Cigna Healthcare and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City are in the midst of a contract dispute – and many cancer patients are getting caught in the crossfire. The cancer center sent letters to patients in December to inform them that Cigna soon would drop network coverage.

"We are writing to let you know that Cigna Healthcare does not plan to renew their contract with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) as an in-network insurance provider in 2024," the letter said. "This will impact your ability to receive care at MSK in the future. We have been doing everything we can to reach a fair agreement with Cigna. MSK has faced major cost increases in recent years, and Cigna is not willing to help cover these costs. As a result, we have not been able to reach an agreement that allows us to provide the very best cancer care at low cost to our patients."

However, a tentative agreement will extend the termination date and allow the cancer center to remain in-network. "We have mutually agreed to extend our current contract until February 15 as we work together to finalize a new agreement," Cigna spokesperson Madeline Ziomek said