Cigna, Tenet Healthcare announce a new deal
Cigna and Tenet Healthcare announced a new deal on New Year’s Day, keeping Memphis-area Tenet facilities in-network for Cigna commercial customers after a lengthy contract dispute.
The multi-year agreement provides Cigna commercial customers access to Tenet providers. Tenet has 252 hospitals, facilities and affiliated doctors in Tennessee, Cigna said previously, including Saint Francis Hospital – Memphis and Saint Francis Hospital – Bartlett. Contract specifics were not disclosed.
The new contract agreement resolves a spat between the two health care entities that has gone on since February. Cigna said previously Tenet was asking for unreasonable rates and wouldn’t negotiate locally, while Tenet said Cigna’s proposal would slash pay-
ment rates by millions.
Cigna said in November roughly 2 percent of its Memphis customers have been cared for at a Tenet hospital in the past 18 months.
“We believe this is the right outcome for our patients, employees and communities, and we look forward to continuing to serve Cigna members around the country today and in years to come,” said Ron Rittenmeyer, executive chairman of Tenet, in a statement. “We remain committed to providing them with the trusted, compassionate care they deserve.”
Cigna expressed similar sentiment in a statement, adding customer service is available for any questions customers have about their plans.
“Our objective throughout contract negotiations has been to keep health care affordable in local communities for our clients and customers and we are pleased with this outcome,” Cigna said.
Max Garland covers Fedex, logistics and health care for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at max. garland@commercialappeal.com or 901-529-2651 and on Twitter @Maxgarlandtypes.