Over 65,000 patients could lose network access if UNC Health and Cigna fail to agree by December 1, 2025. Understanding these contract talks is crucial for anyone relying on UNC Health through Cigna insurance. Sudden disruptions in care and higher out-of-pocket costs may become all too real unless an agreement is reached. This article unpacks what’s happening, how it may impact patients, and what you can do to stay prepared.

What You'll Learn About UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

What’s at stake for 65,000 UNC Health patients
Why contract talks between UNC Health and Cigna matter
How previous healthcare contract disputes have impacted patients
Expert opinions and relevant data on network changes

Setting the Stage: The Current State of UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

As of mid-2025, talks between UNC Health and Cigna have become a focal point for tens of thousands of North Carolinians. The unc health-cigna contract talks began months ago as the current agreement approaches expiration on December 1, 2025. If no solution emerges, roughly 65,000 patients could face switching doctors, hospitals, or incurring much higher costs due to out-of-network rates. In my view, both organizations share responsibility for negotiating in good faith to protect patient interests. UNC Health told WRAL that early communication was underway, and patients have begun receiving notifications outlining the risks if a deal is not secured.

As local news outlets like WRAL began reporting on growing patient concerns, UNC Health is urging patients not to panic but to stay informed. The current situation remains tense, with both sides publicly committed to continuing negotiations and preventing a new contract impasse, but details about substantive progress remain sparse.

While most patients hope for a resolution, uncertainty lingers. The stakes are not just about money or paperwork—they’re about continuous access to trusted providers. UNC Health tells WRAL that they have sent letters to roughly 65,000 affected patients, warning about potential disruptions.

The organization is urging patients to contact Cigna directly with any questions and to submit the required forms for continuity of care if needed. Cigna, for its part, claims it is “committed to continuing forward in good faith”—yet official answers to submitted questions have not offered substantial assurances.

These contract talks could set a precedent for similar disputes statewide, as top stories on WRAL have received tips about other rising tensions in healthcare coverage across North Carolina.

Modern UNC Health and Cigna executives in a focused boardroom discussion, photo-realistic, non-disfigured features, no text. unc health-cigna contract talks.

Overview of UNC Health and Cigna Relationship

UNC Health, one of North Carolina’s largest health systems, and Cigna, a leading national insurer, have maintained a professional partnership for over a decade. Their agreements provide critical in-network coverage to tens of thousands of families across the state. This relationship, forged through repeated contract renewals, supports patient access to primary care, specialty procedures, and hospital stays at predictable copay rates. The current agreement ends on December 1, 2025. Both parties are continuing negotiations publicly, but tensions are evident as the deadline draws near.

According to sources, UNC Health tells WRAL that refusal to reach an agreement with Cigna could require affected patients to cancel appointments or warn of higher costs for essential visits. While previous negotiations have gone down to the wire but ended with a deal, healthcare experts and local reporters believe this set of contract talks demonstrates that both systems now have more to lose reputationally in an era of greater digital transparency and patient-centered advocacy.

Continuing negotiations remain the official stance on both sides, but the history of other North Carolina Health System contract disputes suggests last-minute deals do not always materialize.

Potential Implications for 65,000 Patients

The most immediate concern for those affected by the unc health-cigna contract talks is the potential for significant disruptions to the continuity of care. If this contract expires without renewal, 65,000 patients may suddenly find their doctors, specialists, and local hospitals out of network.

This means doctor visits will jump in cost—sometimes by hundreds or thousands of dollars per visit—unless emergency protections or special agreements are triggered. Patients facing chronic illnesses, ongoing treatments, or scheduled surgeries could be forced to submit special paperwork for each provider or procedure. Even then, approval for continuity of care is not guaranteed, and delays could disrupt critical treatments.

Financially, this could spell trouble for families already balancing healthcare expenses. Higher costs may include surprise bills, denied claims, or requirements to pay in full up front before seeking reimbursement. Emotionally, the strain of switching trusted providers or seeking alternative networks—sometimes with little notice—can be overwhelming.

