LewisGale Regional Health System has joined the network for Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans.

The contractual relationship comes a year after LewisGale launched an advertising blitz aimed at warning patients that they wouldn’t have access to LewisGale doctors or facilities if they signed up for the Humana plans.

Previously, Humana’s Medicare Advantage network included only Carilion Clinic. The new plans, which take effect in 2012, continue to work with Carilion.

Last year, Humana attracted about 6,000 Medicare recipients in Southwest Virginia to its plan, making it one of the most popular such offerings in the region.

Insurers have seen Medicare Advantage plans as a growth area, especially in Virginia, where participation has lagged the national average.