Cigna Contract Negotiations At a Glance
Both Mercy Health and Cigna have agreed to a 24-hour contract extension until tonight, April 1 at 11:59 p.m. This means Mercy Health providers and facilities are considered in network for patients with Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
We are continuously engaged in active discussions with Cigna, in hopes of reaching a long-term agreement. Our primary goal is to prevent interruption in care for our patients.
We are still in-network with Cigna commercial patients. Patients still have in-network access to their care teams.
We will continue to keep you informed as to any developments as soon as they happen. Please continue to check our website for the most up-to-date information.
We remain focused on continuing to invest in the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We look forward to serving you for years to come.
Overview
What is Happening?
We are in active negotiations with Cigna.
If we do not reach an agreement by April 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, Mercy Health will be considered an out-of-network provider for our patients in Ohio.
We want to ensure we can continue to offer you and your family the high-quality care you expect and deserve, which is why we are keeping you up to date regarding current negotiations with Cigna that may affect you or your loved ones.
Why Is this Happening?
Unfortunately, what Cigna pays our doctors, nurses and caregivers is not adequate to account for the cost of providing safe, quality care. We need all of our payer partners to do their part. By failing to offer a sustainable contract, Cigna may be putting your in-network access to the facilities and providers you know and trust at risk. If we do not reach an agreement before 11:59 p.m. ET on April 1, Mercy Health will be considered an out-of-network provider for our patients in Ohio and Virginia (patients in Kentucky, South Carolina or any other state are not impacted).
Who Does This Impact?
Patients with a Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) insurance plan.
If your plan includes out of network benefits you can continue to see your Mercy Health providers, but you may have to pay more out of pocket. You can contact Cigna to verify your out of network coverage.
If your plan does not include out of network benefits and you have any ongoing treatment or procedures scheduled after April 1, call Cigna immediately to request that Cigna approve your treatment for Continuity of Care. Without a Continuity of Care authorization from Cigna, you may be responsible for payment after April 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Certain conditions, such as care for chronic or complex illnesses, may be eligible for Continuity of Care that would provide approved patients the opportunity to continue seeing their current care team at in-network rates, even if Mercy Health is out of network with Cigna.
Patients should call Cigna to request a Continuity of Care provision. Cigna alone will decide whether to approve or deny the patient’s request.
Access to our Emergency Department facilities will always be available to patients for covered emergency services, regardless of network status.
When Does This Happen?
If we do not reach an agreement by April 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, Mercy Health will be considered an out-of-network provider for our patients in Ohio.Impacted Hospitals:
| Cincinnati, Ohio | Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital Mercy Health – West Hospital Mercy Health – Clermont Hospital Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital Mercy Health – Kings Mills Hospital The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health |
| Lima, Ohio | Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center |
| Lorain, Ohio | Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital Mercy Health – Allen Hospital |
| Springfield, Ohio | Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital |
| Toledo, Ohio | Mercy Health – Defiance Hospital Mercy Health – Perrysburg Hospital Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital Mercy Health – Willard Hospital Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center |
| Youngstown, Ohio | Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital |
What Can you do About It?
Talk to the HR department at your employer and ask them to explore their options. Mercy Health remains in-network with all other major commercial (employer-sponsored) health plans in Ohio.
Call Cigna at the number at the back of your insurance card and tell them how important it is for you to keep your uninterrupted in-network access to Mercy Health.
We promise to continue doing our part and work hard to reach an agreement with Cigna on behalf of our patients and the communities we serve – so nothing comes between you and the caregivers you rely on.