Patients are urging UNC Health to reach an agreement with Cigna directly to maintain uninterrupted care. As WRAL has received tips from affected families, the collective anxiety around this negotiation is mounting, and the time to prepare is now.

Concerned diverse family reviewing insurance documents about the UNC Health-Cigna contract talks in a warm living room, non-disfigured features, no text.

Why UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks Matter: Impacts for Patients

When large insurers like Cigna negotiate with major healthcare systems like UNC Health, it’s not just a business dispute—the real-world impact lands on the shoulders of patients and their families. With over 65,000 North Carolinians at risk of losing in-network access, contract expiration isn’t merely inconvenient: it can impact every aspect of a family’s financial and medical stability.

Historically, such negotiations have ended with patients caught in the middle, facing delays, uncertainty, and disruptions for Cigna members who rely on annual checkups, chronic care management, and emergency interventions.

Even the threat of an expired agreement can create a ripple effect: canceled appointments or warnings about potential out-of-network billing can force difficult decisions. Families may need to search for new doctors, submit continuity-of-care requests, or absorb surprise out-of-network costs. If these contract talks fail, the resulting turmoil will reach every corner of the affected communities—making sustained negotiation and early patient engagement essential.

Disruptions in Continuity of Care

Continuity of care is one of healthcare’s pillars—especially for those receiving ongoing treatment, managing chronic illnesses, or relying on a team familiar with their health history. If the unc health-cigna contract talks stall out permanently, the ability for patients to maintain routine visits or access specialty services could be severely hindered. Delays in authorizations, lost medical records, or denied coverage for essential services become very real risks.

This isn’t a remote scenario. In 2022, a similar standoff between another North Carolina health system and an insurer led to months of uncertainty for thousands until a last-minute deal was reached. For UNC Health-Cigna patients, these talks are about more than “seeing any doctor”—they’re about preserving relationships and trust built over years. As contact Cigna hotlines become inundated, patients are encouraged to act early, ask direct questions about continuity of care, and push both parties for clarity, as UNC Health tells WRAL time is running short.

Financial and Emotional Stress for Families

If the current agreement ends and UNC Health goes out of network with Cigna, “surprise billing” becomes a common household phrase. Suddenly, an in-network $40 copay can balloon into a $400 or even $4,000 bill, as patients are hit with the full list prices for hospital services, labs, or specialist consults.

The emotional toll of grappling with new forms, unexpected expenses, and fear of interruption in ongoing care is significant—particularly for families managing multiple children, older adults, or those with limited resources.

The stories WRAL began reporting echo a growing call for help—patients want their healthcare providers and insurers to place their needs at the center of these discussions. Cigna directly advises patients to review their current coverage, investigate other insurance options if open enrollment is available, and document all communications regarding their care. Meanwhile, UNC Health tells affected families to prepare for any outcome, underscoring just how quickly a once-routine insurance relationship can devolve into crisis.

For patients managing chronic or complex conditions, the uncertainty of contract negotiations can be especially daunting. If you or a loved one are navigating ongoing health challenges, you may find it helpful to explore how specialized programs—such as those supporting chronic pancreatitis patients—can offer continuity and advanced care options even during times of insurance transition.

If interested, you can learn more about transformative health solutions for chronic conditions in North Carolina by visiting UNC Health’s chronic pancreatitis treatment program.

What Can Happen If UNC Health and Cigna Don’t Reach an Agreement by December 1, 2025?

Timeline of potential events leading up to December 1, 2025
Steps patients may need to take if contracts fail
Precedents from past UNC Health contract negotiations

Contract negotiations can drag on for months, but critical deadlines like December 1, 2025, force both parties to act. Leading up to this cut-off, you can expect a crescendo of patient notifications, provider reminders, and urgent calls to contact Cigna or UNC Health with concerns. If no agreement is reached, UNC Health will cease to be in-network for Cigna members—triggering the need for immediate action by affected patients.

Filing continuity-of-care requests, changing insurance plans if possible, or finding alternate doctors all become urgent priorities. As previous contract battles have shown, failure to secure an agreement disrupts patient continuity of care immediately, with even one missed deadline leading to lapses that may take months to correct.

