UNC Health, Cigna agree to new contract, restoring coverage for 65,000 patients
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- Agreement restores in-network coverage for 65,000 Cigna patients at UNC Health.
- UNC Health will refund Cigna patients who paid out of pocket for services since Dec. 1.
- Cigna said UNC Health requested for a 32% rate increase and accused them of fear tactics.
UNC Health and Cigna signed a new agreement Friday, allowing over 65,000 Cigna-covered patients to remain in network at UNC Health clinics and hospitals, UNC Health said Friday.
Cigna patients who paid out of pocket for UNC Health services between Dec. 1 and Friday ”will be refunded as appropriate by UNC Health,” UNC Health said.
The two parties failed to reach a deal before the previous three-year contract expired Nov. 30, leaving 65,000 Cigna patients out of network when treated at UNC Health, The News & Observer previously reported.
“This new agreement with Cigna Healthcare will benefit our patients across the state as well as our providers,” UNC Health chief clinical officer Matt Ewend said. “We look forward to working with Cigna Healthcare in the coming years to improve access, reduce costs and eliminate obstacles to care.”
In the months leading up to the contract expiring, Cigna said UNC Health wanted a 32% rate increase over three years and accused UNC Health of “stoking fear with our shared patients” as a negotiating tactic, The N&O reported.
“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,” Cigna Healthcare Carolinas general manager James Day said. “Together, we will continue to provide affordable, quality care to North Carolinians.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 6:21 PM.
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