Aetna Announces Medicare Advantage Network to Expand Service Area by ~60%

Aetna AET is expanding its nationwide Medicare Advantage provider network for employer-sponsored group plans through the addition of 261 counties in 22 states for 2014. Medicare beneficiaries who select Aetna Medicare Advantage through their employer will have access to a broader provider network and other plan features that offer savings and convenience. Aetna's group Medicare Advantage plans offer health management and wellness programs that may save employers more than $120 per member per month compared to an unmanaged approach.* The plans offer retirees more choice for affordable and convenient coverage alternatives with attractive benefits. Many plans include extra-value discounts on dental, eyewear and hearing-aid services, access to lifestyle coaching and weight management programs. As a result of Aetna's group Medicare Advantage network expansion, the service area will grow by 59 percent from 442 counties to 703 on January 1, 2014. The growth includes 87 counties in Texas, 49 counties in Indiana, 43 in Georgia and 22 in Illinois. Other expansion states include counties in Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Premiums vary by geography. Aetna also offers Medicare Supplement insurance products in most states.