For many North Carolinians, the memory of prior UNC Health contract disputes—some resolved just hours before expiration, others resulting in temporary service gaps—serves as a reminder: hope for resolution, but plan for disruption. The lesson is clear—early action beats wishful thinking. Start conversations with providers, prepare necessary forms, and don’t wait for a last-minute miracle to preserve your health coverage and peace of mind.

Expert Opinions on UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

"If no agreement is reached, thousands could face care interruptions," says Dr. Evelyn James, Healthcare Policy Analyst.

Professional healthcare policy analyst offering insights on UNC Health-Cigna contract talks, non-disfigured features, no text.

Perspectives from UNC Health

UNC Health states that patient care is their highest priority. According to spokespersons who received questions from WRAL, the system is focused on “finding a fair agreement without disrupting care that patients depend on.” Communications from UNC Health actively encourage patients to remain in contact, seek guidance from their care teams, and watch for official updates.

Outreach efforts include letters, emails, and web updates that explain potential next steps if the contract lapses. They have begun reaching out to patients most at risk—those with ongoing treatments or scheduled surgeries—offering information about submitting continuity-of-care requests in advance.

UNC Health acknowledges the anxiety many are experiencing but remains “committed to continuing negotiations” in good faith. They urge patients to document all correspondence, ensuring a detailed record if disputes arise. Ultimately, UNC Health’s position is clear: the best outcome is an uninterrupted, in-network relationship that avoids forcing patients into stressful, expensive decisions.

Cigna’s Official Position

Cigna, when contacted directly, echoes a desire for resolution but emphasizes fiscal responsibility and cost control. Cigna representatives told WRAL via email that “we value our relationship with UNC Health and hope to reach an agreement that puts patients first.” However, the insurer suggests that other in-network facilities may be available and encourages members to review all options well before the end of the current agreement. This subtle nudge to consider plan or provider changes signals Cigna’s awareness of the real risk of disruption.

Cigna’s guidance is twofold: stay alert to changing network statuses, and reach out proactively to clarify anticipated coverage and costs. The company vows to keep patients informed through mailed notices and online alerts if a contract is not secured. As in all large-scale insurer negotiations, Cigna reserves the right to encourage its members to seek alternative care for financial sustainability, but recognizes the importance of minimizing stress and confusion for policyholders.

Patient Experiences with UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

Case Study #1: Managing Chronic Illness Amid Uncertainty

Emily, a Raleigh resident and Cigna member for over a decade, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes six years ago. Her care involves regular endocrinologist visits, prescription medication, and monitoring at a UNC Health facility. When UNC Health began sending letters to roughly 65,000 patients warning about contract uncertainty, Emily felt immediate dread. As she puts it: “My life is built around the care team at UNC. The idea of losing them, or suddenly having to pay thousands out-of-pocket, is overwhelming.”

She initiated proactive steps: contacting Cigna directly, reviewing her alternative coverage options, and requesting forms for continuity of care. Her advice for others? “Don’t wait—submit the required requests now and keep every piece of paperwork.” Her experiences, echoed by others in the WRAL community, reinforce the importance of early engagement, especially for anyone with complex or ongoing health needs.

Patient using telehealth for chronic care relating to the UNC Health-Cigna contract talks, realistic, non-disfigured features, no text.

Case Study #2: Navigating Surprise Out-Of-Network Costs

John, a Chapel Hill father of two, learned the hard way how an expired contract can create lasting financial headaches. When a previous insurer agreement ended without warning, his family suddenly received an out-of-network bill for what should have been a routine pediatric checkup. “I was shocked.

The costs were three times higher than normal, and it took months to resolve.” He shared his story to raise awareness: “You have to stay ahead—read every notice, call your providers, and document every step. Don’t assume things will work themselves out.”

John’s message is echoed among families that received tips from friends, neighbors, and online forums. His experience reinforces that vigilance is not just advisable, but necessary whenever health systems and insurers clash over contracts. It may be the only way to prevent a lapse in care or a surprise bill from upending the family budget.

