Cigna Terminates Partnership with East Tennessee Children's Hospital

After 30 years of partnership, Cigna has notified East Tennessee Children's Hospital (ETCH) that it will terminate its contract with our hospital and all ETCH-affiliated providers effective March 1, 2026.

We are shocked and disappointed by Cigna's decision. ETCH has made repeated good-faith efforts to reach an agreement that would keep us in Cigna's provider network. Without an agreement, all patients covered by Cigna would have to use their out-of-network benefits to access care at ETCH, resulting in higher costs for families.

Simply put, Cigna's termination decision places important pediatric services at risk and threatens access to care for thousands of East Tennessee children and families like you.

For nearly 90 years, East Tennessee Children's Hospital has embraced its responsibility to take care of our future, one child at a time. Our desire is to keep doing this for another 90 years. We won't allow the "business of medicine" to disrupt our mission. We want to work with Cigna to reach a fair and balanced contractual agreement.

Together, we must continue to advocate for the health and wellness of our families.

Matt C. Schaefer
President and Chief Executive Officer
East Tennessee Children's Hospital