St. Mary's and Cigna fail to reach agreement on customer healthcare

St. Mary’s Health Care System announced recently that a resolution has not been reached with Cigna insurance company that would give its customers access to St. Mary’s health care.

“Cigna has made it increasingly difficult for patients to access care at St. Mary’s by refusing to reach an agreement that would reinstate in-network access to our hospital and trusted care providers,” Dr. Eric Schuck, chief medical officer for the system, noted in a statement.

Insurance companies contract with hospitals so people who are part of their insurance plan can access the hospital at a rate the insurance company will reimburse the hospital, according to hospital spokesman Mark Ralston.

“People with Cigna insurance will not get insurance for their visit with St. Mary’s. You have to be in the network to secure insurance,” he said.

Cigna issued a statement Tuesday.

"We want to keep health care affordable for our clients and customers especially as they are managing rising prices due to inflation. We negotiated in good faith with St. Mary's Hospital for months on a reasonable, affordable contract in line with other providers, but they chose to leave our network. We hope St. Mary's will do what for is best for our shared customers and return to our network at fair, competitive rates that will keep health care affordable for local employers, their employees and their families."

Schuck said he is “deeply disappointed” with Cigna's position, but that negotiations are continuing with the company for the 2024 year.

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: St. Mary's and Cigna fail to reach agreement on customer access