JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of Northeast Florida residents could soon lose in-network access to Baptist Health hospitals and providers as contract negotiations between Baptist Health and Cigna remain unresolved days before a June 24 deadline.
RELATED: Jacksonville parents fear losing children’s doctors as Baptist-Cigna dispute threatens care
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If a new agreement is not reached, Baptist Health hospitals and employed providers will move out of Cigna’s network beginning June 24. Both organizations say they remain willing to negotiate, but each blames the other for the impasse.
The dispute has sparked concern among patients, including Jacksonville parents Amanda and Jasen LaPointe, who worry about losing access to their children’s doctors and specialists.
Their oldest daughter receives ongoing treatment for hip dysplasia through Baptist-affiliated specialists. Their younger daughter previously received speech therapy and surgery through Baptist providers.
“We’ve been with them since our oldest was born seven years ago,” Amanda LaPointe said. “They’ve always been great to us, so now to start over it’s kind of stressful.”
The family said they may be forced to seek care outside Jacksonville or pay thousands of dollars out of pocket if the dispute is not resolved.
“For major things like orthopedics, we’re going to have to go probably outside the city,” Jason LaPointe said. “The only game in town for that in Jacksonville was Wolfson’s.”
Why negotiations have stalled
Baptist Health says Cigna canceled its contract with the health system and has refused proposals that would keep Baptist hospitals and providers in network.
“We are at a critical point and are very concerned that Cigna will force Baptist Health hospitals and providers out of network on June 23, 2026,” Baptist said in a statement.
The health system said it offered Cigna lower reimbursement rates in hopes the insurer would pass savings on to members and employers. Baptist also argues that Cigna is seeking contract provisions that would give the insurer greater control over certain medical decisions.
“We believe medical decisions should be made by trusted doctors who know their patients,” Baptist said.
Baptist has also emphasized the potential impact on pediatric patients, calling Cigna’s decision to terminate its contract with Wolfson Children’s Hospital “particularly disappointing.”
“As the only dedicated children’s hospital here, we play an irreplaceable role in caring for kids,” Baptist said.
Cigna disputes Baptist’s characterization of the negotiations.
In a statement to News4JAX, Cigna said Baptist already charges significantly more than other local providers and is seeking contract changes that would increase costs for patients and employers.
“Baptist Health Jacksonville already charges Cigna customers more than other providers in the area and is seeking additional contract changes that would raise costs for employers and patients,” Cigna said.
According to Cigna, Baptist currently costs the insurer and its clients about 40% more than other local hospitals.
The insurer said negotiations have focused on creating more predictable and transparent pricing for customers while maintaining affordable access to care.
“We’ve been engaged in active, good faith negotiations and continue to meet regularly with the Baptist Health team,” Cigna said. “While there has been some progress in specific areas, significant gaps remain — particularly around solutions that would support more predictable, sustainable costs for families and local employers.”
Cigna also said Baptist is seeking changes that could limit the insurer’s ability to ensure the accuracy of claims payments.
“Our priority remains reaching an agreement that protects affordable, reliable access to care for the people we serve, and we remain committed to continuing these discussions,” the company said.
What patients should know
Both sides say patients currently undergoing treatment may have options if Baptist leaves Cigna’s network.
Baptist is encouraging patients to apply immediately for Continuity of Care coverage, which may allow certain patients to continue receiving treatment from their current providers at in-network benefit levels for a limited period.
Patients may qualify if they are receiving treatment for an ongoing serious medical condition, have a scheduled surgery or recent procedure, are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, require active treatment for a chronic condition or have a terminal illness.
However, both Baptist and Cigna note that eligibility decisions are made by Cigna.
Cigna said patients can continue receiving in-network coverage for certain medical and behavioral health treatment through its Continuity of Care program for a defined period after providers leave the network.
The insurer said customer service representatives can help members locate in-network providers, obtain referrals and prescriptions, and navigate Continuity of Care options.
Baptist also noted that emergency care at Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital emergency departments will continue to be covered at in-network rates under federal law. CareSpot Urgent Care centers, Baptist Behavioral Health services and independent physician practices, including Nemours Children’s Health and many OB-GYN groups, are not affected by the dispute.
Cigna says its customers can learn more here.