Cigna Healthcare and Community Health System are in contract negotiations as a July 14 deadline passes. If no deal is reached, facilities including Community Regional Medical Center will leave Cigna’s network. (Image composite by The Business Journal)
published on July 14, 2026 – 2:55 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
Community Health System and Cigna Healthcare remained in negotiations Tuesday as their provider agreement reached its scheduled expiration — the third contract dispute between Community and a major insurer this year.
The organizations had previously agreed to extend their existing contract through July 14, pending negotiations. As of Tuesday afternoon, neither side had announced a new agreement or indicated whether another extension had been reached, potentially leaving Cigna members without in-network access to Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Medical Center and Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital.
Working toward renewal
“Community Health System and Cigna are actively working toward a renewal with the desire for Community Health System to remain in network,” said Lisa Ferrari, Community Health System’s vice president of managed care, in a statement Monday.
Cigna also said it remains committed to reaching a new long-term agreement with Community.
“We continue to have productive discussions with Community Medical Centers and remain focused on finding a path forward that balances access to care and affordability,” Cigna said in a statement Tuesday. “We will continue supporting our customers and keeping them informed as discussions progress.”
Financial terms of the negotiations have not been disclosed. In notices to policyholders, Cigna said Community is “demanding higher-than-average prices” that would raise health care costs. Community officials have said higher commercial reimbursement rates are necessary to offset rising labor, pharmaceutical and operating costs, and that Medicare and Medi-Cal patients make up the bulk of its patient volume.
Community Health System has been in contract disputes with three major insurers in 2026. The Aetna and Blue Shield disputes have been resolved; negotiations with Cigna continued as of July 14. Graphic by The Business Journal
Leaving Community’s network
Cigna primarily provides coverage through employer-sponsored health plans, particularly for large businesses and self-funded employers.
For Cigna members affected by any network change, emergency services at Community hospitals remain covered at in-network rates by law until a patient is stable. Cigna has directed patients to in-network alternatives including Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno and Adventist Health facilities in Selma and Reedley.
Patients in active treatment — such as pregnancy or chronic illness care — can apply for a continuity of care waiver allowing in-network rates for up to 90 days from the date Cigna’s notice was postmarked.
Busy year at the negotiating table
The Cigna standoff follows two similar disputes earlier this year. Community and Blue Shield of California reached a new multi-year provider agreement after months of negotiations stemming from disagreements over reimbursement rates. Community also resolved a dispute with Aetna in February, ensuring Community facilities and providers remained in network for roughly 6,200 Fresno Unified retirees and their dependents.