Table of Contents
- Contract Expiration Details
- What This Means for Patients
- UNC Health’s Position on Negotiations
- Recommendations for Patients and Employers
- Understanding Out-of-Network Coverage
- Next Steps and Future Updates
UNC Health has issued an important warning to thousands of patients covered by Cigna insurance regarding potential changes to their healthcare coverage. The health system’s current three-year contract with Cigna is set to expire on November 30, 2025, and without a new agreement, patients could face significant out-of-network costs starting December 1, 2025.
Contract Expiration Details
The UNC Health Cigna contract dispute centers around negotiations for a new agreement to replace the current three-year contract. UNC Health officials have confirmed that discussions with Cigna have already begun, but progress has been limited. According to UNC Health leadership, the insurance company has not demonstrated willingness to engage in productive negotiations that prioritize patient care quality and accessibility.
This contract expiration affects all Cigna commercial health plans, potentially impacting thousands of patients across North Carolina who rely on UNC Health facilities for their medical care. The November 30, 2025 deadline gives both parties approximately five months to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
What This Means for Patients
Continued Access to Care
Patients covered by Cigna insurance will maintain access to UNC Health doctors, clinics, and hospitals regardless of the contract outcome. However, the financial implications of receiving care could change dramatically if the organizations cannot reach an agreement.
UNC Health has emphasized that patient care will continue uninterrupted, ensuring that ongoing treatments and established doctor-patient relationships remain intact. Emergency services, specialist consultations, and routine care will all remain available to Cigna members.
Potential Cost Implications
If UNC Health becomes an out-of-network provider for Cigna members, patients may face:
- Higher deductibles and copayments
- Increased out-of-pocket expenses
- Potential balance billing from providers
- Reduced coverage percentages for services
- Additional administrative requirements for claim processing
These financial changes could significantly impact healthcare affordability for affected patients, making preventive care and ongoing treatments more expensive.
UNC Health’s Position on Negotiations
UNC Health has publicly stated their frustration with Cigna’s approach to contract negotiations. According to a spokesperson for the health system, “Cigna is not willing to engage in meaningful discussion or commit to patient care that UNC Health requires.”
This statement suggests that the dispute involves more than just financial terms, potentially including disagreements over quality metrics, patient care standards, and network adequacy requirements. UNC Health appears to be prioritizing patient care quality over potential revenue considerations in these negotiations.
The health system’s leadership has indicated they remain hopeful for a resolution but want to ensure patients and employers have adequate time to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage options.
Recommendations for Patients and Employers
Alternative Insurance Options
UNC Health is actively encouraging employers who offer Cigna coverage and individual Cigna members to explore alternative insurance plans that maintain UNC Health as an in-network provider. During upcoming open enrollment periods, patients should:
- Review available health plan options carefully
- Compare network coverage for preferred providers
- Consider total cost of care, not just premium prices
- Evaluate prescription drug coverage differences
- Assess specialist and facility access under different plans
Timeline for Decision Making
With the contract expiring on November 30, 2025, patients and employers have several key dates to consider:
- Summer 2025: Many employer open enrollment periods begin
- Fall 2025: Individual marketplace open enrollment typically occurs
- October/November 2025: Final opportunity for plan changes before contract expiration
Early planning allows for more comprehensive evaluation of alternatives and smoother transitions if necessary.
Understanding Out-of-Network Coverage
Patients should familiarize themselves with their current Cigna plan’s out-of-network benefits, as these would apply to UNC Health services if no agreement is reached. Out-of-network coverage typically involves:
- Higher annual deductibles that must be met before coverage begins
- Lower percentage coverage (often 60-70% instead of 80-90%)
- Separate out-of-network deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
- Potential provider balance billing above insurance payments
- More complex prior authorization requirements
Understanding these terms helps patients prepare for potential cost differences and budget accordingly.
Next Steps and Future Updates
UNC Health has committed to keeping patients and the community informed as negotiations progress. The health system plans to provide regular updates about the status of discussions with Cigna and any developments that might affect patient coverage.
Patients are encouraged to:
- Monitor official communications from UNC Health
- Contact their benefits administrators with questions
- Review current insurance plan documents
- Consider scheduling important procedures before potential changes take effect
The situation remains fluid, and both organizations may find common ground before the November deadline. However, UNC Health’s early warning allows patients and employers adequate time to explore alternatives and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage for 2026.
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