HARTFORD, CT, Feb. 9, 2026 – Aetna Medicaid, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) today announced a new collaboration to improve blood pressure control rates in selected Aetna Medicaid member communities.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure with many not aware of their condition. This collaboration focuses on regions where data indicate the greatest opportunity to improve health outcomes, with an emphasis on targeted populations living with hypertension in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Virginia.
CHCs deliver measurable hypertension outcomes. In 2024, CHCs cared for more than 6 million people with hypertension. Despite serving populations with high clinical and social complexity, 67 percent of CHCs’ patients with hypertension achieved blood pressure control, demonstrating CHCs' capacity to deliver strong, measurable hypertension outcomes at scale.
“Medicaid members face a range of clinical and social factors that can make it harder to manage hypertension, from access to primary care to challenges with transportation, housing and healthy food,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Medicaid. “By collaborating with NACHC and community health centers, we can combine data, on-the-ground expertise, and evidence-based tools to better support blood pressure control and help members live longer, healthier lives.”
The collaboration reflects both organizations’ commitment to reducing high blood pressure through NACHC’s innovation and partnership model, which leverages science, education, practice and policy. Through this model, NACHC and Aetna will identify gaps and best practices, provide patient care education and resources, advance evidence-based interventions, and inform development of new clinical policies that can improve blood pressure control rates over time.
“Community Health Centers are uniquely positioned to close gaps in hypertension care because they are effective, trusted providers,” said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC. “Working with Aetna Medicaid, we will scale proven strategies that meet people where they are, strengthen primary care teams, and address the factors that contribute to uncontrolled blood pressure.”
CHCs make up the largest primary health care system in the United States, serving 52 million people, or 1 in 7 Americans. With a workforce of 326,000 FTEs, CHCs deliver affordable, comprehensive, and effective primary care to patients in rural, urban and suburban communities ensuring access to primary, dental and behavioral health care, regardless of income, insurance status or geography.
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About NACHC
NACHC’s mission is to champion Community Health Centers delivering affordable, effective, comprehensive primary care that is community-driven and improves health for all. For more information, visit www.nachc.org.
About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of under-resourced populations, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve members in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.
