Posted Thursday, Oct. 27: Cigna and Renown Health Reach Agreement
Cigna and Renown Health announced they have reached an agreement on a new contract. The agreement protects affordability and provides Cigna members with continued in-network access to all Renown hospitals and physicians. This agreement applies to Cigna consumers enrolled in employer-based HMO and PPO plans and provides continued in-network access to Renown affiliated care providers and facilities.Consumers with questions can contact Cigna by using the toll-free number on the back of their current Cigna identification card or going to cigna.com/renown.
Why are the contracts between Cigna and Renown Health in negotiation?
The healthcare landscape continues to face unprecedented challenges, including significant health plan payment denials, labor and supply chain shortages, and higher acuity needs of our patients. As providers are forced to take firmer stances in insurance contract negotiations in the face of these new realities, contract terminations and out of network situations are becoming more common. It is our goal to provide for your long-term health and well-being by aligning our insurance contracts to focus on value, collaboration and quality.When are the contracts set to expire?
Unfortunately, the contracts between Renown and Cigna for all employer sponsored and individual plans will expire November 1, 2022. We encourage you to call your health plan or employer to let them know it is important to keep Renown Health in network. Know your options, you may be able to switch or transition to another health plan based on a qualifying life event or your individual or employer coverage.What options do patients or employers have to keep their Renown doctors and services?
We encourage all patients impacted by this change to contact their insurance agent, broker and employer to let them know how important it is for Renown to remain ‘in network’ for you and your family. Know your options; you may be able to switch or transition to another health plan based on a qualifying life event or your individual or employer coverage.If you are an employer, we want you to know you have options to provide your employees with access to Renown. We are contracted with the following plans: Aetna, Anthem, Hometown Health, and United. Employers with additional questions may contact payercontracting@renown.org.
Can I still come to Renown for my health care?
Cigna members may still access Renown Health hospitals and Renown Medical Group locations at in-network rates for many of your healthcare needs, such as:
- Emergency care. Per the Affordable Care Act, members may always access our hospitals for emergency services at in-network benefit levels.
- If you are in an ongoing course of treatment, your care may still continue with your Renown Medical Group provider and have services at our hospitals on an in-network basis. This includes things such as pregnancy, terminal illness, life-threatening conditions or chronic conditions.
- Patients or doctors can initiate these requests; please contact your health plan for more information on Continuity of Care.
What if I have an appointment scheduled after October 31?
If you have an appointment or procedure scheduled with Renown after October 31, we will work to obtain authorization from your health plan. If your health plan allows, you may continue to see your Renown provider as authorized. If your health plan does not authorize the appointment or procedure, your out-of-pocket costs could vary. We will continue to provide the highest quality, compassionate care whether we are in or out of network.
What if I am an established patient with Renown Medical Group?
If you are insured by Cigna and are an established patient with Renown Medical Group, in order to help minimize disruption in care, we will no longer be scheduling services past October 31, unless prior authorization is granted by your health plan.I am concerned about treatments I have already started.
What will happen to my care?
We are committed to your health and to our community. However, if an agreement has not been reached with Cigna, we expect them to facilitate continuity of care in accordance with state law and your benefit plan. There are certain services like pregnancy, terminal illness, life threatening conditions, or chronic conditions in which patients are allowed to continue treatment on an in-network basis after a contract terminates.As always, Emergency Department services provided at Renown Regional Medical Center or Renown South Meadows Medical Center will always be treated as in-network.
Whom should I reach out to for other questions or concerns?
If you have questions or other concerns about your employer provided Cigna coverage, we recommend reaching out to your Human Resources Department or Employee Benefits department to ask them to continue to keep Renown Health ‘in network.” You may contact Cigna directly at the number listed on your member identification card.
What insurances are accepted at Renown?
Please visit accepted insurance plans for a full list.
Does the Cigna negotiation or termination include University Health locations and providers?
No, the negotiation and termination does not include University Health. Patients insured with Cigna will continue to be contracted and in-network with all University Health locations and providers.