Cigna, Aetna reach coverage agreement with St. Charles
Published 1:51 pm Tuesday, September 23, 2025
St. Charles Health System has reached agreements with Cigna and Aetna health insurance companies to keep the two carriers in network for patients.
The health system has said that it has been working with insurance companies to work out an agreement to shift the administrative burden of denials, delays, inefficiencies over to the insurance company, said Matt Swafford, St. Charles Health System chief financial officer in a prepared statement.
“Though not perfect, both contracts with Aetna and Cigna include elements that better address these issues,” Swafford said. “We will remain in-network for both insurance companies.”
The agreement allows policy holders to obtain care from medical professionals at St. Charles hospitals and clinics at a pre-negotiated lower rate. Out of network means that the savings from discounted rates would not be passed on to patients. When patients see an out-of-network provider, costs can be higher or an insurance company may not cover the care at all.
In September, Cigna policy holders were notified that care from St. Charles Health System would be out of network starting Oct. 1. Cigna covers about 5,000 patients in Central Oregon and Aetna health insurance covers about 7,500 patients. The agreement impacts patients who are considered commercial patients, not Medicare Advantage patients.
The health system operates four hospitals in the region, and the next closest hospital is more than 100 miles away.
Cigna confirmed that an agreement to remain in-network at St. Charles was reached, said Jocelyn Parker, company enterprise media relations lead and senior advisor. Patients will not see any interruption in coverage, Parker said.
“We remain committed to improving the health and vitality of our customers in the region through access to affordable care,” Parker said.
The Hospital Association of Oregon said the delaying claims tactics disrupt patient care. It’s caused friction between providers and insurers.
Clinton Mora is a reporter for Trending Insurance News. He has previously worked for the Forbes. As a contributor to Trending Insurance News, Clinton covers emerging a wide range of property and casualty insurance related stories.