Avera Health announces the organization is ending its participation in the Aetna Medicare Advantage Network. They say issues within the network are hurting their patient’s experience.
Patients utilizing Aetna Medicare Advantage plans will remain in-network through the end of 2025 before Avera fully drops the group from the network.
Medicare patients are currently in the window to select a new plan for the fall enrollment period. That ends December 7.
In a news release, Avera cites denials and reduced reimbursement as part of the reason to end service with Aetna. It’s unclear precisely how many Avera patients use Aetna services for their coverages.
Avera declined a request for interview, but Stacey Lenker, Vice President of Payer Strategies at Avera Health writes, quote, “At Avera, we want our patients to have an excellent experience. We understand this will mean a change for numerous patients. This was a difficult decision, but we feel it is in the best interest of our patients and providers,”
Additionally, the release says Avera is working with Chapter Medicare to offer advisors for patients to navigate the change in coverage.
Importantly, Avera will continue to be in-network for Aetna’s group employer insurances.
Avera encourages patients with appointments and operations scheduled in 2026 should check the 2026 Medicare plan coverage to ensure they’re still covered at their Avera hospital, provider, or surgery center.
Those impacted by the change will receive a letter in the coming days.