Aetna, Banner Health collaborate in accountable care

The accountable care organization (ACO) Banner Health Network and Aetna will launch an accountable care health plan, called Aetna Whole Health that will give members access to Banner Health's providers, Aetna announced today. The new health plan will be available later this month to Arizona employers.

Banner Health Network is a patient care and business partnership between Arizona Integrated Physicians, the Banner Medical Group, the Banner Physician Hospital Organization, and Banner Health with more than 2,000 employed and affiliated physicians.

The risk-sharing agreement between the provider and insurer will compensate and reward Banner Health based on quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction measures, including improved population health, reduced per capital costs of healthcare, reduced readmissions, and expanded primary care.

As for member benefits, the commercial healthcare plan will allow members to pay less out of pocket, receive more coordinated care in managing chronic conditions, focus on wellness, and have access to Aetna's online tools, according to an Aetna press release.

"We're proud and excited that the Banner Health Network has been selected by Aetna to serve the members of Aetna Whole Health," said Banner President and CEO Peter S. Fine. "These kinds of products and networks that rely on population health management to enhance care and control costs through an emphasis on wellness and a close coordination of care for members are going to become increasingly preferred by consumers," Fine said.

Earlier this month, reports indicated that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services selected Banner Health as one of the first Pioneer ACOs. Banner Health told FierceHealthcare that the process was still underway, and as of Nov. 4, no contract was signed.

For more information:
- read the press release

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