Banner|Aetna named among Modern Healthcare’s 2023 Top Innovators

Arizona’s Fastest-Growing Insurer Earns Distinction for Transformative Health Care Innovations

Phoenix, AZ (October 26, 2023): Today, Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, announced it has been named one of the "Top Innovators” of 2023 by Modern Healthcare. The Top Innovators program honors organizations and leaders who are forging transformation and delivering measurable results that drive care quality and contribute to clinical and financial goals.

Banner|Aetna is recognized for its groundbreaking innovations and services that enhance the member experience, improve health outcomes, and advance access to affordable, high-quality health care. Programs that deliver on that vision include a virtual Type 2 diabetes reversal program, a novel Multi-Disciplinary Care Team program that keeps decision-making power in the hands of clinicians, and the Kitchen Program, which provides hands-on activities and nutritional education for members with Type 2 diabetes.

In addition to these initiatives, Banner|Aetna began offering health plans on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace in 2022, facilitating access to quality health care coverage for even more individuals and families.

“Innovation can take many forms, as evidenced by our honorees—both individuals and organizations—in this year’s class of Top Innovators,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Whether they are making back-room functions more efficient, establishing partnerships across the industry or developing tools to broaden consumers’ access to care, these winners are producing results and forging a path that others should follow.”

Banner|Aetna is named among other esteemed companies for the inaugural year that the Top Innovators program has awarded organizations in addition to individuals. The Arizona-based insurer was also recently named one of the "Top Companies to Work for in Arizona" in 2023 by BestCompaniesAZ.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as a trailblazer of innovation by Modern Healthcare,” shared Tom Grote, Banner|Aetna CEO. “It’s proof that we’re accomplishing our mission to redefine health care and insurance by making it easier and more affordable for our members to get the services and support they need.”

All of the Modern Healthcare Top Innovators are featured in the Modern Healthcare magazine and online at ModernHealthcare.com/Top-Innovators.

For information or questions about the Top Innovators program, please contact:

Bailey Wenkel
Content Coordinator
mhawards@modernhealthcare.com

About Modern Healthcare
Modern Healthcare is the most trusted business news and information brand in the healthcare industry. Modern Healthcare empowers healthcare leaders and influencers to make timely and informed business decisions. To learn more or subscribe, go to ModernHealthcare.com/Subscriptions.

About Banner|Aetna
Banner|Aetna is a health insurance company focusing on bettering member outcomes at a lower cost, all while improving the overall member experience for employers and consumers in Arizona. The collaboration combines Banner Health’s high-quality, local providers and delivery systems with Aetna’s health plan experience, care management and health information technology. Banner|Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company, as well as Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. For more information about Banner|Aetna, visit banneraetna.com.

About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 30 acute-care hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits, and Banner operates a free 24/7 nurse line for health questions or concerns. Patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.

About CVS Health
CVS Health^® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media Contact:
Sarah McLeod
Activate Health
smcleod@activatehealth.com
480.352.1044