Dear Physician,
I am writing to share an important update regarding our relationship with Aetna. St. Joseph’s Health—as a member of Trinity Health—and Aetna have signed a letter of agreement for all health ministries, effective January 1, 2022.
A national, unified approach enabled us to obtain fair rates and consistent language for all our Health Ministries that reflect the realities of today’s healthcare climate. As a result, we are better positioned to continue navigating the lasting impacts of the pandemic while ensuring we can sustainably fulfill our mission to our patients, colleagues and communities for years to come.
The details:
· The new agreement is effective January 1, 2022 and covers the high-quality care we provide to patients with Aetna commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans.
· There is nothing you need to do. We will continue caring for our patients without disruption, as we have done throughout this process.
· There is nothing for our patients to do. Our patients with Aetna commercial or Medicare Advantage plans can continue making appointments and receiving care at in-network rates, just as they always have.
· In the coming days, we will send a letter to our patients with Aetna commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance plans to let them know we’ve successfully reached an agreement that continues their in-network access to St. Joseph’s Health.
· Our website, www.sjhsyr.org/aetna-negotiation and our negotiations patient information line, 315.703.6780 will remain active for a little while to respond to any patient questions or concerns.
· Please use the patient FAQs (located below) to assist with any patient questions you may receive.
Thank you for your support as we worked diligently to achieve a new agreement with Aetna.
Sincerely,
Leslie Paul LukePresident and CEOSt. Joseph’s Health
PATIENT FAQs
January 2022
PURPOSE: For use when answering patient questions during face-to-face conversations.
1. What is happening?
St. Joseph’s Health and Aetna have reached a multi-year agreement for a new contract, effective January 1, 2022, that covers the high-quality care we provide our patients with Aetna commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans. With this new agreement, patients with Aetna health plans can continue to receive in-network care at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, facilities and physician practices without disruption.
2. When does the contract with Aetna begin?
Our new contract with Aetna began at midnight on January 1, 2022. There is nothing for patients to do.
3. Which Aetna health insurance plans are covered by the new contract?
All Aetna commercial (including employer-sponsored) and Medicare Advantage health plans are covered.
4. Which St. Joseph’s Health hospital/facilities, providers and services are covered by the new contract?
Providers: St. Joseph’s Medical
St. Joseph’s Health Hospital and Providers
Hospital: St. Joseph’s Health Hospital
5. I have an Aetna health insurance plan. What does this mean for me?
With this new agreement between Trinity Health and Aetna, you will continue to have in-network access to St. Joseph’s Health Hospital and providers.
6. Now that you have reached an agreement, is there anything I need to do to protect my in-network access to St. Joseph’s Health in 2022?
There is nothing for you to do. Our new contract began at midnight on January 1, 2022. You will automatically continue to have in-network access to your St. Joseph’s Health Hospital and providers.
7. What if I am pregnant or receiving treatment for a special condition on or after January 1, 2022?
There is nothing for you to do. Our new contract began at midnight on January 1, 2022. You will automatically continue to have in-network access to your care with St. Joseph’s Health providers and to St. Joseph’s Health Hospital.
8. What if I’m in the hospital when the current contract ends?
Our new agreement began at midnight, January 1, 2022. You’ll continue to receive in-network care in the hospital from St. Joseph’s Health providers.
9. What if I have other questions?
Patients can contact us on our patient information line at 315.703.6780 or visit www.sjhsyr.org/aetna-negotiation.