CommonSpirit Memorial – Formerly CHI Memorial – Left the Cigna Healthcare Network February 1

CommonSpirit Memorial chose to leave our network on February 1. Memorial is already one of the most expensive hospital systems in the greater Chattanooga area, and now they demanded rate increases that would force you and your families to pay more.

It is disappointing that CommonSpirit Memorial chose to walk away from negotiations, preferring to stand by their demands.

We know this is frustrating for you, especially just after the holidays. Our Customer Service Advocates are available 24/7 to help you find an in-network provider in your area and help with other transitions, like getting new referrals and prescriptions or Continuity of Care. Please call the number on your Cigna ID card or 1 (800) 244-6224. You may also visit myCigna.com^® or use the myCigna mobile app. For TRS or TTY services, dial 711 when you call.

What is Continuity of Care?

If you are currently undergoing treatment at CommonSpirit Memorial, you may be eligible for Continuity of Care which allows you to continue in-network coverage for certain medical treatment provided by CommonSpirit Memorial for a defined period of time even after the hospital left the network.

To find out more, please contact us at the toll-free number on your Cigna ID card, or use the myCigna^® app or website. You’ll find the Continuity of Care brochure and application there:

1. Go to myCigna.com.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Find a Form.
3. Select Medical and then choose Transition of Care/Continuity of Care Form.

If you call us, please let the Advocate know you’re in the middle of treatment. They’ll work with you to determine your eligibility for Continuity of Care and can also help you complete the request form.

Who is affected now that CommonSpirit Memorial chose to leave the network?

Our PPO, OAP, GPPO/POS, HMO, and LocalPlus plan members are affected, and any services delivered by CommonSpirit Memorial providers will be covered at an out-of-network benefit level (if your plan has out-of-network benefits). Seeking care from out-of-network facilities and providers will lead to higher costs, which is why we encourage you to seek care from in-network providers.

What if I was approved for services that start after January 31, 2026, what should I do?

Please contact us at the toll-free number on your Cigna ID card. A Customer Service Advocate will help you get approval for treatment at another hospital in your network. They can also work with you to determine if you’re eligible for Continuity of Care.

I was admitted before February 1 but my stay continues past this date, am I covered?

As long as we have approved your stay, the services you receive will be covered at the in-network benefit level, even if you stay after February 1, 2026.

What about emergency care?

Your emergency care services will be covered at the in-network level under your plan’s emergency room coverage. Additional services you receive as part of your emergency visit may also be covered at the in-network level, including out-of-network services received during an inpatient admission or outpatient observation stay.

Where can I access in-network care?

• Erlanger Baroness Hospital
• Parkridge Medical Center
• Erlanger East Hospital

Why did this happen?

We recognize that CommonSpirit Memorial, like many health care providers across the country, is facing labor shortages and other factors that contribute to cost pressures, but we have a responsibility to keep your health care affordable. Since CommonSpirit Memorial notified us of their significant demands, the Cigna Healthcare team worked hard to renew our contract. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, CommonSpirit Memorial walked away.

The issue is their price. Health care already costs too much and CommonSpirit Memorial is trying to make it even more expensive for you. It’s important to note that CommonSpirit Memorial is the highest cost hospital in the area, with rates significantly higher than other local hospitals - and now they want more.

We remain willing to negotiate with CommonSpirit Memorial to reach a fair agreement for you and your families, but only at rates that are reasonable and in-line with other local hospitals. This is especially important as you are dealing with rising costs of care.

Consider who pays CommonSpirit Memorial’s bills. Almost all of Cigna Healthcare’s business with CommonSpirit Memorial is through employer-sponsored plans that are self-funded. That means the actual cost of health care services is directly paid by employers, their employees and their families through payroll deductions. When the cost of care goes up, employers and customers ultimately pay more. 

We hope that CommonSpirit Memorial will do what is right for the people we both serve in this community and return to our network at reasonable, affordable rates.