To increase member engagement and combat rising healthcare costs experienced in today’s market, healthcare company Aetna has designed a new innovative insurance plan. The Aetna Connected plan, which will be available in January 2021, will permit members to access appointments at CVS Health’s MinuteClinic and newer HealthHUBs for no copay; and steer members to other CVS assets. The plan is the latest result of integrating CVS and Aetna’s respective businesses since closing their $70 billion acquisition in 2018.
The new plan is designed for companies with more than 101 employees and will be tested in the Kansas City metro area first. Members will have access to discounted health-related items in CVS stores, free prescription delivery and a 24/7 pharmacist helpline. Outside of CVS’ clinics, Aetna’s local network, which encompasses 13 hospitals and 8,200 specialists on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line, will also be available to members.
“It’s all about meeting our members where they are to increase engagement, improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.”
Jim Boyman, Aetna’s Local Market President
CVS CEO, Larry Melo, stated that the company had seen a 15% increase in visits associated with services for chronic conditions at its HealthHUBs. In line with the insurance company’s desire to expand its retail health strategy, 1,500 additional HealthHub locations will open by 2021. Revamped CVS stores will include more space for health services with an emphasis on helping patients with chronic conditions; as well as the ability to accommodate phlebotomy labs, sleep apnea assessments, nutritional seminars, yoga, and wellness-related classes.
Information provided by MedCity News.