Lehigh Valley Health Network and Humana Inc. have reached an agreement giving Humana members in-network access to LVHN hospitals, physicians and clinics throughout the Lehigh Valley and in the Hazleton region.
The new network agreement, effective Tuesday, includes all Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans. Humana membership, which has grown in the Lehigh Valley and Hazleton areas in recent years, includes more than 3,700 members.
“In today’s ever-changing climate of health care reform consumers must be more knowledgeable and selective about where they receive care,” LVHN CEO Brian Nester said in a news release. “We feel our network gives Humana members an exceptional option and greater access to the care we all want and need to both stay healthy and regain their health when sick or injured.”
Humana members will have in-network access to LVHN’s 700 physicians and 300 practice clinicians representing 45 medical specialties in 140 practices across the Lehigh Valley region.
“Humana has a strong Medicare Advantage presence in eastern Pennsylvania,” said Rich Vollmer, Pennsylvania president for Humana’s Senior Products. “Expanding our network to include Lehigh Valley Health Network will offer our members an even stronger network of world-class doctors and hospitals.”
With nearly 17 million members, Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare, offering hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage all in one plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer benefits and services not available on traditional Medicare, including health coaching, wellness programs and chronic illness assistance.
—Sam Kennedy
