UNC Health-Cigna Standoff: Patients Face Potential Coverage Loss by Dec. 1
An ongoing contract dispute between UNC Health and health insurer Cigna has sparked concern among patients, as thousands may lose in-network coverage as early as December 1st. The dispute, which has been ongoing for months, highlights a growing trend in the healthcare industry where hospital-insurer contract breakdowns threaten patients' access to in-network care.
UNC Health, in a statement, confirms that efforts to reach a "new, fair" agreement with Cigna have been challenging. As of midday Friday, the healthcare provider is continuing negotiations over the holiday weekend, but the future remains uncertain. UNC Health spokesperson Alan M. Wolf warns that it is increasingly likely that UNC Health hospitals, clinics, and providers will be out of network for Cigna members starting December 1st, leading to higher costs for patients.
Cigna, on the other hand, has not responded to requests for comment, adding to the uncertainty. UNC Health has proactively notified approximately 65,000 Cigna members about the potential coverage lapse, urging them to take action. Some patients, such as those hospitalized, pregnant, or already undergoing treatment, may qualify for "continuity of care" through Cigna for a limited time, but they must contact Cigna directly to determine eligibility and submit the required forms.
This dispute is not an isolated incident. In April 2024, UNC Health and UnitedHealthcare faced a similar challenge, but they managed to reach a last-minute, long-term agreement, keeping UNC Health hospitals and clinics in-network for UnitedHealthcare patients. However, a recent conflict between WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare resulted in a breakdown, with WakeMed officially becoming out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare for most patients as of November 15th, 2025.
The trend of hospital-insurer contract disputes is concerning, as it directly impacts patients' access to healthcare. As UNC Health and Cigna continue negotiations, patients are left in a state of uncertainty, awaiting the outcome of these discussions.
