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Aetna

Aetna Expands Provider Network for Medicare Advantage Members in Connecticut


HARTFORD, Conn., December 04, 2009 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) announced today that beginning January 1, 2010, its Medicare Advantage members will have access to MidState Medical Center and Windham Hospital as part of Aetna’s Medicare network of participating health care facilities in Connecticut. This network expansion is part of a larger agreement recently reached between Aetna and Hartford Healthcare, a system that includes both MidState Medical Center and Windham Hospital.

Under this new agreement, Aetna Medicare Advantage plan members will be able to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from MidState Medical Center and Windham Hospital. These hospitals have participated in Aetna’s commercial network for several years and will continue to do so under this broader deal.

"Aetna is excited about this new, expanded agreement with MidState Medical Center and Windham Hospital,” said Martha Wofford, Northeast region general manager for Aetna’s Consumer Segment.  “These hospitals have provided excellent care to our commercial-plan members for many years, and we’re delighted that our recent agreement with Hartford Healthcare will expand access to these facilities for our Medicare Advantage plan members.”

“We feel strongly that our broader agreement with Aetna will allow us to develop new programs that will give us the opportunity to drive meaningful improvements in patient safety and chronic care management for our patients,” said Jim Blazar, senior vice president and chief strategic officer of Hartford Healthcare. “These types of programs can be particularly helpful for Medicare beneficiaries, so we are glad that this agreement includes increased access to MidState Medical Center and Windham Hospital for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plan members.”

About Aetna 
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates.  For more information, see www.aetna.com.

About Hartford Healthcare
Hartford Healthcare is one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive integrated healthcare delivery systems, comprising three acute-care hospitals (Hartford Hospital, Windham and MidState), a mental health and substance abuse network, clinical laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, home care services and primary care practices.   Its tertiary care teaching facility, Hartford Hospital, is an 867-bed regional referral center that provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.