seeking new providers for their care. We look forward to working with Cigna Healthcare in the coming years to improve access, reduce costs and eliminate obstacles to care."
"Cigna Healthcare is pleased to have reached a deal with UNC Health, allowing us to continue in-network coverage for the customers we jointly serve," said James Day, general manager for Cigna Healthcare Carolinas. "Together, we will continue to provide affordable, quality care to North Carolinians."
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