Aetna Provider Survey Reveals Optimism and Opportunities to Simplify Health Care
Rhea-AI Summary
Aetna (NYSE: CVS) released results from the inaugural Aetna Provider Survey (Q1 2026), polling 827 U.S. providers (±3% margin). Key findings: 60% expect health care to become less burdensome in five years, trust score >50%, 65% accept prior authorization roles, and >95% of eligible PAs approved within 24 hours.
Aetna set a target of >80% real-time electronic prior authorizations by year-end 2026 and automated over 1 million provider calls about prior authorization in 2025.
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News Market Reaction – CVS
In the Apr 8 session, CVS gained 0.73%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
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- Optimism exists for the future of health care
- Survey highlights opportunities to deepen trust across the provider-payer relationship
- Friction points remain, with administrative burden cited as top challenge
The findings show optimism for the future, with a majority (
While more than four in ten (
"Our industry is at an inflection point and, now more than ever, building trusted provider-payer relationships is critical to achieving our shared goals. At Aetna, we know there is more work ahead and I'm proud of the bold steps we have taken to help our provider partners, medical professionals and those they care for better navigate the health care system," said Steve Nelson, Executive Vice President and President of Aetna. "This survey is one of many ways Aetna engages with those we serve, understanding their priorities and pain points so we can remove friction from the health care system."
From an industry perspective, respondents were asked to choose one thing they would change about the health care system today, with the top three answers below.
- Reduce administrative burden (
26% ) - Improve access to care for all patients (
21% ) - Simplify insurance processes (
17% )
Prior Authorization has a role, but needs to be simplified
Most providers (
Aetna continues to lead the industry in simplifying Prior Authorization, with the fewest medical services subject to prior authorization. Today, of eligible prior authorizations, more than
Operational excellence is enabled by technology and AI
Survey respondents cited access to patient care and complex insurance processes as pain points and also identified AI as being a part of the solution. Over half (
Aetna continues to create and integrate AI and digitally enabled solutions to help members better access and navigate the health care system through their channel of choice. Aetna Care Paths, available on the Aetna Health app, provides personalized care recommendations.
Aetna is also leveraging technology to achieve operational excellence across the business. As an example, Aetna leveraged technology to automate more than one million incoming provider calls focused on prior authorization requirements and status in 2025. As a company policy, Aetna does not use AI to deny prior authorization claims.
Optimism for the future
Looking ahead, there is industry optimism. Over the next five years, three in four providers believe the patient experience will improve and more than half (
An overwhelming majority (
Survey Methodology
The national study was conducted in Q1 2026 by Morning Consult, a global decision intelligence company. The survey polled a representative sample of
About Aetna
Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 37 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care professionals, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit Aetna.com (e.g., clinical diagnoses, eligibility criteria, participation in a disease state management program).
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company's integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.
Media contact
Phil Blando
Phillip.Blando@CVSHealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health