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ATLANTA--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Aetna (NYSE: [ AET ]) and WellStar Health System of Marietta, Ga. announced today that they have reached agreement on a multiyear contract extension. Under the agreement, members of Aetnaas commercial plans will be able to continue to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from WellStaras hospitals and physicians in the greater Atlanta area.

"WellStar is also pleased to have renewed this long-standing relationship with Aetna. They are one of the industryas leaders in innovation and working with hospitals and physicians to deliver patient-centered, value-based care"

aAetna is very happy to reach an agreement with WellStar,a said Cary Goldenthal, Aetnaas vice president of network development for Georgia. aWellStar is one of the nationas leading integrated health systems and weave enjoyed a long, positive relationship. Its hospitals and doctors provide high-quality care and are valued parts of our Atlanta-area network.a

aWellStar is also pleased to have renewed this long-standing relationship with Aetna. They are one of the industryas leaders in innovation and working with hospitals and physicians to deliver patient-centered, value-based care,a said Barbara Corey, senior vice president, managed care, WellStar Health System.

Aetna provides health benefits to more than 500,000 members in Georgia. Those members have access to a contracted network of 192 hospitals and more than 16,000 primary care and specialist physicians.

About WellStar Health System

The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare. WellStar, a not-for-profit health system, includes Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Medical Group; Urgent Care Centers; Acworth Health Park; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing Center; and WellStar Foundation. For more information, call 770-956-STAR or visit the new [ wellstar.org ].

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.7 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services and health information technology services. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see [ www.aetna.com ].