UW Medicine Contract Status with Aetna
Updated: April 15, 2025
UW Medicine is the state's largest public hospital system. As Washington's safety net healthcare provider dedicated to improving the health of all people, we provide care that patients cannot access elsewhere, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
Like other health systems, we negotiate with insurance companies to receive equitable reimbursement for patient care, which allows for the continued delivery of these vital services.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a fair agreement with Aetna that is financially feasible and in the best interest of our patients. As a result, if we continue to be unable to reach an agreement with Aetna, UW Medicine will no longer be able to contract with Aetna, effective June 1, 2025.
We are not alone; other health systems have also had difficulty reaching fair terms with Aetna and have terminated contracts.
We are doing everything possible to finalize contracts with Aetna prior to June 1, 2025, that will provide Aetna-insured patients with access to affordable, quality healthcare at UW Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UW Medicine locations are impacted?
Our contracts with Aetna include the following locations: Harborview Medical Center; UW Medical Center – Northwest; UW Medical Center – Montlake; UW Medicine Primary Care; UW Physicians including services provided at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; and Valley Medical Center.
Is UW Medicine still negotiating with Aetna?
We understand how important it is for our patients to retain in-network access to the doctors, programs and expert care teams they know and trust.
We are doing everything possible to finalize contracts with Aetna prior to June 1, 2025, that will allow you to continue to receive care at UW Medicine.
During these negotiations, are there any changes to my healthcare services at UW Medicine?
While negotiations are taking place, you can continue to see your UW Medicine doctors and access care at our hospitals and clinics. There will be no change to your out-of-pocket costs or benefits coverage prior to June 1, 2025.
What will happen if UW Medicine and Aetna do not reach an agreement?
If Aetna and UW Medicine cannot reach an agreement on renewed contracts by June 1, 2025, Aetna commercial and Medicare Advantage members who decide to stay with Aetna may be required to pay a larger share, up to the full cost, of services provided by UW Medicine.
If you are in an active course of care or pregnant, you should contact Aetna for continuity-of-care coverage information.
Where can I find more information?
If you have questions or concerns about your healthcare coverage or regarding authorization for services at UW Medicine that are scheduled on or after June 1, 2025, including continuity of care or out-of-network benefit options, please contact Aetna using the phone number on the back of your member ID card.
UW Medicine will provide frequent updates on our negotiations on this webpage. You can also reach us by email: HealthInsContracts@uw.edu
Thank you for trusting UW Medicine with your healthcare.