CVS Health's Aetna Launches Program to Improve Post-Hospital Care for Medicare Patients
- Aetna, a CVS Health subsidiary, is advancing its Clinical Collaboration Program to improve post-hospital care for Medicare Advantage members.
- By 2025, Aetna plans to implement the program in ten hospitals, aiming to reduce readmissions and emergency visits.
- The ACC program will expand into Aetna's broader network, enhancing care coordination for all members, including those aged 65 and older.
Aetna's Clinical Collaboration Program Aims to Transform Post-Hospital Care
Aetna, a subsidiary of CVS Health, is advancing its Clinical Collaboration (ACC) program, which targets improved care for Medicare Advantage members during their transition from hospital to home or skilled nursing facilities. By the end of 2025, Aetna plans to implement this innovative program in ten hospitals, building on its current partnerships with AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Houston Methodist, and WakeMed Health & Hospitals. This initiative addresses a critical challenge in healthcare, as nearly 20% of Medicare-insured patients face readmissions within 30 days of discharge. By embedding Aetna nurses within hospital teams, the program seeks to provide essential support at a vulnerable stage in patient care, thereby reducing readmission rates and emergency room visits.
Dr. Ben Kornitzer, Aetna’s Chief Medical Officer, underscores the significance of the discharge process. Patients often leave the hospital with new diagnoses and complex medication regimens, making the transition period particularly challenging. The ACC program aims to bridge this gap by ensuring that patients receive personalized care management. Since its inception earlier this year, approximately 25% of individuals enrolled in the ACC program have interacted with an Aetna care manager, indicating a positive reception of the program's support system. As the initiative expands, it is expected to decrease both 30-day readmissions and hospital length of stay by 5% annually, contributing to more effective healthcare delivery for Medicare beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, Aetna plans to further extend the ACC program into its broader network in 2026 and beyond. Not only will this initiative enhance care for Medicare Advantage members, but it is also set to be adapted for Aetna's Commercial business, emphasizing the company's commitment to improving overall health outcomes. By focusing on care coordination and support, Aetna positions itself as a leader in driving change within the healthcare sector, ultimately benefiting patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system as a whole.
In related developments, Aetna continues to prioritize the well-being of its 4 million members aged 65 and older, recognizing the importance of tailored healthcare solutions for this demographic. The ACC program represents a strategic move to enhance patient experiences and outcomes during one of the most critical transitions in the healthcare journey. As Aetna forges ahead with its plans, the implications for improved patient care and reduced healthcare costs could be significant in the coming years.