Important update about Baptist Health and Cigna Commercial
As you may have heard, as of June 1, 2026, Baptist Health hospitals, physicians, and ambulatory surgery centers are no longer in-network with Cigna Commercial plans.
Baptist Health has cared for families in our community for more than 100 years, and we remain committed to helping patients receive the care they need.
Baptist Health worked with Cigna to try to reach a new agreement before June 1, 2026. While some progress was made, the two organizations did not finalize a new contract.
Contrary to messaging from Cigna, this dispute is not about rates. Our disagreement is about how our relationship should function, and how we expect health plans to treat providers. We believe health plans should:
- Pay for your care correctly and on time
- Work with your physicians so your care is not delayed or denied
- Let you know clearly if your access to care may change
We understand that this may leave some patients with questions about upcoming appointments or treatment. We want you to know that we are here to help you understand your options.
Baptist Health is still working toward an agreement that supports patient access and affordability. If you have Cigna insurance, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card to ask about your coverage and options. You may also want to contact your employer if your insurance is provided through work.
Baptist Health wants to continue caring for you and your family. Some Cigna plans may include out-of-network benefits, so please check your plan and let your physician’s office know if that applies to you. If you are in active treatment, there may be options that allow you to continue your care. And if you have an emergency, you can always go to a Baptist Health emergency department.
You may have alternative options to continue seeing Baptist Health physicians and using Baptist Health hospitals. We can help you understand those options. Baptist Health accepts many insurance plans. Accepted plans can be viewed on our website: Insurances Accepted - Baptist Health - Hospitals & Emergency Room in Birmingham, AL.
We will continue to share updates as we have them. Below are answers to common patient questions.
Thank you for trusting Baptist Health with your care.
Questions and Answers
Q. Why did Baptist Health and Cigna Commercial not reach a new agreement?
Baptist Health worked with Cigna to try to complete a new contract before June 1, 2026, but the two organizations did not finalize an agreement in time.
Our focus is caring for patients and supporting the communities we serve. We want agreements with health plans that help patients access needed care.
Q. Does this affect Medicare patients?
A. No. Cigna sold its Medicare network to HCSC. As of January 1, 2026, former Cigna Medicare and Cigna HealthSpring members became HealthSpring members. Baptist Health is in-network with HealthSpring.
Q. Which Baptist Health locations and services are included?
A. The contract includes all Baptist Health entities, including hospitals, outpatient services, and the medical group.
Q. What if I am already in the hospital before June 1, 2026, and my stay continues after that date?
A. If you were admitted before midnight on June 1, 2026, your stay will continue to be treated as in-network until you are discharged under continuity-of-care provisions. Baptist Health will continue to care for you through the completion of your treatment during that stay. If you think you may qualify for continuity of care, please call Cigna at the number on the back of your insurance card.
Q. What should I do if I already have a procedure scheduled at a Baptist Health facility after June 1, 2026?
A. Some patients may qualify for continuity of care, including people in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or people receiving cancer treatment.
If you think this may apply to you, please call Cigna to ask whether you qualify and what steps to take next.
Q. Who should I call if I have questions about my coverage?
A. For questions about your specific benefits, contact your employer or plan administrator, or call Cigna at the number on the back of your insurance card.
Q. How can I change my insurance plan?
A. You may have options that allow you to continue seeing Baptist Health doctors and using Baptist Health hospitals, and we can help you understand those options. Baptist Health accepts many insurance plans. You can review accepted plans here: Insurances Accepted - Baptist Health - Hospitals & Emergency Room in Birmingham, AL. We understand this change may be frustrating, and we want to help you find the best next step for your care and coverage.
