Aetna and Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network will be out of network next year, The Morning Call reported Nov. 10.
The contract break could affect tens of thousands of patients, the newspaper reported.
The health system informed employers Nov. 10 it would no longer accept most Aetna plans after March 13, 2023, according to a letter obtained by the newspaper. The move impacts Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial coverage and does not impact children's plans or Medicare supplement plans.
In its message to employers, Lehigh Valley Health Network accused Aetna of refusing to pay for patients' care and denying or delaying care. The health system said it has tried to solve these issues with Aetna since 2017.
Lehigh Valley Health Network operates 13 hospitals and other health centers and practices in Eastern Pennsylvania, according to its website.