LIMA — Stalled contract negotiations between Mercy Health and Cigna could result in fewer in-network providers for Ohioans enrolled in employer-sponsored Cigna health plans if a deal is not reached by Jan. 1, which would terminate in-network status for Mercy Health medical groups and hospitals in Lima, Lorain, Youngstown and Cincinnati.
In an emailed statement Friday, a Mercy Health spokesperson said the medical network “continues to care for all patients in the community, and our first priority is their well-being. We do not believe Cigna of Ohio is working in good faith toward a new contract to keep this care in network.
“In our opinion, Cigna of Ohio is falling short of its responsibility to our community by attempting to pay hospitals and medical practices less than competitive rates and expecting patients to shoulder the difference.”
Mercy Health cited increased costs for labor, medical supplies and hospital drugs, noting that “the insurance sector continues to report record profits.” The medical network said negotiations with Cigna remain active.
Cigna responded late Friday afternoon, stating that the company would “very much like to keep Mercy Health’s physicians in our commercial network, but not at the excessively high rates they are demanding from our clients and customers.”
“It’s important to remember who pays the bills: the actual cost of healthcare services are paid by employers, their employees and families,” Cigna officials said in a statement to The Lima News. “The price increases these facilities are demanding will directly impact local companies, their employees and families through higher out-of-pocket costs and increased payroll deductions.”
If the contract is not renewed, Mercy Health said patients would still have access to its hospitals for emergency care regardless of its network status with Cigna.
Meanwhile, Cigna said it will help customers find another in-network provider if an agreement with Mercy Health is not reached by January.
“Our customer service advocates are available 24/7/365 at the phone number printed on a customer’s Cigna ID card or at 1.800.244.6224,” the company said. “Customers can also find in-network hospitals and providers online using myCigna.com or the myCigna mobile app.”
