Toledo, Ohio – The contract between ProMedica, a healthcare provider in northwest Ohio, and Cigna Insurance came to an official end on Monday, April 1, 2024. This termination has left many Ohio patients with Cigna commercial insurance concerned about potentially having to cover 100% of billed charges for services provided by ProMedica out-of-network facilities and PPG providers. Despite the contract coming to an end, both companies are still in discussions to find a resolution, which has left patients like Joel Curcio in a state of uncertainty.
Curcio, along with many others, faces the dilemma of whether to seek medical care from their usual ProMedica providers or wait until a new agreement is reached. The uncertainty surrounding the situation has disrupted the lives of many in the community, causing them to rethink their healthcare decisions.
ProMedica has expressed their efforts in negotiating with Cigna to renew their commercial insurance contract but unfortunately was unable to come to a resolution. As a result, many ProMedica providers and facilities are now considered out-of-network for Cigna members. ProMedica is working to provide information to affected patients on how this situation may impact them through various channels, including their website.
On the other hand, Cigna has placed the blame on ProMedica, citing their demands for significant rate increases that could make healthcare more expensive for customers and their families. Cigna emphasizes the importance of keeping healthcare affordable for their customers, especially amidst rising prices due to inflation. They are committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair and reasonable contract with ProMedica before the current one ends on April 1.
Despite the challenges in reaching an agreement, Cigna reassures their customers that they are prepared to help them find quality in-network providers if ProMedica chooses to leave their network. Patients covered by Cigna are urged to reach out to Cigna representatives for assistance in locating in-network hospitals and providers.
As the negotiations between ProMedica and Cigna continue, patients like Curcio remain hopeful for a positive outcome that will allow them to resume care from their preferred providers. The ongoing discussions between the two companies underscore the importance of fair and reasonable contracts in ensuring that patients have access to quality healthcare without facing financial burdens.