HARTFORD, Conn., May 10, 2006 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) was selected by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as a national dental plan to offer voluntary dental benefits under the new Federal Employee Dental and Vision Program, available to more than 9 million eligible people under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Enrollees in Aetna’s dental plan will have access to more than 78,000 available dental practice locations nationwide and access to online tools and information, effective Dec. 31, 2006. In addition, enrollees who participate in Aetna’s medical and dental plans can benefit from a program that provides outreach if they are identified to be at risk from periodontal disease.
Aetna emphasizes the importance of oral health and overall wellness
"Aetna is committed to helping federal enrollees achieve good oral health and overall health," said Russ Dickhart, vice president, Aetna Government and Labor business.
Last year, Aetna provided a $50,000 grant to Oral Health America (OHA) to raise public awareness about the relationship between good oral care and overall health. In addition, Aetna is working with Columbia University College of Dental Medicine on research and educational efforts to better understand the connections between oral health and general well-being and to increase the early diagnosis and treatment of dental decay.
"Not only does Aetna offer eligible federal employees access to quality dental coverage at a good value, we are making important connections to help ensure the overall health of our members," said Dickhart.
Plans offer nationwide access to dental care and leading online tools and information
"With dental coverage from Aetna, federal workers and their families can seek routine and restorative dental care from more than 78,000 dental practices in our nationwide network," said Tom Bernatavitz, Aetna’s vice president of Federal Programs.
Aetna’s plan will include an array of dental treatment and services, including:
- Diagnostic and preventive care
- Basic restorative care
- Major restorative care
- Orthodontia coverage up to age 19
"Aetna believes in the power of giving consumers helpful and actionable information to assist them in making decisions about their health and dental care," said Bernatavitz. The tools available to federal employees include a dedicated website for interested enrollees (www.aetnafeds.com), as well as Aetna Navigator™, a secure and personalized member website that gives federal enrollees access to the DocFind® online directory to locate participating dentists and Aetna’s price-a-dental-procedure tool that compares the costs for selected dental services.
In addition, Aetna’s Simple Steps To Better Dental Health® website (www.simplestepsdental.com) provides comprehensive dental information featuring illustrations and interactive tools, including an "Ask the Dentist" feature, as well as a section on Diseases and Oral Health that explains the effects that conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can have on oral health. The site also has a Parents’ Guide and a "Fun For Kids" area that helps children learn about oral health through games and activities. Content on the site is reviewed by faculty of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, one of the top dental schools in the nation.
Enrollees in Aetna’s plan can also receive Philips Sonicare toothbrushes at a special discounted rate. In addition, Aetna members can receive discounts on Epic™ Dental products, including gum, mints, mouth rinses and sweeteners. Epic’s products contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce cavities.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 28.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. www.aetna.com.
