Imagine waking up to the news that your health insurance might no longer cover your trusted healthcare provider. That’s the reality for over 4,000 UNC Health patients with Cigna insurance, who are now facing uncertainty after the contract between UNC Health and Cigna expired this week. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: this isn’t just about one contract—it’s part of a larger, often confusing landscape of healthcare agreements in North Carolina. And this is the part most people miss: understanding when these contracts expire and what it means for their care.
By Ashley Rowe, WRAL anchor/reporter
For those 4,000-plus patients, December appointments are now in jeopardy. With the UNC Health-Cigna contract expired, these individuals face tough choices: switch to a new provider, pay significantly higher out-of-network costs, or cover expenses entirely out of pocket. It’s a stressful situation, especially for those relying on consistent care. UNC Health has released a statement regarding their negotiations with Cigna, but the outcome remains uncertain.
This situation has sparked questions from WRAL viewers, many of whom are now wondering about the expiration dates of their own healthcare contracts. And here’s the controversial part: while North Carolina’s major healthcare networks—like WakeMed, Duke Health, and UNC Health—list their accepted insurance plans online, they rarely disclose when these contracts are set to expire. Why is this information so hard to find? Is it intentional, or just a gap in transparency?
Let’s break it down further. In March 2024, UnitedHealthcare secured long-term deals with UNC Health and Duke Health, providing stability for patients. However, not all negotiations go smoothly. WakeMed, for instance, is currently out of network with UnitedHealthcare, though negotiations are ongoing. A WakeMed spokesperson assured WRAL News that they remain committed to reaching a resolution, emphasizing that emergency care is still available to all patients, regardless of insurance status.
WakeMed does have agreements in place with Cigna and Aetna, which won’t expire until the end of 2026. Their contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina extends even further, through May 21, 2027. When asked about their contract lengths, UNC Health and Duke Health declined to provide expiration details, leaving patients in the dark about potential future disruptions.
In October 2025, Duke Health and Aetna reached a new multi-year agreement, offering some relief to patients. But this patchwork of contracts and expirations highlights a broader issue: the lack of clarity in healthcare agreements. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should healthcare providers and insurers be required to publicly disclose contract expiration dates to ensure patients can plan ahead? Or is this information best kept behind closed doors?
As we navigate this complex system, one thing is clear: patients deserve more transparency. Until then, staying informed and advocating for clarity in healthcare contracts is more important than ever. What’s your take? Do you think contract expirations should be publicly available, or is it a matter best left to the providers and insurers? Let us know in the comments below.
