Ongoing Contract Dispute Between UNC Health and Cigna
A contract disagreement between UNC Health and health insurer Cigna remains unresolved, leading to concerns that many patients might lose their in-network coverage starting December 1.
As of midday Friday, UNC Health stated it is still trying to negotiate a “new, fair” agreement with Cigna as the holiday weekend approaches. However, they have noted that “progress has been difficult.”
According to UNC Health spokesperson Alan M. Wolf, “It’s increasingly likely that as of December 1, UNC Health hospitals, clinics, and providers will be out of network for Cigna members,” which would mean higher costs for patients seeking care.
Cigna has not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation.
UNC Health has notified about 65,000 Cigna members about the potential lapse in coverage.
Wolf mentioned that certain patients, including those who are currently hospitalized, pregnant, or in active treatment before December 1, might be able to qualify for “continuity of care” through Cigna for a limited period. “Patients must contact Cigna directly to determine eligibility and submit the required forms,” he explained.
Back in July, UNC Health announced that its three-year agreement with Cigna was set to expire on November 30. They indicated that representatives from UNC Health had been discussing the terms of a new agreement with Cigna for nearly two years, aiming to conclude these talks well before the expiration date. However, UNC Health expressed disappointment, stating Cigna was unwilling to engage meaningfully in discussions regarding patient care.
In response, Cigna refuted UNC Health’s portrayal of the negotiations, claiming it was “disappointing” and asserting that UNC Health was making inaccurate statements as a negotiation tactic. They insisted that conversations had been progressing in good faith despite UNC Health’s demands for a significant rate increase over the next three years.
In addition, starting January 1, 2026, UNC Health will also be out-of-network with Humana, WellCare, and Health Care Service Corporation Medicare Advantage plans.
A Growing Trend
The dispute between UNC Health and Cigna reflects a broader trend in the Triangle area, where contract breakdowns between hospitals and insurers are threatening patients’ access to in-network care.
Earlier in 2024, a similar dispute arose between UNC Health and UnitedHealthcare, but they managed to reach a last-minute long-term agreement that allowed UNC Health facilities to remain in-network for UnitedHealthcare patients.
More recently, WakeMed encountered a contract conflict with UnitedHealthcare that resulted in a failure to reach an agreement by the deadline. As of November 15, 2025, WakeMed is now out of network with UnitedHealthcare for most patients, meaning they no longer have coverage for services at WakeMed’s facilities under UnitedHealthcare’s commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.
