Aetna, one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, and BayCare Health System have entered into an agreement on a new multi-year contract.

The latest signed deal ensures continuation of their long-term relationship in the Tampa Bay area.

Under the agreement, BayCare's nine area hospitals will continue to participate in Aetna's provider network.

The list of hospitals include: South Florida Baptist Hospital; Morton Plant North Bay Hospital; St. Joseph's Women's Hospital; Mease Countryside Hospital; Morton Plant Hospital; St. Joseph's Hospital; Mease Dunedin Hospital; St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa; and St. Anthony's Hospital.

BayCare is a community-based health care system in the Tampa Bay area with 17,400 employees. The new contract takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.