YOUNGSTOWN — Mercy Health announced early Wednesday a multi-year commercial insurance agreement with Cigna that keeps all Mercy Health physician practices, acute care hospitals, urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers and additional care sites in-network.

“We believe that access to quality health care services is vital for our community members. After several months of negotiations, we are pleased to have reached a new agreement that protects our patients’ access to affordable, compassionate care close to home,” said Dr. Jim Kravec, Chief Clinical Officer, Mercy Health-Lorain and Youngstown. “Having access to the providers you know and trust is critical for the health of our community, and we are grateful to our patients who entrust us with their care. We look forward to serving you for years to come.”

Local Mercy Health facilities are St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and St. Joseph Warren Hospital.

“At Mercy Health, our goal is to have long-term agreements with all major payers, including Cigna, so our patients can have seamless access to quality care in our community. We understand that the possibility of Mercy Health being out of network with Cigna has been difficult, and we want to express heartfelt gratitude to our patients for their grace and support as we diligently worked through these negotiations,” Kravec added.