Stuart Encourages Aetna Health Insurance and Barnes Jewish Hospital to Reach Coverage Agreement

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, releases the following statement regarding patients at Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJH) receiving notice that their health insurance provider, Aetna, will no longer be accepted at BJH or WashU Medicine on Jan. 1, 2027:

“For retired state workers in the Metro East and beyond, Aetna is the only insurance plan available. Countless people in our area count on Aetna to provide Medicare and standard healthcare coverage for everything from routine exams to emergency care to specialized treatment.

“Aetna has begun sending notices that patients are losing coverage for treatments at Barnes Jewish Hospital or through WashU Medicine. Patients will soon be out of network for their primary physicians, specialists and more. Patients currently undergoing cancer treatments at our closest cancer specialist may be forced to pay out of pocket or forgo their lifesaving care. This is absolutely unacceptable.

“Aetna is choosing to abandon thousands of patients who don’t have access to alternative health insurance plans. Health insurance should cover patients unilaterally, not only when the company deems they’ve made enough profit.

“I hope Aetna and BJH can come to an agreement that will continue necessary healthcare coverage for retirees and others across our community who rely on their respective insurance and healthcare. My community’s health is not a money-making scheme. I have implored Aetna privately and now publicly to do the right thing and ensure our community’s access to health insurance is continued.

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