Syracuse, N.Y. — St. Joseph’s Health and Aetna have reached a new contract agreement, averting a disruption of medical services to about 15,000 patients covered by the insurer.
St. Joe’s warned its Aetna patients back in October they would face higher out-of-pocket costs for care if it didn’t hammer out a new deal before its contract with the insurer expired Dec. 31, 2021. If the contract was terminated, patients would have to find other insurers or leave St. Joe’s and find new medical providers.
The hospital subsequently extended the contact to give both sides more time to negotiate a new agreement.
St. Joe’s said Trinity Health, its parent company, has signed a letter of agreement with Aetna that covers all hospitals in its national network. Trinity, a large Catholic health system, had threatened to terminate hospital contracts with Aetna in several cities.
“A national, unified approach enabled us to obtain fair rates ... that reflect the realities of today’s healthcare climate,” St. Joe’s said in a prepared statement. “As a result, we are better positioned to continue navigating the lasting impacts of the pandemic while ensuring we can sustainably fulfill our mission to our patients, colleagues and communities for years to come.”
St. Joe’s said it is finalizing details with Aetna and expects new rates and contracts to be fully implemented by the end of February.
It said patients with Aetna commercial or Medicare Advantage plans can continue making appointments and receiving care at in-network rates.
James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com