UNC Health, Cigna Contract Expiration Disrupts Patient Care Access in NC

UNC Health's contract with Cigna has expired, affecting over 4,000 December appointments for Cigna members who must now seek new providers, face higher out-of-network costs, or pay out-of-pocket. UNC Health has issued a statement regarding ongoing negotiations with Cigna. North Carolina health systems like WakeMed, Duke Health, and UNC Health maintain online directories of accepted insurance plans but do not disclose contract expiration dates transparently. UnitedHealthcare secured a long-term contract with UNC Health and Duke Health in March 2024. WakeMed remains out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare but continues commercial and Medicare Advantage negotiations. WakeMed holds contracts with Cigna and Aetna through 2026 and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina through 2027. Duke Health and Aetna reached a multi-year renewal agreement in October 2023. Providers typically withhold contract expiration details, complicating patient awareness of network changes. Emergency care remains accessible regardless of insurance status at facilities like WakeMed's Emergency Departments. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of insurer-provider negotiations impacting network access and patient costs in North Carolina.