Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies, have reached an agreement that provides Humana members in-network access to LVHN hospitals, physicians and clinics throughout the Lehigh Valley and in the Hazleton region.

The new network agreement, effective Sept. 1, includes Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans. Humana membership, which has grown in the Lehigh Valley and Hazleton areas in recent years, now includes more than 3,700 members.

“Lehigh Valley Health Network is delighted to extend access to our network of physicians and services to Humana members,” said Brian Nester, DO, MBA, FACOEP, LVHN president and chief executive officer. “In today’s ever-changing climate of health care reform consumers must be more knowledgeable and selective about where they receive care. We feel our network gives Humana members an exceptional option and greater access to the care we all want and need to both stay healthy and regain their health when sick or injured.”

Humana members will have in-network access to LVH-Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township; LVH-17th Street, Allentown; LVH-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem, and LVH-Hazelton, including the Health and Wellness Center (HWC), the Ambulatory Surgery Center at the HWC, and Lehigh Valley Physcician Group-Hazleton. Lehigh Valley Health Network also includes more than 700 physicians and 300 practice clinicians representing 45 medical specialties in 140 practices across the Lehigh Valley region.

“Humana has a strong Medicare Advantage presence in Eastern Pennsylvania. Expanding our network to include Lehigh Valley Health Network will offer our members an even stronger network of world-class doctors and hospitals,” said Rich Vollmer, Pennsylvania President for Humana’s Senior Products.

Medicare Advantage is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional Medicare, with nearly 17 million members in the United States. They offer hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage all in one plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer benefits and services not available on traditional Medicare, including health coaching, wellness programs, chronic illness assistance and others.

“Medicare open enrollment is just around the corner, starting Oct. 15 and ending Dec. 7,” said Vollmer, “Anyone over 65 years old should take the time to explore all their health plan options available through Medicare. We recommend folks start early by checking out Medicare.gov. It’s a great site full of useful information. We also offer some fantastic tools and information at Humana.com.”