Aetna signs new expanded agreement with Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Oct 31 2009

Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) announced today that it has expanded its relationship with Sarasota Memorial Hospital by reaching agreement on a long-term contract that will provide access for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members. This agreement marks the first time Sarasota Memorial has agreed to participate in a Medicare Advantage network plan.

Under this new agreement, which takes effect Nov. 1, Aetna Medicare Advantage plan members will be able to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The hospital has participated in Aetna’s commercial network for several years and will continue to do so under this long-term deal.

"Aetna is excited about this new, expanded agreement with Sarasota Memorial,” said Jim McCunney, Aetna’s vice president of network management for Tampa/West Central and Southwest Florida. “Sarasota Memorial has provided excellent care to our commercial-plan members for several years, and we’re delighted to offer access to their facilities for our Medicare Advantage plan members.”

“Aetna has established a strong track record with Sarasota Memorial through its commercial plans, and we are pleased to not only renew, but to expand our provider agreement to better meet the needs of Medicare Advantage members,” said Sarasota Memorial Chief Financial Officer David Verinder.

Aetna provides health benefits to approximately 400,000 members in the Tampa/West Central and Southwest Florida areas. Those members have access to a network that includes 60 contracted hospitals and more than 8,500 primary care physicians and specialists.