Banner|Aetna Evolves Performance Network, Driving Value and Access for Arizona Employers and Members
Insurer adds Gila County and in-network providers to close gaps in care and geographic coverage
 
Phoenix, AZ (February 4, 2025): Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, announces substantial enhancements to its performance network that create more value for employers and members.
 
The insurer’s “payvider” structure means its payer and provider parent organizations share equal financial accountability, a unique approach that promotes collaboration across the health care system. Along these lines, Banner|Aetna’s performance network improves care efficiency by working exclusively with providers who meet the highest quality standards. Health systems, physicians and other providers in the network are committed to ensuring the timely delivery of appropriate and coordinated care for members, resulting in improved health outcomes and savings of up to 9 percent^* compared to other plans.
 
The largest of its kind in Arizona, Banner|Aetna’s performance network spans five counties, representing 85 percent of the state population. With its expansion into Gila County, employers and members there, as well as in Coconino, Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties, can receive high-quality, in-network health care continuously across these regions. This strategic network design boosts care connectivity and access, which is especially important for employees in rural areas and employers with statewide workforces.
 
Other improvements to Banner|Aetna’s performance network include the addition of multiple leading health systems, such as the nationally renowned cancer treatment center Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Evernorth Care Group, a comprehensive health care delivery system. In southern Arizona, members can now access in-network care through Northwest Healthcare, a prominent, integrated health care network with over 80 care locations.
 
Currently, members of the Banner|Aetna performance network have vast options to meet their health care needs, including:
·       Nearly 3,400 primary care physicians and more than 28,000 specialists
·       49 hospitals, including Banner Children's at Desert, Banner Children’s at Thunderbird, HonorHealth, Tucson Medical Center and Flagstaff Medical Center
·       Virtual low- or no-cost care via 98point6 or in-person services at MinuteClinic^® locations  
 
“Adding these geographic coverage areas and providers to our performance network is just one way we’re putting top-quality health care within reach, while keeping it affordable and connected for employers and their teams across Arizona,” said Jon Dingledine, Vice President, Sales & Account Management of Banner|Aetna. “The strength and strategy of this innovative network design demonstrate our commitment to making health care work better for our members.”
 
The insurer’s strategic and foundational alignment with Banner Health—Arizona’s largest health system with over 800 convenient care sites—provides plan sponsors and members with extra advantages, like cost savings and streamlined billing. Banner|Aetna members also benefit from Banner Health’s continually evolving offerings, including world-class pediatric services at Banner Children’s and next-generation primary care through the Banner Health Center plus clinics.
 
Performance network plans are available to all commercial members in eligible counties. For employers looking to control rising health care costs, these plans can be offered as an exclusive plan option. They can also be offered alongside Banner|Aetna’s broad network for even greater employee choice.
 
To learn how Banner|Aetna can bring value to your organization and employees, visit banneraetna.com.
 
^*Comparison is made to Aetna's broad network plans. Savings may be less when compared to other value-based network plans. Savings depend on which county the member lives in.
 
About Banner|Aetna
Banner|Aetna is a health insurance company focusing on bettering member outcomes at a lower cost, all while improving the overall member experience for employers and consumers in Arizona. The collaboration combines Banner Health’s high-quality, local providers and delivery systems with Aetna’s health-plan experience, care management and health information technology. Banner|Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. For more information about Banner|Aetna, visit banneraetna.com.

About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.

About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media Contact:
Sarah McLeod
Activate Health
smcleod@activatehealth.com
480.352.1044

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