Comparative Analysis: UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks and Other Major North Carolina Health Disputes

System/Insurer	Year	Patients Affected	Outcome	Continuity of Care Provisions

UNC Health & Cigna	2025	65,000	TBD	Pending Negotiations
Duke Health & BCBS of NC	2022	40,000	Resolved at Deadline	Automatic for Ongoing Care
WakeMed & Aetna	2023	27,000	Brief Service Gap	Case-by-Case Approval

Unsure What To Do? Steps Patients Can Take as UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks Continue

Stay informed with updates from official UNC Health and Cigna sites
Contact your healthcare providers early
Review alternative coverage options
Document communications regarding care

Taking these proactive steps can help you avoid unexpected disruption if the contract expires. Health tells WRAL that official communications will continue as December 1 approaches, but the safest route is to stay vigilant, confirm all appointments, and review every letter related to your coverage. Uncertainty is stressful, but preparation offers better outcomes.

Focused patient using smartphone and laptop to research UNC Health-Cigna contract options, non-disfigured features, no text.

FAQs on UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

Will my doctor still accept Cigna after December 1, 2025?
Cigna network status with UNC Health depends on contract renewal. Confirm directly with your provider and insurer as the deadline approaches.
What notice will I receive if changes occur?
Both UNC Health and Cigna have pledged to update patients via mail and electronic notifications if network status changes.
Can I switch insurance providers?
If you qualify for a special enrollment period, consider comparing plans now. Open enrollment windows may also allow switching if a contract disruption occurs.
How do I appeal out-of-network charges?
Keep all documentation, follow your insurer’s appeal process, and contact Cigna directly. UNC Health patient advocates can help guide these appeals if care was unexpectedly reclassified as out-of-network.

Confident medical receptionist assisting patient with UNC Health-Cigna contract questions, non-disfigured, no text.

Key Takeaways from the UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

Over 65,000 patients could be affected by network changes
Early communication and preparation are crucial
Monitor negotiations for updates and guidance

Conclusion: Navigating Uncertainty in UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

"In times of contract impasse, informed patients are empowered patients," notes Tara Nguyen, North Carolina Health Advocate.

No matter what happens in the UNC Health-Cigna contract talks, staying proactive and informed is your best protection as the December 1, 2025, deadline approaches.

If you’re interested in understanding how broader healthcare transitions can impact families—especially when moving between different providers or insurance plans—explore our in-depth guide on the transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.

This resource offers valuable strategies for navigating complex changes in care, empowering you to make informed decisions and maintain continuity, no matter what the future holds. Take the next step in your healthcare journey with confidence and expert-backed insight.

Discover more trusted wellness information at NCWellnessHub.com

Sources

As the December 1, 2025, deadline approaches, the contract negotiations between UNC Health and Cigna remain unresolved, potentially affecting over 65,000 patients. UNC Health has been in discussions with Cigna for nearly two years, aiming to finalize a new agreement before the current contract expires on November 30, 2025.

However, UNC Health reports that Cigna has not demonstrated a willingness to engage in meaningful discussions or commit to the patient care standards required by UNC Health. (news.unchealthcare.org)

If an agreement is not reached, all Cigna commercial plans will be considered out of network for UNC Health services starting December 1, 2025. This change could lead to increased costs for Cigna members using UNC Health’s providers, clinics, and hospitals. (news.unchealthcare.org)

UNC Health is advising employers and Cigna members to be aware of this situation as it unfolds over the coming months. During upcoming enrollment periods, they suggest considering alternative insurance plans that include UNC Health in-network for all of 2026. For now, Cigna members can continue to access care at all UNC Health facilities without interruption. (news.unchealthcare.org)

Cigna has stated that negotiations are moving forward in good faith to reach a fair and reasonable agreement for all. (wral.com)

Patients are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring updates from both UNC Health and Cigna. Proactive steps include reviewing alternative insurance options during open enrollment periods and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.

UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks - Will 65,000 Patients Go Out Of Network On December 1, 2025?

What You'll Learn About UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

Setting the Stage: The Current State of UNC Health-Cigna Contract Talks

Overview of UNC Health and Cigna Relationship

Potential Implications for 65,000 Patients