Important Update: Cigna and The Christ Hospital Health Network Negotiations
We want to share important information regarding The Christ Hospital Health Network’s relationship with Cigna and upcoming changes that may affect your healthcare coverage. According to our records, you or a family member is enrolled in a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan. If this is incorrect, please disregard this letter.
Our contract for Cigna’s Medicare Advantage product is set to expire at midnight on December 31, 2024. We began discussions with Cigna in the summer of 2024 and continue to meet weekly to work toward an agreement that ensures fair and equitable payments for the care you receive. This is essential for us to continue delivering the nationally recognized patient experience and clinical care you deserve.
What’s Important for You to Know About the Negotiations
1. Contract Expiration Timeline
Our contract with Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plan is set to expire on December 31, 2024. As of now, your access to The Christ Hospital Health Network remains unchanged, and we are continuing negotiations with Cigna in hopes of reaching a fair agreement that ensures quality care.
2. Reason for Negotiation
The Christ Hospital is committed to delivering top-notch care, but Cigna Medicare Advantage does not always provide adequate coverage for essential services, which can create delays and hurdles in care approvals. We are advocating for fair compensation that will allow us to continue providing the level of care our patients deserve.
3. Impact of No Agreement
If an agreement is not reached by December 31, 2024, Cigna would no longer consider The Christ Hospital an in-network provider for Cigna Medicare Advantage plans. This could impact costs and coverage of care at our facilities in 2025.
4. Proactive Patient Steps
Switching Plans: Patients who wish to ensure in-network access to The Christ Hospital for 2025 should consider reviewing other Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2024. A list of accepted Medicare Advantage plans is available on our website.
Contact Cigna: Patients can also contact Cigna using the number on their insurance card to express their preference to keep The Christ Hospital Health Network as an in-network provider.
Continuity of Care Form and Out-of-Network Coverage Options
1. What is Continuity of Care?
For patients who are actively undergoing treatment for a chronic or acute condition, Cigna’s Continuity of Care option may allow continued access to The Christ Hospital providers for a limited period after December 31, 2024. This may apply to patients in an active treatment course, such as those with ongoing direct treatment plans, those prescribed specific medications, or pregnant patients in their second or third trimester.
2. Duration of Continuity of Care
Patients in active treatment may qualify to continue their care at The Christ Hospital for the remaining course of their treatment or up to 90 days, whichever is shorter. Pregnant patients may be eligible to receive continuity of care with their current provider through their postpartum period, approximately six weeks after childbirth.
3. How The Christ Hospital Can Assist You
The Christ Hospital is here to support you through the Continuity of Care process. Our team can help determine if you qualify, assist with completing any necessary forms, and facilitate the submission process to Cigna. We can also provide guidance on authorizations or out-of-network exceptions that might apply in your situation.
For patients who have questions or need help with the Continuity of Care request, our patient support line is available at 513-585-1200, or you can visit this dedicated webpage for further details and updates.
4. Getting Started with Continuity of Care
5. For Patients with HMO Plans
6. Assistance and Resources