UNC Health-Cigna talks fail, leaving over 65,000 patients without in-network coverage
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Contract talks collapse; thousands of Cigna members lose UNC Health in-network access
- Negotiations stalled after UNC sought roughly 32% rate increase over three years
- Some patients qualify for limited continuity of care; Cigna must confirm eligibility
The breakdown of contract negotiations between UNC Health and Cigna has left tens of thousands of patients without in-network insurance coverage.
Starting Monday, Dec. 1, UNC Health hospitals, clinics and providers are “out of network” for Cigna members, meaning it will cost more to use them, said UNC Health spokesperson Alan M. Wolf.
The lapse comes after UNC Health’s three-year contract with Cigna expired on Nov. 30. Days before the deadline, the system warned about 65,000 Cigna members that talks had stalled and coverage would “most likely” be disrupted.
UNC Health said it remains committed to continuing negotiations, but a new agreement must “be consistent with our relationships with other insurance plans,” Wolf said.
Some patients, such as those who are hospitalized, pregnant or undergoing an active course of treatment before Dec. 1, may qualify for “continuity of care” through Cigna for a limited time.
“Patients must contact Cigna directly to determine eligibility and submit the required forms,” Wolf said.
In recent months, Cigna said UNC Health demanded a roughly 32% rate increase over three years. It also accused UNC Health of “stoking fear with our shared patients” as a negotiating tactic.
On Monday, the company said it had offered to extend the current contract and remains “engaged in discussions.”
“The goal is to keep UNC Health in network,” a Cigna Healthcare spokesperson told The N&O in an email.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, UNC Health will be out-of-network with Humana, WellCare, and Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC/formerly Cigna) Medicare Advantage plans, according to its website.
Humana North Carolina State Employee Health Benefit Plan (Medicare Advantage for retirees) members will continue to be seen with no increase in cost.
Meanwhile, Cigna’s open enrollment started Nov. 1 and runs until Dec. 15. It’s the annual period when individuals can enroll in a health insurance plan, switch plans, or apply for premium subsidies.
A growing trend
UNC Health’s dispute with Cigna is part of a broader Triangle trend where hospital–insurer contract breakdowns threaten patients’ in‑network access.
In April 2024, a parallel dispute unfolded between UNC Health and UnitedHealthcare, but they reached a last‑minute, long‑term agreement that kept UNC Health hospitals and clinics in‑network for UnitedHealthcare patients.
More recently, a conflict between WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare failed to reach a deal by deadline. WakeMed is now officially out of network with UnitedHealthcare for most patients as of Nov. 15, 2025, according to its website.
They’re no longer covered at WakeMed’s hospitals, specialty providers, and facilities under UnitedHealthcare’s commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.
Editor’s note: Are you a patient affected by the coverage lapse? Share your story with The N&O. Write me at callam@newsobserver.com.
This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 12:05 PM.
