Aetna, Jefferson Health System Sign Multi-year Contract

KING OF PRUSSIA & RADNOR, Pa., July 12, 2006 — Aetna and Jefferson Health System Inc. (JHS), the largest health care system in Southeastern Pennsylvania, have reached agreement on a new long-term contract that extends their relationship until at least Jan. 1, 2011.

Under the agreement, Aetna members will be able to continue receiving covered inpatient health care services at JHS member institutions. Those institutions include: Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, including the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Methodist Hospital and Jefferson Healthcare-Voorhees; Albert Einstein Medical Center; including its Elkins Park Campus; Main Line Health, including Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Lankenau Hospital; and Frankford Hospital’s Torresdale, Frankford and Bucks County campuses. In addition, Aetna members will be able to receive covered rehabilitation services at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, MossRehab and Magee-Moss Rehab at Voorhees.

"This new long-term agreement is a very positive development for Aetna members," said R.J. Franzoi, head of health care delivery for Aetna’s Mid-Atlantic Region. "We’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Jefferson Health System, and their facilities and physicians have been important components of our provider network in Southeastern Pennsylvania."

Aetna has more than 850,000 members in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Those members have access to a network of 466 hospitals, 2,930 primary care physicians and 8,009 specialists.

"Our new Aetna contract represents a continuation of the strong relationship JHS has enjoyed with Aetna and its members for many years," said David F. Simon, JHS senior vice president.

Headquartered in Radnor, Pa., JHS has more than $3 billion in annual revenues, 27,000 full-time employees, 3,700 beds and 4,500 medical staff members, making it the largest health system in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 28.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities.

Published: 7-12-2006