Aetna's Expanded Geographic Reach Produces Strong Membership Gains in Georgia
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ALPHARETTA, Ga., March 26, 2009 — Aetna (NYSE: AET) saw strong membership gains in all segments in Georgia last year, adding nearly 85,000 new members under a comprehensive effort to expand the company's product and network presence into markets outside metropolitan Atlanta. In 2008, Aetna expanded its network operations in markets outside Atlanta, adding 37 hospitals and 3,269 physicians to its HMO network, and 18 hospitals and 1,382 physicians to its PPO network. These efforts enabled the company to grow its membership in the state to more than 609,000, up from 525,000 at the end of 2008. "We're very excited about the gains we've made across Georgia," said Cynthia Follmer, president of Aetna's Georgia operations. "Historically, Aetna's membership has been heavily concentrated around the Atlanta metropolitan area. But in 2008, we worked deliberately to build strong network, broker and employer relationships in other markets." In past years, Aetna has contracted with rental provider networks in markets where it has had a smaller presence. But in 2007, the company began contracting directly with hospitals and physicians in central and southern Georgia, and expanding its HMO-licensed service area and provider networks in Savannah, Augusta, Macon and other markets. In 2008, Aetna completed direct contracts in the Columbus, Ga. area and further strengthened ties with the provider community in Savannah, Augusta and Macon. "The message we're sending to these markets is that Aetna is committed to growing business and establishing long-term relationships with employers, brokers, hospitals and doctors," Follmer said. "We remain a strong competitor in Atlanta, but we're also expanding our operations into other cities." About Aetna |
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