YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Patients with commercial health insurance through Cigna will continue to have in-network coverage at Mercy Health hospitals, urgent care centers and physician practices after a multiyear agreement was reached.
Mercy Health announced the agreement early Tuesday.
“We believe that access to quality health care services is vital for our community members. After several months of negotiations, we are pleased to have reached a new agreement that protects our patients’ access to affordable, compassionate care close to home,” said Dr. Jim Kravec, chief clinical officer of Mercy Health Lorain and Youngstown. “Having access to the providers you know and trust is critical for the health of our community, and we are grateful to our patients who entrust us with their care. We look forward to serving you for years to come.”
Prior to the agreement, Cigna-insured patients faced the possibility of being out of network as the insurer’s contract with Mercy Health was set to end April 1. Mercy Health and Cigna agreed April 1 to extend the deadline for 24 hours to come to an agreement.
The agreement includes Mercy Health physician practices, acute care hospitals, urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers and additional care sites throughout the state of Ohio.
Locally, this includes Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital and Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital.
The announcement noted the importance of long-term agreements for the continuity of care for patients.
“We understand that the possibility of Mercy Health being out of network with Cigna has been difficult, and we want to express heartfelt gratitude to our patients for their grace and support as we diligently worked through these negotiations,” the announcement reads.