Effective Jan. 1, 2017, Saint Thomas Health's hospitals and physicians with Saint Thomas Medical Partners will be part of a Marketplace plan, Cigna Connect. Saint Thomas Health is part of Ascension, the nation's largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.

In late September, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) announced a decision to end coverage on Dec. 31, 2016, via the Marketplace plans in the Middle Tennessee region. This region includes Cheatham, Davidson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson counties.

"Our leaders have worked tirelessly to find a way for these patients to continue their healthcare without any disruption," said Karen Springer, president and CEO of Saint Thomas Health, who also serves as senior vice president, Ascension Healthcare, a division of Ascension. "As a part of Ascension, Saint Thomas Health is an advocate for 100 percent access, and we are committed to serving our communities and those persons in need."

Middle Tennesseans who purchased their coverage via the Marketplace and who were covered by BCBST and received their care from Saint Thomas Health or Saint Thomas Medical Partners will be able to continue their care in 2017 by signing up for Cigna Connect during the open enrollment period, which began Nov. 1, 2016.