Aetna Execs Prioritize Autism Services and Intelligent Triage in 2027
Behavioral Health Business
By Ashleigh Hollowell | October 5, 2026
Behavioral Health Business
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CVS Health’s (NYSE: CVS) health benefits segment, Aetna, is focusing on expanding its autism services with innovative tools for virtual diagnosis and family support.
Aetna has experienced significant growth in 2026, with an adjusted operating income of $5.47 billion for the first half of the year, marking a substantial increase of $2.17 billion from the same period in 2025. The company's 2027 strategy is shaped by rising Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) cost pressures, the demand for earlier diagnostics for neurodiversity conditions, long wait times for mental health care, and a surge in outpatient demand.
"The issues we're watching are utilization on the outpatient side, but on the ABA side, it's really a cost issue," said Brian Schenkemeyer, vice president of growth and client success at Aetna Mental Wellbeing. "So that’s why the holistic autism solution we’re putting in place is trying to solve for that."
While some components of the autism solution are already live, the full launch is scheduled for the beginning of 2027. The initial focus will be on partnering with providers to expedite early virtual diagnosis for young patients and providing comprehensive support for autism caregivers and families. However, the ultimate vision includes expanding the offering to other neurodiverse conditions and solutions for adults with autism in the workplace. Partnerships with providers Joshin and Cortica will play a crucial role in Aetna's expansion.
"I do envision that we will be investing more heavily in this space," stated Miriam Ferreira, head of Aetna Mental Wellbeing. "We’re doing a lot with Cortica now, but there will be opportunities for us to partner with others as well."
Aetna is also collaborating with technology companies to aggregate patient records, aiming to establish clear, agreed-upon standards of care in autism.
Additionally, Aetna will leverage intelligent triage capabilities for psychiatry services, potentially facilitated through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).