We have some new information for all retirees with the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan (PPO) Extended Service Area (ESA) relating to Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern Medical Center. 

For reference, Texas Health Resources and UTSW are part of an integrated health care network, Southwestern Health Resources.  Information regarding this network can be reviewed at https://utswmed.org/why-utsw/southwestern-health-resources/.

Here’s the news, according to the Southwestern Health Resources website, https://www.southwesternhealth.org/aetna-ma-faqs, under “Which Aetna Medicare Advantage health plans are affected?” please note the following information:

If you have a PPO ESA plan, you can continue using Texas Health and UT Southwestern hospitals and providers. You’ll pay the same as if your provider or hospital were in-network.  

The MAPD plan for retirees 65 and over is a PPO ESA plan!  Based on this information on their own website, you will be able to see any Texas Health and UT Southwestern hospital and providers.  There is no change in what you pay.

If you have any difficulty with a particular provider, please refer to the website referenced above.  If needed, you can also utilize the provider handout previously referenced that can be found at https://www.aetnamedicare.com/documents/group/dodnaf/2024/24-DOD-0014_Provider_Flyer_for_Online_V3.pdf

After providing the website information and/or the provider handout, if you continue to have an issue regarding coverage, please provide all pertinent information to HQ Benefits at benefits@aafes.com.