Cigna Healthcare and MUSC Health

What You Need to Know

May 18, 2026

Cigna Healthcare and MUSC Health are currently in network contract negotiations, a normal part of health care management  intended to balance fair provider reimbursement with affordability for patients, employers, and families. Our discussions continue, but if we are unable to reach an agreement, MUSC Health will no longer be part of the Cigna Healthcare network as of July 1, 2026.

We want MUSC Health to remain in our network, but MUSC is seeking to continue a pricing approach that lacks transparency and ultimately increases costs for our clients and customers. Our priority remains reaching an agreement that supports affordable, reliable access to care for the people we serve, and we will continue working to reach an agreement.

We’re here to help you understand what this network change may mean for you, navigate your coverage, and learn more about potential Continuity of Care options. If you have questions or need support, contact us 24/7/365.

Who will be affected?

If MUSC Health chooses to leave our network, Cigna Healthcare customers with HMO, PPO, and OAP plans will be affected. Any services delivered by these providers would 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 facilities and physician practices will be out-of-network if no agreement is reached?

Medical University of South Carolina MUSC Health Florence Medical Center MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center MUSC Health Marion Medical Center MUSC Health Chester Medical Center

MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown         MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast          MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center MUSC Health Black River Medical Center              MUSC Orangeburg Hospital

Where can I access in-network care if MUSC Health leaves our network? 

Medical University Hospital Authority facilities	Nearby in-network facilities	City, state	Distance from Medical University Hospital Authority affiliated facility
Medical University of SC	Roper St. Francis Healthcare	Charleston, SC	0.6 miles
	Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital	Charleston, SC	7.1 miles
	East Cooper Regional Medical Center	Charleston, SC	7.4 miles
MUSC Health Florence Medical Center	McLeod Regional Medical Center	Florence, SC	3.2 miles
	McLeod Health Darlington	Darlington, SC	12 miles
	Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center	Hartsville, SC	24 miles
MUSC Health Marion Medical Center	McLeod Health Dillon Hospital	Dillon, SC	17 miles
	McLeod Health Loris Hospital	Loris, SC	26 miles
	McLeod Regional Medical Center	Florence, SC	26.2 miles
MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center	Piedmont Medical Center	Rock Hill, SC	28.1 miles
	Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center	Hartsville, SC	46 miles
	Prisma Health Richland	Columbia, SC	50 miles
MUSC Health Chester Medical Center	Piedmont Medical Center	Rock Hill, SC	24.1 miles
	Prisma Health Richland	Columbia, SC	48 miles
	Prisma Health Baptist	Columbia, SC	50 miles
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown	Prisma Health Richland	Columbia, SC	2 miles
	Prisma Health Baptist	Columbia, SC	2 miles
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast	Prisma Health Richland	Columbia, SC	6 miles
	Prisma Health Baptist	Columbia, SC	8 miles
MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center	Prisma Health Richland	Columbia, SC	30 miles
	Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center	Hartsville, SC	29 miles
	Prisma Health Baptist	Columbia, SC	32 miles
MUSC Health Black River Medical Center	McLeod Health Manning	Manning, SC	27 miles
	McLeod Regional Medical Center	Florence, SC	28 miles
	McLeod Health Manning	Manning, SC	33 miles
MUSC Orangeburg Hospital	Prisma Health Baptist	Columbia, SC	38 miles
	Prisma Health Richland	Columbia, SC	40 miles

Why is this happening?

We’re negotiating with MUSC Health about how prices are set for your care. MUSC Health is demanding a pricing model that is out of step with the market and does not align with the more predictable approaches used by most providers and payers today.   

It’s important to consider who ultimately pays for MUSC Health’s services. Any increases in reimbursement are ultimately borne by both employers, through higher plan costs, and by patients, through higher payroll contributions or out‑of‑pocket costs when they seek care. That’s why we’re focused on pricing that promotes overall sustainability, with clear guardrails to help manage cost growth over time. Without these guardrails, costs are more likely to rise faster and become less manageable for employers and members over the long term.

We recognize the disruption this network change would cause, and we are continuing to negotiate in good faith with MUSC Health. Our goal is to reach an agreement that keeps them in network, while protecting you from higher health care costs.

What if I am admitted to an MUSC Health facility before July 1, 2026, but my stay continues past this date?

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 MUSC Health has left the network.

What if my specialist provider admits patients only to MUSC Health?

Some specialist physicians who only admit to MUSC Health will need to obtain admitting privileges at another in-network hospital, or they will be removed from the Cigna Healthcare network. If your physician leaves the network, you will receive a separate letter, and you’ll need to choose a new specialist who is in the Cigna Healthcare network to continue receiving in-network benefits for services.

What about emergency care?

Your emergency care services will be covered at the in-network level under your plan’s emergency room coverage. If you’re admitted to the hospital from the emergency room, your stay will be covered at the in-network level until you’re stable and ready to be transferred to an in-network hospital.

What is the Continuity of Care program, and how do I determine if I qualify?

The Continuity of Care program allows you to continue to get in-network coverage for certain medical and behavioral treatment at the hospital for a specific period of time — even after the hospital and/or providers leave your plan’s Cigna Healthcare network. To find out more about Continuity of Care and submitting a Continuity of Care form:

• Contact us toll-free at the number on your Cigna Healthcare ID card or 1.800.244.6224.
  • Let our Customer Service Advocate know that you’re in the middle of treatment and want to see if you qualify for Continuity of Care. We’ll work with you to see if you’re eligible and help you complete the forms.
• Visit Cigna.com
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Find a Form.
  • Select Medical Forms and then choose Transition of Care/Continuity of Care Form.
  • Print and fill out the Transition of Care/Continuity of Care Request Form
  • Mail it to the address noted on the form.

Once you submit the request form, Cigna Healthcare will send you a letter with our decision. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at the number on your Cigna Healthcare ID card. Customer Service Advocates are available 24/7

How long will Continuity of Care services be covered at the in-network rate?

If your care was authorized before July 1, 2026, you may be able to receive in-network coverage for care from the hospital and/or your provider for up to ninety (90) days. If you’re pregnant and undergoing a course of treatment for pregnancy through the postpartum period before July 1, 2026, you may be able to continue to receive care from the hospital and/or your provider at the in-network rate for the remainder of your pregnancy, as well as during your post-partum care.

If your health care professional is also no longer in your plan’s Cigna Healthcare network as a result of this termination, he or she can submit a request to Cigna Healthcare to continue coverage of your care at the in-network rate.