Three months before contract expiration, new contract means Hartford HealthCare hospitals, ancillary providers and employed physicians will remain in-network without interruption.
Hartford HealthCare and Aetna today announced a three-year agreement effective Jan. 1, 2018. The agreement was reached three months before the current multiyear contract expired.
The new contract includes all Aetna members in commercial, employer-based healthcare and Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. Hospitals included in the agreement are Hartford Hospital, The Hospital of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Center, Backus Hospital and Windham Hospital. The contract also includes numerous Hartford HealthCare programs and services, as well as about 2,000 physicians and medical professionals.
“We are extraordinarily happy to have a partner who shares our values and our vision,” said Jeffery Flaks, president and chief operating officer for Hartford HealthCare. “Hartford HealthCare is committed to providing high-quality, affordable care. This agreement represents a relationship to support that work.”
The agreement builds on a successful ongoing collaboration between Aetna, Hartford HealthCare and its clinical integration organization, Integrated Care Partners. The three organizations have been exchanging data to identify, engage and help people with chronic conditions like diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder through improved care coordination. Additionally, Hartford HealthCare has entrusted Aetna with its own employee health plan.
“Our ability to come together with Aetna and agree on this contract a full three months before the existing agreement’s expiration date eliminates confusion and unnecessary disruption for our patients, providers and the communities we serve,” said Dr. James Cardon, executive vice president and chief clinical integration officer for Hartford HealthCare. “This agreement with Aetna is good news for patients, employers and healthcare providers.”
“Renewing our contract with Hartford HealthCare eliminates any potential for disruption, and allows us to continue our focus on helping members lead healthier lives,” said Mark Santos, president of Aetna’s New England market. “Today’s announcement also provides an opportunity to remind Medicare beneficiaries that it is critical to choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes their providers when participating in the Annual Election Period that begins Oct. 15.”
