Providence has been actively working with Cigna to agree to new reimbursement terms in Washington state so that we can provide ongoing care for our patients with Cigna insurance.
At Providence, your well-being is our top priority. We know you rely on Providence to keep you and your loved ones healthy. We thank you for entrusting us with your care.
Providence has been actively working with Cigna to agree to new reimbursement terms in Washington state so that we can provide ongoing care for our patients with Cigna insurance. Unfortunately, we have not yet come to an agreement, meaning patients with Cigna insurance may be out of network at Providence hospitals and clinics if our commercial contract is not renewed by the expiration date on Sept. 1, 2026.
Note: Commercial health insurance refers to private plans typically purchased by individuals or provided by employers as part of employee benefits packages. Commercial health plans are different than government insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
These negotiations impact all ministries and services in Washington, including Providence, Providence Swedish, Kadlec and PacMed. Negotiations do not impact patients with Medicare Advantage or Medicaid.
Key points to know
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Patients with Cigna commercial insurance may be out of network with Providence on Sept. 1, 2026, if we do not reach an agreement.
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This does not affect anyone immediately. Right now, patients with Cigna insurance can still receive in-network care at Providence as we negotiate a new contract.
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Negotiations are a standard process. We are hopeful to come to agreement with Cigna before the expiration date to avoid any disruption to their members’ ability to receive care at our hospitals and clinics.
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Patients with questions about their coverage should contact Cigna directly by calling the number on the back of their member ID card or customer service at 1-800-997-1654.
We understand these negotiations can be stressful. Please know that we are continuing to work with Cigna in good faith to come to an agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening and why?
Providence is working with Cigna in Washington to agree to new terms, including reimbursement rates, for the services we provide. We hope to reach an agreement with Cigna before our commercial contract ends on Sept. 1, 2026.
Providence cares deeply about the people we serve. At the same time, we face serious challenges. Health systems across the country and in our communities, including Providence, are experiencing the crushing weight of rapidly rising costs of care caused by inflation, wage increases and supply disruption.
Providence cannot continue to absorb the increased costs required to provide high-quality care without adequate, timely reimbursement rates for the services we provide. We are working tirelessly to combat rising costs, yet insurers, including Cigna, also need to be part of the solution – working with us to keep care sustainable.
Can I still see my provider?
These negotiations do not affect anyone immediately. On or before Aug. 31, you can still receive in-network care at Providence as we negotiate a new contract.
What happens on Sept. 1?
If Providence and Cigna do not agree on a new commercial contract, Providence hospitals and clinics will be out of network on Sept. 1. This means you may have to pay more for care at Providence after the contract ends.
What does out of network mean?
“Out of network” means Providence does not have a contract with an insurer. Patients with insurance that is out of network with our doctors and facilities might pay a different, likely higher amount than if their insurance had a contract with us (in network).
Can I keep my scheduled appointment or procedure on or after Sept. 1?
We will be contacting patients directly if their appointment or procedure may need to be changed. Some Cigna members may also qualify for “Continuity of Care,” which allows temporary in-network coverage for certain conditions 90 days after the contract expiration date. Cigna determines whether you are eligible for Continuity of Care. You can contact
Cigna by calling the number on the back of your member ID card or customer service at
1-800-997-1654.
Can I still use Providence for emergencies?
Yes. By law, patients always have access to our emergency departments, regardless of our contract status with Cigna. If you experience an emergency, you should visit the nearest emergency department.
What can I do?
We still hope to reach an agreement with Cigna before our contract’s expiration date. In addition to exploring other health insurance plans that contract with us, you can take these steps to protect your access to in-network care with Providence:
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Call Cigna. Use the number on the back of your insurance card or call 1-800-997-1654 and tell them how important it is to have in-network access to Providence hospitals and clinics.
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Talk to your HR or benefits manager at work. If you receive your health insurance through your employer, ask your Human Resources or benefits manager about other options that will protect your in-network access to Providence.
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Apply for Continuity of Care. Patients who are pregnant or getting active treatment for a chronic condition may qualify for extended in-network access through Cigna. If you think you may qualify, call the number on the back of your insurance card.
Patients should contact Cigna directly with questions about their insurance coverage, including out-of-network vs. in-network benefits and Continuity of Care, by calling the number on the back of their member ID card.
About Providence Swedish
Providence Swedish has served the Puget Sound region since the first Providence hospital opened in Seattle in 1877 and the first Swedish hospital opened in 1910. The two organizations affiliated in 2012 and today comprise the largest health care delivery system in Western Washington, with 24,000 caregivers, eight hospitals and 244 clinics throughout Western Washington – from Everett to Centralia. A not-for-profit family of organizations, Providence Swedish provides more than $545 million in community benefit in the Puget Sound region each year. The health system offers a comprehensive range of services and specialty and subspecialty care in a number of clinical areas, including cancer, cardiovascular health, neurosciences, orthopedics, digestive health and women’s and children’s care. For more information, visit providence.org/swedish.
Providence’s first focus is our patients. We understand that disruptions in your access to healthcare are frustrating and will do our best to keep you updated. As always, Providence has a team of financial counselors available to help those who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise unable to pay for their health care, providing assistance with medical bills, including free or discounted care. Patients can learn more on our financial assistance website.
Thank you for trusting Providence with your healthcare needs.
