Cigna members in Mandarin can again visit Baptist Health doctors and hospitals at in-network rates after a nearly three-month coverage gap ended Wednesday.

Baptist Health and Cigna Healthcare signed a new multiyear contract that returns all Baptist facilities and Wolfson Children's Hospital to the insurer's network, the health system announced in a joint press release. The change took effect immediately.

How the coverage gap affected patients

The previous contract expired June 24. Since then, Cigna policyholders seeking nonemergency care at Baptist locations were billed at out-of-network rates. Only emergency visits and ongoing "continuity of care" treatments kept their standard pricing, as Action News Jax reported.

For Mandarin families with children, the deal is especially significant. Wolfson Children's Hospital is the only full-service children's hospital serving Northeast Florida, and it was among the 16 Baptist-affiliated facilities and physician practices cut from Cigna's network during the dispute.

The lapse hit customers on PPO, OAP, GPPO, HMO, Local Plus and SureFit plans, according to a Cigna notice. Other locations dropped from the network included Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Primary Care, Baptist Clay, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Physicians and Baptist Obstetrics and Gynecology.

What leaders from both sides said

Baptist Health President and CEO Matthew A. Zuino said the deal "reflects that shared commitment and allows us to move forward together to strengthen health and improve lives across the communities we serve."

A Cigna Healthcare spokesperson said the contract restores patient access while supporting affordable health care costs for employers and families in the region, according to First Coast News.

What Mandarin patients should do

Baptist Health said claims filed during the dispute will be honored at in-network rates. Patients with upcoming appointments should keep them as scheduled unless contacted by their doctor's office.

Residents who postponed or canceled appointments, procedures, screenings or follow-up visits during the gap should call their provider to reschedule. Baptist Health's patient line is available at 904-202-3210, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those with coverage or claims questions can call the number on their Cigna ID card.

The length of the new contract and its financial terms were not disclosed.