Carle Health in Urbana, Ill., said it won't commit to treating Aetna Medicare Advantage members, the only health plan offered to Illinois state retirees, until it has a contract with the insurer, The News-Gazette reported Sept. 28.
Dennis Hesch, executive vice president of Carle Health, told The News-Gazette the system has "historical challenges" with Aetna.
"If Aetna offers a contract Carle feels is fair and protects Carle's interest, Carle will treat these members," Mr. Hesch told the newspaper.
An Aetna spokesperson told the newspaper that it will defer to the health system to decide to see its Medicare Advantage members. The spokesperson said Christie Clinic and OSF HealthCare, other providers in the Champaign-Urbana area, are in network with the plan.
Carle Foundation Hospital is the area's only level-I trauma center.
Aetna's Medicare Advantage plan will be the only option for Illinois state government retirees next year, who previously were offered plans from UnitedHealthcare and Humana in addition to Aetna, The News-Gazette reported.