Aetna Signs Contract With Lower Keys Medical Center
MIAMI, Florida,April 28, 2008 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) announced today it has reached agreement with Lower Keys Medical Center on a three-year contract that brings the Key West, Fla., facility and its physician group into Aetna’s network for the first time.
"This is a very positive development for Aetna members in South Florida," said Ruth Fricke, Aetna’s head of network operations in Florida. "As we work to grow our presence in the Keys, building strong relationships with facilities and physicians such as those at Lower Keys will become increasingly important."
Under the agreement, members of Aetna network-based plans will be able to receive covered in-patient and out-patient services, at in-network rates, from Lower Keys Medical Center, which previously operated under a rental agreement with Aetna. .
Aetna provides and administers health benefits to more than 315,000 members in South Florida. Those members have access to a contracted network of 57 hospitals, 1,900 primary care physicians and 5,400 specialists.
"Lower Keys Medical Center is committed to improving access to quality and affordable health care services," says Meylan Lowe-Watler, chief operating officer for Lower Keys Medical Center. "A direct contract with Aetna will allow the residents and visitors in our community to have access to an additional insurance coverage option while benefiting from in-network rates."
The Lower Keys Medical Center (LKMC) is a 167-bed acute health care facility located in Key West, Fla. The center includes the dePoo Building, a 49-bed psychiatric and chemical dependency unit located on nearby Kennedy Drive. LKMC is fully accredited by the State of Florida and the Joint Commission of Healthcare Organizations.
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.3 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 and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. www.aetna.com
