Aetna Helps Members in Mid-America Affected by Tornadoes

HARTFORD, Conn., April 20, 2012 — In response to the numerous tornadoes in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, Aetna (NYSE: AET) is making it easier for its affected members to refill prescriptions and access employee assistance and behavioral health programs.  The company is also helping members who have evacuated find care outside their home areas.

• Aetna members and health care providers who need assistance can reach the company at the following toll-free numbers.
• Aetna Member Services:  Call the number printed on your ID card*.  If ID card is unavailable, call 1-800-443-AETNA (1-800-443-2386)
• Aetna Specialty Pharmacy Customer Service:  1-866-782-ASRX (1-866-782-2779)
• Aetna Rx Home Delivery Customer Service: 1-866-612-3862 or 1-800-227-5720
• Aetna Employee Assistance Program: 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232)
• Aetna Dental: 1-877-238-6200
• Health care providers should contact the Provider Service Centers:
   -  Indemnity and PPO-based benefit plans: 1-888-MD-Aetna (1-888-632-3862)
   -  HMO benefit plans: 1-800-624-0756
  * Replacement ID cards and access to a Personal Health Record (PHR) can be accessed on Aetna Navigator™ found here: http://www.aetna.com/index.htm 

“Due to the recent tornadoes, many of our members have had to leave their homes and are unable to access their usual pharmacies, doctors and hospitals,” said Aetna Chairman, CEO and President Mark T. Bertolini.  “As in previous disasters, Aetna’s medical, pharmacy and behavioral health teams are ready to help our members get the medications and care they need.”

Affected Aetna members may refill their prescriptions early, as needed. Those who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy can receive a prescription at an alternate delivery location or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed.

Aetna Behavioral Health has opened its Employee Assistance Program resources to all Aetna plan sponsors, regardless of whether or not they are Aetna EAP customers, during these times of need.  Aetna’s EAP professionals, who have experience dealing with traumatic events, are available to help.  Aetna members can contact Aetna EAP 24/7 for telephonic consultation, referrals or general information such as areas affected by a disaster, shelters and government resources.

Affected Aetna members also can seek emergency care anywhere, as needed.  As part of its disaster procedures, Aetna will monitor the impact on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.  The company will work closely with providers to make further modifications to its policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care.
If any additional local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations are issued related to these catastrophic events, Aetna will adjusts its policies to comply.

As part of storm or evacuation preparations, Aetna urges its members to make sure Personal Health Records (PHRs) are updated for all family members. The information in the PHR is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, anywhere an Internet connection is available – making it an important resource for those who have had to evacuate during an emergency and might need to see a health care provider unfamiliar with their medical history. Aetna members who have access to the PHR can print it out or share it with a doctor online.

People also can find tips on protecting their families’ health in a natural disaster at www.planforyourhealth.com, a public education website from Aetna and the Financial Planning Association®.

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.4 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, medical management capabilities, health care management services for Medicaid plans and health information exchange technology services. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.