UNC Health warns Cigna coverage may end for patients this year if ‘fair agreement’ not reached

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — With the end of a three-year agreement approaching at the end of November, UNC Health issued a statement Tuesday warning that coverage could be lost for Cigna members come December 1st.

Cigna may be out of network later this year for any patients of UNC Health if a “new and fair agreement” with the insurance company is not reached by Nov. 30, according to UNC Health Media Relations Director Alan Wolf. This could impact more than 60,000 Cigna members who regularly see UNC Health providers, he added.

In its statement Tuesday, UNC Health asserted that Cigna is “not willing to engage in meaningful discussion or commit to patient care that UNC Health requires.” This comes after nearly two years of conversations in an attempt to reach a deal well in advance of the Nov. 30 deadline.

“UNC Health is urging employers who have chosen Cigna and Cigna members to be aware of this situation as it unfolds over the coming months,” the statement also said.

Ultimately, UNC Health said nothing changes for now. Cigna members can continue to seek care from UNC Health hospitals, facilities and physicians as usual. Leaders said the hope remains to come to a “mutually beneficial agreement with Cigna prior to expiration of the current agreement.”

However, the health care provider encouraged both employers and patients with Cigna coverage to consider alternative plans that include UNC Health in network for all of 2026 during upcoming enrollment periods.

CBS 17 has reached out to Cigna for a statement regarding the ongoing negotiations with UNC Health and is waiting to hear back.