Aetna Offers Voluntary Benefits To Chamber Of Commerce Members And Their Families

HARTFORD, Conn., May 09, 2012 — As part of its ongoing arrangement with the Chamber Insurance Trust (CIT), Aetna (NYSE: AET) announced today it is now offering Voluntary insurance benefits to the employees of more than 40,000 local businesses and 79 Chambers of Commerce across Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The Aetna Voluntary Fixed Benefits^SM Plan pays cash benefits to help with out-of-pocket medical costs or other expenses like day care, lost wages, transportation, and other costs that traditional health insurance does not cover. The plan is designed to complement, not replace, other health insurance coverage, by paying cash benefits for members to use as they see fit.

Aetna Voluntary Fixed Benefits Plan members receive access to Aetna’s negotiated rates with network providers. By choosing to go to providers in Aetna’s network, members can reduce their out-of-pocket medical costs. The plan also offers access to Aetna’s broad array of health information and tools.

“We’re pleased to provide Chamber members with an even broader selection of affordable insurance benefits,” said Frank McCauley, head of Commercial Business for Aetna. “Voluntary plans provide employees with the opportunity to obtain additional financial protection as part of their benefits package, and we look forward to bringing our capabilities to bear for the local businesses and residents of Connecticut and Massachusetts.”

Since 2008, Aetna has offered Aetna Advantage Plans for Individuals and Families to Chamber members. Last year, Aetna and the Chamber collaborated on an integrated benefits offering for small businesses in Connecticut.

“We are proud to join with Aetna, this time to provide our members with additional benefits that offer financial protection from health and life events. Solutions like these can provide peace of mind when the unexpected happens,” said Stephen Glick, president of the Chamber Insurance Trust. 

Providing additional financial protection
The Aetna Voluntary Fixed Benefits Plan pays a fixed benefit amount directly to members based on the type of service received, with limits on the number and types of services. The plan has no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, and all Chamber members and their dependents are eligible to participate in the plan.

“In a challenging economy where health care costs continue to rise, we are thrilled to be able to provide our members and their families with an affordable way to be better prepared for out-of-pocket medical costs and other expenses,” said Mike Nicastro, President of the Chamber Leadership Cabinet.

According to Debra Boronski, President of the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, local businesses will appreciate the soft benefits of offering a Voluntary benefits plan.

“Our local businesses are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, and we believe this offering will help to increase employee satisfaction and retention,” said Boronski.

Additional tools and programs
As part of the Aetna Voluntary Fixed Benefits Plan, Chamber members and their families have access to reliable health information tools and resources to help them save money while living a healthier lifestyle.

The plan also includes a variety of discount programs, such as:

• Gym memberships and at-home fitness;
• Hearing exams and devices;
• Natural products and services;
• Vision exams, lenses and frames;
• Weight-loss programs and products; and
• Oral health products

For more information on the Aetna Voluntary Fixed Benefits Plan, visit www.aetnafixedbenefits.com.

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.

About Chamber Insurance Trust
Chamber Insurance Trust (CIT) of Connecticut and Chamber Insurance Program (CIP) of Massachusetts is a voluntary alliance of participating Chambers of Commerce across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Created to bring the combined buying power of thousands of Chamber members, CIT's complete range of insurance options offer small, mid-sized and large businesses competitively priced benefit packages. From its inception in 1992, CIT serves more than 8,000 businesses from the Chambers of Commerce in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).

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