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Jamie Barrand | Oct 16, 2015

Aetna, Rush Health launching Illinois accountable care organization

Aetna has partnered with Rush Health to establish Aetna Whole Health Chicago, a commercial health care product in Illinois, to provide its members with comprehensive care that will not only track outcomes, but also provide for the sharing of data and measurement of clinical standards, the companies said this week.

The companies said this venture will improve the quality and efficiency of the services they offer.

Aetna Whole Health Chicago is the first accountable care organization (ACO) in Illinois that gives members the option of being part of an ACO, rather than being moved into one.

“We are shifting the health care system from one that focuses on quantity of services to one that offers consumers more choice, more value from services and higher-quality care at a more affordable price,” Nitin Bhargava, president of Aetna’s Illinois operations, said. “The outcome can be a better patient experience, a healthier community and fewer people in hospitals.”

Aetna members will have access to coordinated care through Rush Health’s 1,300 primary-care physicians and specialists in its four hospitals.

“The Aetna Whole Health Chicago product is completely aligned with the mission and values of our organization and providers, and is unique compared to other local health plan choices,” Brent Estes, president and CEO of Rush Health, said. “Employers and consumers will have access to a high-value product comprised of premier providers focused on improving quality and access, and reducing costs.”

Aetna Whole Health Chicago will be available to self-insured businesses beginning Nov. 1, with an effective date of March 1, 2016. Fully insured plans will be available Nov. 1 for an effective date of April 1, 2016.

For 2017, it is anticipated that the Rush Health arrangement also will be available to individuals via the federal health insurance marketplace or to fully insured and self-insured members in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Kendall, Will, Kankakee and McHenry counties.

For more information, visit www.aetna.com.

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