Cigna Managed Care Update
Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. (SGMG) and Southwest Family Physicians have been engaged in contract discussions with Cigna Health Plan. Despite extensive efforts to reach a fair and sustainable agreement, Cigna has proposed reimbursement reductions that do not keep pace with market standards or the rising costs of delivering care.
As a result, effective March 2, 2026, Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians will no longer be in-network with Cigna.
This change does not impact hospital-based services at Southwest General Health Center, which will remain in network for Cigna members.
We understand that insurance changes can be frustrating and stressful. Our priority remains ensuring patients continue to have access to high-quality care close to home, while supporting the physicians and advanced practice providers who deliver that care every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Did Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians reach an agreement with Cigna Health Plan?
A. No. Despite good-faith negotiations, Cigna Health Plan proposed reimbursement reductions, including decreased payment for advanced practice providers, that do not reflect current market conditions or the rising costs of providing care. Because of this, an agreement has not yet been reached.
Q. When does this change take effect?
A. Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians will be out of network with Cigna effective March 2, 2026.
Q. Does this affect hospital services at Southwest General Health Center?
A. No. This change applies only to physician and professional services. Hospital-based (facility) services at Southwest General Health Center will remain in-network for Cigna members.
Q. What is the difference between provider services and hospital (facility) services?
A.
- Provider (professional) services include care delivered by physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other clinicians through Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians.
- Hospital (facility) services include services provided by the hospital itself, such as emergency care, inpatient stays, imaging, lab, surgery facilities and hospital-based departments.
Even after March 2, 2026, hospital services will continue to be covered as in network under Cigna Health Plan.
Q. What does this mean for my care?
A. You may continue seeing your current Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., or Southwest Family Physicians provider. However, provider services may be considered out of network under your Cigna plan after March 2, 2026, while hospital services remain in-network.
Q. What if I already have a procedure or surgery scheduled?
A.
- Hospital-based services related to your procedure will remain in network.
- Provider services associated with your care may be out of network, but copays and coinsurance for those provider services will be waived.
- You may qualify for Continuity of Care through Cigna for certain ongoing treatments, such as pregnancy, cancer care or scheduled surgeries. Cigna Member Services can help determine eligibility and next steps.
Q. What is "Continuity of Care?"
A. Continuity of Care is a process that may allow patients to continue receiving care from their current physician or provider for a limited period of time if their provider becomes out of network.
If Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians were to become out of network with Cigna, certain patients, such as those who are pregnant, undergoing active treatment for a serious condition or scheduled for a procedure, may be eligible to continue care at in-network benefit levels for a defined period, depending on their specific health plan.
Eligibility timeframes and approval requirements are determined by Cigna. Patients would need to contact Cigna directly to request and confirm Continuity-of-Care coverage.
Q. Will this change my relationship with my provider?
A. No. You can continue receiving care from your trusted provider. Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians remain committed to continuity, quality and access to care for all patients.
Q. Why is this happening?
A. Cigna proposed reimbursement reductions that would significantly impact physician practices, particularly advanced practice providers, at a time when healthcare organizations are facing increased labor and inflationary pressures. Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., and Southwest Family Physicians remain committed to agreements that support patient access, provider sustainability and high-quality care.
Q. Who can help answer my questions?
A.
- For plan-specific coverage questions, contact Cigna Member Services using their number on the back of your ID card.
- For general questions, email InsuranceQuestions@swgeneral.com.