Physician group cuts Aetna coverage

Summit Medical Group, a large physician group in Northern Kentucky, has announced it will no longer serve patients covered by Aetna U.S. Healthcare, effective Nov. 18.

The change will affect about 10,000 Summit patients with Aetna insurance in Northern Kentucky. Summit Medical Group includes more than 50 physicians in 17 offices.

After Nov. 18, Aetna patients will have to pay doctor bills themselves to remain with a Summit physician unless they have out-of-network benefits. Special arrangements will be made for Aetna patients in the hospital Nov. 18.

"We have tried to reach a contract agreement with Aetna. Unfortunately, we were not able to come to terms that were acceptable for our physicians and, we believe, for our patients," said Dr. Frank Garamy, Summit president and chief executive.

Newport man held after 2-state chase

BLUE ASH - A 28-year-old Newport man wanted for escape from a Kentucky prison was arrested early Monday after a police chase that started in Covington and ended in Warren County.

Blue Ash officers deployed Stop Sticks on northbound Interstate 71 at 2:50 a.m. that deflated the two front tires of the suspect's vehicle, which was eventually stopped on the Jeremiah-Morrow bridge in Warren County.

Robert C. Watrus was charged with felony fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, felony receiving stolen property, driving with a suspended license, falsification, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal conveyance of contraband into a detention facility, police said.

Police said Mr. Watrus had escaped from the Bell County Forestry Camp in Pikeville, Ky.

The vehicle Mr. Watrus was driving had been stolen from the City of Middlesboro Street Department.