New agreement benefits UNC Health patients and providers across the state of North Carolina
UNC Health has signed an agreement with Cigna Healthcare that will allow its customers across North Carolina to continue receiving in-network care from UNC Health providers, clinics and hospitals.
The organizations’ previous contract expired at midnight on Nov. 30. 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.”
UNC Health’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians. In order to continue to fulfill our mission, we will strive for fair and equitable partnerships with all insurance companies. UNC Health plays a critical role in serving North Carolinians across the state, particularly those in rural areas who would otherwise lack access to quality care close to home.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 20 hospitals and the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine. It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the UNC School of Medicine. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.