Aetna Expands Medicare Advantage Network With Baylor And Adds Collaborative Care Model

Aetna (NYSE:  AET) announced today that Baylor Health Care System has joined its network of participating hospitals for Medicare Advantage members. Beginning November 1, members of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans can receive care at in-network rates from all Baylor facilities, as well as from Baylor Quality Alliance physicians and HealthTexas Provider Network physicians. Baylor has been part of Aetna’s commercial network for more than 20 years.

“Aetna is pleased to add Baylor Health Care System to our Medicare Advantage network,” said Barb Wilkinson, head of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage operation for Texas. “We are proud to offer our customers access to high-quality hospitals and providers throughout the state. This agreement now expands that access for our Medicare Advantage members in North Texas.”

“We are always looking to expand our reach in the communities we serve,” said Gary Brock, chief operating officer, Baylor Health Care System. “And now this new contract means we will be able to serve thousands more in this region.”

Aetna and Baylor Quality Alliance (BQA), Baylor’s accountable care organization, also signed an agreement to provide coordinated care for Medicare Advantage members who receive care from BQA or HealthTexas Provider Network physicians.

Under this agreement, Aetna nurse case managers will work closely with the physicians on quality and care management for eligible Aetna Medicare Advantage members. Aetna and BQA also will work together to improve adherence to best practices and treatment plans and BQA physicians will be rewarded for quality and efficiency improvements.

“We are excited to work with Baylor Quality Alliance to improve the coordination of care to our Medicare Advantage members, which we believe will also help lower avoidable health care costs,” said Randall Krakauer, MD, FACP, FACR, Aetna’s national Medicare medical director. “This agreement is another example of how Aetna is working with health care providers to promote higher quality of care and greater coordination and an overall better patient health experience.”

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