St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, part of the seven-hospital Value Care Alliance that, in Fairfield County, also includes The Western Connecticut Health Network of Danbury, New Milford and Norwalk hospitals, said beginning Jan. 1 it will be part of a new co-branded health insurance plan offered by Aetna under the insurer’s accountable care organization agreements with the VCA and Hartford HealthCare.
“This unique collaboration among the VCA, Aetna and Hartford Health Care will help make healthcare more affordable and enhance access to safe, quality care,” St Vincent”™s said.
The new accountable care organization of a total 13 hospitals ”” including participating facilities in the Hartford Health Care network ”” will feature more than 5,500 in-state physicians, 39 urgent care and emergency room locations. The plans will be marketed under the name Aetna Whole Health ”” Hartford HealthCare & Value Care Alliance.
Connecticut residents who choose the plans will pay lower out-of-pocket costs and benefit from the improved flow of information between participating hospitals and physicians, St. Vincent”™s said.
More coordinated care and an improved flow of information are the program”™s hallmarks, St. Vincent”™s said. The model also holds the potential for reducing unnecessary care and improving outcomes, which, in turn, should lead to a decrease in acute care services.
“Patients with chronic or complex conditions requiring closer care coordination will receive particular attention,” St Vincent”™s said.
Aetna nurse case managers will work with the accountable care organization to assist in care coordination, outreach and follow-up services.
“This alliance accomplishes several things,” said Dr. Stuart G. Marcus, president and CEO, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, which dates to 1903. “It increases access to affordable, quality care and patients can expect a more highly coordinated, personalized level of care. At St. Vincent’s, we believe this is the progressive model today’s evolving healthcare environment demands: patient knowledge plus enhanced provider coordination translate to quality care at a lower cost and a better patient experience.”
“This is great news for Aetna’s present and future members in Connecticut,” Mark Santos, president of Aetna’s New England operations, said. “We built this product to be a highly competitive solution for businesses and for individuals looking for quality coverage, affordable rates and strong value for their healthcare dollar. It emphasizes featured care providers from two top systems. They will work with us to deliver high-quality care at a competitive price.”
