"This is about our commitment to extend access to the excellent care we provided," said Scott Whalen, Ph.D., CEO of St. Vincent’s HealthCare. "This agreement gives many retirees in our community additional plan options to access our services."

In fact, Humana, Florida’s largest Medicare health benefits company, has about 13,000 Northeast Florida Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in its Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans.

"Humana is delighted to announce the addition of the St. Vincent’s HealthCare system to our Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO Jacksonville networks," said Dr. Scott Latimer, Humana’s Market President for Senior Products in North Florida. "With the addition of St. Vincent’s and St. Luke’s hospitals we are able to offer one of the largest choices of hospitals in Jacksonville for our Medicare Advantage members."

Already, under a separate contract, about 52,000 Humana commercial health insurance members may receive care at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, and as of June 15, 2008 that provider network was extended to St. Luke’s Hospital and St. Vincent’s HealthCare’s primary care network, First Coast Primary Care.

"We’ve long recognized that Jacksonville is a dynamic market," said Humana North Florida Commercial Market President Bruno Littleton. "We’re delighted to continue our long-term relationship with St. Vincent’s, and to add St. Luke’s into the fold, bringing high-quality enhancements to our North Florida hospital and physician networks."

Those enrolled in the non-managed care, traditional Medicare plan still enjoy access to all St. Vincent’s HealthCare covered services, since St. Vincent’s HealthCare facilities are certified Medicare providers.