Aetna Statement In Support Of Mental Health Parity Act Of 2007
HARTFORD, Conn., February 14, 2007 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) today announced its support for the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S.558) proposed by U.S. Senators Pete V. Domenici, Michael B. Enzi and Edward M. Kennedy. The legislation establishes parity between mental health benefits and medical/surgical benefits with respect to financial requirements and treatment limitations for consumers. As a leading health insurer that provides the full spectrum of health benefits to more than 35 million Americans, Aetna believes that this legislation will promote timely and appropriate care for mental health, which is an essential component of effective health care. Aetna said the federal legislation will create a national solution to inconsistent behavioral health care regulation, inconsistencies that can be a threat to Americans’ overall health.
"Aetna supports this legislation and will work with Congress to see that it is enacted without modifications that undermine the compromise forged by Senators Kennedy, Domenici and Enzi," said Mary Fox, head of Medical Related Products, which includes the behavioral health and pharmacy businesses. "Aetna is supportive of the principles and approach embodied in this legislation. If passed, we believe our members will benefit by being better able to achieve their optimal health through more integrated health and behavioral programs, benefits and services."
Aetna also applauds the parameters spelled out in the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. These parameters are important for the administration of mental health benefits, including creating national standards for the country and strengthening the ability of health plans to apply medical management programs to help members navigate the health care system.
About Aetna Behavioral Health
Aetna Behavioral Health provides a full array of behavioral health services include industry-leading disease and case management programs, an Employee Assistance Program and a variety of Web-based tools that help members make better informed decisions about their health care.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 35.9 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
