The new plan design incorporates some features from Aetna’s
parent company. The plan lets members access appointments at HealthHUB and
MinuteClinic locations with no copay, and get discounts on health-related items
at CVS stores.
By ELISE REUTER at 9:31 PM
A new insurance plan
designed by Aetna would steer patients toward its parent company’s health
assets. The Aetna Connected plan would let members access appointments at CVS
Health’s MinuteClinics and newer HealthHUBs for no copay, along with other
features that make use of CVS’ pharmacy business.
The insurer is
test-driving the new plan in the Kansas City metro, to start. The new plan will
be available starting in January and is designed for companies with more than
101 employees.
“It’s all about meeting
our members where they are to increase engagement, improve outcomes and reduce
health care costs,” Aetna’s local market president, Jim Boyman, said in a news
release.
CVS closed its $70
billion acquisition of Aetna in late 2018. Since then, the two behemoths have been working to integrate their
respective businesses, with this being the latest offering.
At the same time, CVS has
been leaning further into its retail health strategy, with plans to roll out 1,500 HealthHUB stores by 2021.
The remodeled locations have more space dedicated to health services, with an
emphasis on services for patients with chronic conditions. In addition to
clinics, these stores offer other services, such as phlebotomy labs or sleep
apnea assessments. They also have a space that can be used for yoga,
nutritional seminars and other wellness-related classes.
In a recent earnings
call, CVS CEO Larry Merlo said the company had seen a 15% increase in visits
associated with services for chronic conditions at its HealthHUBs. Customers
that come in for health services also generally buy more while they’re in the
store than those who don’t, according to JD Power.
As part of Aetna’s new
plan, members will have access to discounts in health-related items in CVS
stores, free prescription delivery and a 24/7 pharmacist helpline.
Outside of CVS’ clinics,
members will have access to Aetna’s local network, which covers 13 hospitals
and 8,300 specialists on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line. Aetna
claims premiums for the new plans are 20% cheaper than other PPO plans in the
region.
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