UConn Health Hopes to Keep Caring for Our Cigna Patients

UConn Health’s contracts with Cigna health plans expire May 1, 2024.

Lavern Wright, M.D., examining a patient laying in a hospital bed

We continue to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement with Cigna for both UConn John Dempsey Hospital and UConn Medical Group providers that will allow us to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and continue providing high-quality patient care. However, to date we have not reached an agreement. If a new agreement is not reached by May 1, 2024, beginning May 1, 2024, UConn Health will be considered out-of-network for patients with Cigna medical insurance. This change would not impact Cigna dental or Cigna behavioral health plans.

What does this mean?

If UConn Health goes out-of-network with Cigna, when Cigna patients wish to use UConn John Dempsey Hospital services or UConn Medical Group providers, they will no longer pay lower in-network costs and may have to pay higher out-of-network costs up to 100% of cost out-of-pocket.

What is the latest update?

UConn Health continues to negotiate in good faith with Cigna. We hope we can reach a fair resolution with Cigna soon. Our ultimate goal is to ensure our hospital, the state’s only public academic medical center, and our providers can continue their high-quality, excellent care of Cigna patients at in-network, affordable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Patients

If the Cigna contracts aren’t terminating until May why did I get a notification letter?

As a patient what can I do as contract negotiations with Cigna continue?

It’s important to continue to maintain your health, your care appointments, and see your doctors. Continue to check our website for the latest updates. While there’s still some time left for UConn Health to reach an agreement with Cigna, as a patient you can also have your say. If you agree that it’s important for your state hospital and providers to remain in-network, we encourage you to take a moment to contact Cigna to encourage a resolution by calling the toll-free number on your Cigna ID card.

UConn Health’s contracts with Cigna expire on May 1. Should I start canceling my doctor appointments now?

I have health insurance. What do you mean I will have to pay out-of-network costs starting May 1?

All hospitals and providers have contracts with health insurance companies to provide healthcare services to plan members at certain rates. UConn Health’s contracts are up for renewal with Cigna and we continue to negotiate the terms of the agreement. Should UConn and Cigna fail to reach an agreement and execute a new contract by the current contract’s expiration date, Cigna will no longer cover your UConn Health care costs at lower, more affordable in-network rates. This means that should our contract with Cigna terminate and you still choose to come to UConn Health for your care after May 1, 2024, you may have to pay higher out-of-network prices for your care or even 100% out-of-pocket at our hospital or outpatient facilities.

In an emergency, can I still go to UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s Emergency Department?

What if my UConn Health doctor needs to admit me to the hospital?

If you require ongoing treatment or already have a procedure scheduled, you may be eligible for continuity of care benefits provided by Cigna for a defined period of time. Those who may be eligible for continuity of care in-network are those in active treatment for pregnancy, chronic disease, and life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Should the need arise for you to initiate a continuity of care request, visit myCigna.com for the online application form or call the toll-free number on your Cigna ID card.

For Providers

Does Cigna’s possible contract termination with UConn Health impact both its inpatient and outpatient providers?

Could I still admit my Cigna patients in need to UConn John Dempsey Hospital?

Yes, Providers may still admit Cigna patients to John Dempsey Hospital, but Cigna patients would be considered out-of-network, and patients would no longer be able to have that care covered by Cigna. Without in-network rates, this could significantly increase a patient’s healthcare costs. Should contracts terminate, UConn Health will be helping providers arrange for alternative admitting privileges at another nearby in-network hospital.

I am a UConn Health provider with other hospital admitting rights. Will I be impacted at other hospitals?

What could contract termination mean for my current Cigna patients?

What if my patients still need my care?

If we are unable to reach an agreement with Cigna, some patients may qualify for certain continuity of care benefits that are handled through Cigna. These benefits would be for patients who are already admitted, receiving ongoing treatments, or have procedures already scheduled. Some patients may be eligible to remain at UConn Health for their continuity of care in-network, especially those in active treatment for pregnancy, chronic disease, and life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Should the need arise for your patient to initiate a continuity of care request with Cigna, they can visit myCigna.com for the online form or call the toll-free number on their Cigna ID card.