DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Aetna Better Health of Illinois, a CVS Health company, has announced the distribution of $20.4 million in value-based care incentive payments to community health centers across the state. The initiative is part of the company’s continued push to strengthen health outcomes in underserved areas and reduce preventable hospitalizations.
The funding will support 16 health providers in modernizing operations, extending clinic hours, and implementing population health tools. These improvements aim to boost patient-centered care delivery in under-resourced communities throughout Illinois.
“Developing collaborative, value-based provider relationships have helped enable our members to receive timely and appropriate care, which has led to healthier lives and a more sustainable health care system,” stated Rushil Desai, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “This collective effort has not only improved member quality outcomes but has also reduced avoidable hospitalizations. We look forward to continuing to build a network of providers that prioritizes high-quality, patient-centered care.”
Currently, more than half of Aetna Better Health of Illinois’ 360,000 Medicaid members receive care from providers in value-based arrangements. Notably, 23% are served through risk-based models, where providers are incentivized to deliver cost-effective, high-quality care.
These efforts have already shown results. In 2024, members saw 8.2% fewer inpatient admissions, 14.9% fewer re-admissions, and a 4.8% drop in emergency room visits per 1,000 members.
The health plan backs its providers with robust support systems, including onsite case management, rural health worker access, and data-driven strategies to identify patients most in need of intervention. Providers also receive custom reports to guide clinical and operational improvements.
Providers engaged in the value-based care arrangement that received funds were:
- Access Community Health Network
- Apogee Health Partners
- Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness
- Community Health Care, Inc
- Crusader Community Health
- Family Christian Health
- Family Medicine Specialists
- Illinois Health Practice Alliance
- Lawndale Family Christian
- Memorial Health Partners
- Unity Point Health
- PCC Community Wellness
- Primary Care Joliet
- Progress Health
- Swedish Covenant
- VNA Health Care
“Aunt Martha’s built its care model around integration more than two decades ago, embedding behavioral health into primary care, because we saw the difference it made,” said Raul Garza, President and CEO, Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness. “That approach is now the foundation of value-based care. Our collaboration with Aetna Better Health of Illinois validates what we’ve long believed: integrated systems deliver better outcomes, reduce costs and provide real value to the communities we serve.”
“The value-based care agreement has given us the ability to foster a team-based approach within our organization, promoting collaboration across various disciplines such as primary care providers, quality improvement specialists and care coordinators,” said Abby Boyer, Vice President of Population Health Strategy and Quality of Access Community Health Network. “This teamwork ensures holistic care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s well-being and leads to better health and well-being.”
“Our collaboration with Aetna Better Health of Illinois solidifies our commitment to providing integrated and holistic care,” said Karen Janousek, Vice President and Chief Population Health Growth Officer of Sinai Chicago, the health system affiliate of Progress Health. “The funding allows us to implement tailored strategies that address not only medical needs but also social determinants of health, ensuring that our patients receive the comprehensive care they deserve.”
Aetna Better Health of Illinois serves Medicaid members in 102 counties and continues to expand access to preventive services and integrated care solutions. More information is available at www.aetnabetterhealth.com/illinois-medicaid.
