As of December 1, 2026, LCMC Health physicians and Touro will no longer be in-network with Cigna Healthcare effective December 1, 2026. Our other facility agreements remain intact for a short period of time.
The current negotiation affects LCMC Health physicians and Touro only. At this time, hospital services at Manning Family Children’s, East Jefferson General Hospital, West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans East Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, and Lakeview Hospital will remain unimpacted and in network with Cigna. University Medical Center New Orleans is not in network with Cigna.
This was not the outcome we hoped for. After nearly a year of negotiations, Cigna declined to bring reimbursement rates in line with the true cost of care, creating an unsustainable situation for the hospitals and physicians who serve Greater New Orleans.
What This Means for You
- You can still receive care at LCMC Health. However, some services may now be considered out-of-network by Cigna, which could mean higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Cigna patients with ongoing treatment, including maternity care, cancer care, or other chronic conditions, may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits that extend in-network coverage for a limited time.
- Emergency care is always covered at in-network rates. In a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room.
Take Action
- Ask about Continuity of Care. Call Cigna using the number on your member ID card or at 1-800-244-6224 to see if you are eligible for continuity of care benefits. Let them know continued access to LCMC Health is important to you.
- Ask about the availability of out-of-network benefits through your plan. Call Cigna using the number on your member ID card.
- Talk to your employer or HR manager. If your coverage is through your workplace, your benefits team may be able to advocate on your behalf or explore plan options that keep LCMC Health in-network for 2027.
- Contact your insurance broker. If you buy your own coverage, talk with your broker about switching plans during open enrollment.
- Stay informed. Check this page for updates.
Why This Happened
For years, Cigna has reimbursed LCMC Health below market rates, payments that no longer cover the cost of delivering care. We cannot continue to provide the same high-quality care while being paid less than what it takes to sustain it.
Our hospitals care for everyone in New Orleans, including thousands of Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. We reinvest every dollar locally, into staff, technology, and services that keep this city healthy. We are asking for fair, market-aligned reimbursement that supports the future of healthcare in our community.
