Aetna's Compassionate Care Program: Sustained Value for Our Members with Advanced Illness.

In 2004, Aetna, a national health insurer, launched the Aetna Compassionate Care Program (ACCP) targeting members diagnosed with an advanced illness with a view to increase access to palliative care and hospice services. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of ACCP on health care utilization and hospice enrollment among enrolled members. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing participants in ACCP to a matched control group using a propensity score method.

Physician buy-in is essential for pay for performance.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is counting on voluntary participation as it rolls out its innovative pay-for-performance program throughout the state.