"It's disappointing": Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit sought price increases, rejected current contract amid failed negotiation

From Local 3 News: Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit Health, formerly known as CHI Memorial, officially left its network on February 1st after contract negotiations failed.

In a statement, Cigna called the decision “disappointing,” saying Memorial Hospital, now called CommonSpirit Health, already one of the most expensive hospital systems in the region, requested significant price increases that would drive up health care costs. Cigna says it offered to keep the existing contract in place while negotiations continued, but that offer was rejected.

Cigna noted that most of its employer clients are self-funded, meaning higher hospital prices would be paid directly by local businesses, their employees, and their families.

For Cigna members currently receiving treatment at Memorial Hospital, the company says it will work with patients to either continue care or transition to another in-network provider. Members are encouraged to contact customer service using the phone number on their insurance card to review their options.

Cigna says customer service advocates are available 24/7 to help patients find in-network care, and added it hopes Memorial Hospital will return to the network and prioritize affordable health care for the Chattanooga community.

Read Cigna Healthcare’s full statement:

“It is disappointing that CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital chose to leave our network on February 1. Despite already being one of the most expensive hospital systems in the region, Memorial Hospital requested large price increases that would make health care unaffordable and rejected our offer to keep the current contract in place while we continued negotiating. Most of our employer clients self-fund their health plans, which means higher hospital prices are paid directly by local businesses, their employees, and their families.

“If you’re a Cigna Healthcare customer who is currently receiving treatment at Memorial Hospital, we will work with you to either continue or transition your care to another in-network provider. Our customer service advocates can walk you through your options if you call the phone number on your member ID card.

“We know any change can be disruptive for patients, and our advocates are available 24/7 to help patients navigate to quality, in-network care nearby. We hope Memorial Hospital returns to our network soon and joins us in prioritizing affordable health care for Chattanoogans and their families.”