Aetna and Stony Brook University Hospital Reach New Network Agreement

HARTFORD, Conn., March 17, 2010 —  Aetna (NYSE: AET) and Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) are pleased to announce today a new agreement for the hospital’s participation in the Aetna network.  The agreement is effective through April 30, 2011, and will enable Stony Brook physicians currently participating with Aetna to continue their participation uninterrupted. 

Care received at SBUH since the prior agreement expired on February 15, 2010, will be at the preferred or in-network participation level for members in all Aetna commercial health plan products, as well as the Stony Brook Aetna Student Health plan. 

“This agreement reflects the genuine commitment both parties have had to the process of continuing to negotiate in good faith, focus on the issues, and work to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of all parties concerned—especially Stony Brook patients who are our members, and the many local businesses that pay for their health coverage,” said Steve Logan, president of Aetna’s New York market.  “Both Stony Brook and Aetna wanted to reach a fair agreement, and we are very pleased to let Long Islanders know we succeeded, and that we appreciate their patience during the process.” 

“We tried very hard to minimize any impact on patients with Aetna insurance and apologize for how long this negotiation took,” said Steven L. Strongwater, MD, SBUH Chief Executive Officer. “We could not rest until this negotiation was concluded, and I am extremely gratified that we have been able to reach this agreement, restoring access to Stony Brook University Hospital and its many services unique in Suffolk County to Aetna’s members.”

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.