Alternative Health Care Services Added To Aetna Dental Plans
Vital Savings members now have access to discounted alternative health care services and a nationwide network of fitness centers
HARTFORD, Conn., May 25, 2005 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) Dental today announced it is adding access to discounts on alternative health care services through a national network of providers, as well as discounts on fitness center memberships and home exercise equipment, to its expansive product portfolio. These discounts also will be provided to Vital Savings by AetnaSM discount card holders. There is no additional cost to members to access these discounts.
"The addition of these services is another example of Aetna Dental providing differentiated value to our members," said Pat Farrell, head of Aetna Dental. "This also represents our commitment to enriching the lives of our members by offering a network of alternative health care providers and encouraging members to follow a healthier lifestyle through fitness."
"There is clearly a market for these services," Farrell said. "According to the National Institutes of Health, 36 percent of Americans are using some form of alternative health care and research suggests that many more consumers are using alternative health services in conjunction with traditional medicine. With these expansions, we are providing programs consumers want and need."
Aetna Dental Plans
As part of their benefits package, Aetna Dental members currently have access to more than 5,000 vision care providers and 1,500 fitness clubs nationwide at reduced rates. Available through the Vision One® discount program, which is a registered trademark of Cole Managed Vision, members receive discounts on eye exams, lenses, frames, contact lenses and LASIK surgery. Through GlobalFit™, members receive discounts on fitness center memberships and certain home exercise equipment. Now, Aetna Dental is adding an expansive network of alternative health care providers for its members. Members can take advantage of reduced rates on chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, acupuncture and nutritional counseling services. The program also offers members discounts on vitamins, supplements and many health-related products such as aromatherapy, natural body care and yoga equipment.
Vital Savings by Aetna
Consumers participating in Aetna Dental’s discount program currently receive discounts for dental and vision care. Now, Vital Savings by Aetna participants can receive the same discounts on alternative health care services, including chiropractic care, acupuncture therapy, massage therapy and nutritional counseling. In addition, participants can access discounts on health-related products, fitness center memberships and home exercise equipment.
As one of the nation’s leading providers of health care, dental, pharmacy, group life, disability and long-term care benefits, Aetna puts information and helpful resources to work for its approximately 14.4 million medical members, 12.8 million dental members, 9.0 million pharmacy members and 14.0 million group insurance members to help them make better informed decisions about their health care and protect their finances against health-related risks. Aetna provides easy access to cost-effective health care through a nationwide network of more than 672,000 health care professionals, including approximately 412,000 primary care and specialist doctors and 4,084 hospitals. For more information, please visit www.aetna.com. (Figures as of March 31, 2005)
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