Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Blueberry Pediatrics Team Up to Expand Pediatric Care Access in Cook County

Introduction to the Partnership

CHICAGO – Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, a CVS Health® company, has collaborated with Blueberry Pediatrics to deliver remote, around-the-clock pediatric care to families across Cook County—home to nearly one-third of Aetna Better Health of Illinois’ pediatric members statewide. The joint effort will expand statewide in phases.

The Goal of the Collaboration

By equipping families with diagnostic kits and on-demand access to pediatricians, we are removing barriers to care, reducing unnecessary ER visits and ensuring children in our communities get timely, high-quality care.

Details of the Collaboration

Through this collaboration, every enrolled family will receive a Blueberry Medical Kit, including a smart earscope (otoscope), pulse oximeter and digital thermometers. These tools empower board-certified pediatricians to diagnose and treat conditions that traditional telemedicine cannot. Families can connect with pediatricians 24/7/365 via secure messaging, video or audio, all from the comfort of home.

Statement from Aetna Better Health of Illinois CEO

“This collaboration is about more than access—it’s about outcomes,” said Melanie Fernando, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “By equipping families with diagnostic kits and on-demand access to pediatricians, we are removing barriers to care, reducing unnecessary ER visits and ensuring children in our communities get timely, high-quality care.”

Value-Based Approach

Blueberry’s model goes beyond convenience: the company guarantees its fees against emergency department costs. If the program’s savings do not exceed its fees, Blueberry will reimburse Aetna Better Health of Illinois. This value-based approach aligns incentives to improve care while lowering costs.

Statement from Blueberry Pediatrics Chief Medical Officer

“Every family deserves peace of mind knowing a pediatrician is available when their child needs care,” said Lyndsey Garbi, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Blueberry Pediatrics. “With Blueberry’s medical kit and our team of board-certified pediatricians, we can manage more conditions virtually, keep children out of the emergency room and deliver better outcomes for families.”

Impact and Future Plans

The collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to accessible, family-centered care and sets a new standard for pediatric telehealth nationwide.

Enrollment Information

Aetna Better Health® of Illinois families in Cook County can sign up for Blueberry today at https://lp.blueberrypediatrics.com/partner/aetna/il.

About Blueberry Pediatrics

Blueberry Pediatrics provides 24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians and innovative medical kits, expanding the capabilities of telemedicine. With a value-based, at-risk model, Blueberry helps payers and families reduce avoidable emergency department visits, improve quality measures, and deliver better pediatric care at scale. Learn more at www.blueberrypediatrics.com/health-plans.

Conclusion

The partnership between Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Blueberry Pediatrics is a significant step forward in expanding access to pediatric care in Cook County and eventually statewide. By combining innovative technology with a value-based approach, they aim to reduce barriers to care, lower costs, and improve outcomes for children and their families.

FAQs

• Q: What is the purpose of the collaboration between Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Blueberry Pediatrics?
  • A: The purpose is to deliver remote, around-the-clock pediatric care to families, reducing barriers to care and unnecessary ER visits.
• Q: What does the Blueberry Medical Kit include?
  • A: The kit includes a smart earscope (otoscope), pulse oximeter, and digital thermometers to help diagnose and treat conditions.
• Q: How can families access pediatricians through this collaboration?
  • A: Families can connect with pediatricians 24/7/365 via secure messaging, video, or audio from home.
• Q: What is unique about Blueberry’s model?
  • A: Blueberry guarantees its fees against emergency department costs, reimbursing Aetna Better Health of Illinois if savings do not exceed fees, aligning incentives to improve care while lowering costs.
• Q: How can Aetna Better Health of Illinois families in Cook County sign up for Blueberry?
  • A: Families can sign up at https://lp.blueberrypediatrics.com/partner/aetna/il.