BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Some Aetna clients can breathe a sigh of relief, as the health insurance company and Lehigh Valley Health Network announced Thursday they have reached an agreement.
LVHN issued a statement saying the two sides have reached an agreement that lets Aetna Commercial and Medicare members remain in-network.
- LVHN and Aetna reach an agreement to keep some members in-network
- Aetna Commercial and Medicare members will still be covered in 2023
- Earlier this month, the two sides said they would part ways in spring of next year
"The relationship between LVHN and Aetna is longstanding," the health system's statement said. "We will continue to work together to serve our patients and members, and to deliver on our shared goal of improving health outcomes in our community."
"We will continue to work together to serve our patients and members, and to deliver on our shared goal of improving health outcomes in our community."Lehigh Valley Health Network statement
Earlier this month, LVHN announced it no longer would accept Aetna health insurance come spring 2023. LVHN Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Bob Murphy was featured in a video posted to the system's website explaining the situation.
“We have observed Aetna taking steps behind the scenes to delay or even deny coverage for the care you need," he said in the video. "The situation has gone on since 2017, and as a result LVHN informed Aetna we will terminate our agreements with them effective March 13, 2023.”
People in the Lehigh Valley who are currently Aetna members took to social media to voice concerns about the situation. In a group for Lehigh Valley moms, one person asked the group for recommendations for doctors outside of LVHN who take Aetna insurance.
A spokesperson for Aetna released a statement saying, “Lehigh Valley Health Network is a valued partner to us in this endeavor. For our clients and members, we will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lehigh Valley Health Network with an eye toward reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution for all.”
Thursday’s statement from LVHN went on to say, “We will continue to work together to serve our patients and members, and to deliver on our shared goal of improving health outcomes in our community.”
Here are the full statements:
Lehigh Valley Health Network:
"We are pleased to announce that LVHN and Aetna have reached an agreement that allows Aetna Commercial and Medicare members to remain in-network at LVHN. The agreement is effective immediately.
Our top priority as we worked toward reaching an agreement remained our patients and members.
The relationship between LVHN and Aetna is longstanding. We will continue to work together to serve our patients and members, and to deliver on our shared goal of improving health outcomes in our community."
Aetna health Insurance:
"Aetna is dedicated to providing our members with access to affordable care that is local, convenient and helps achieve better health. Lehigh Valley Health Network is a valued partner to us in this endeavor. For our clients and members, we will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lehigh Valley Health Network with an eye toward reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution for all."
