Aetna Offers New Choices For Small and Newly Formed Georgia Businesses
ValuePick plans designed to benefit uninsured firms
ALPHARETTA, Ga., September 25, 2007 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) has introduced a set of new products in Georgia that are designed to give uninsured small businesses affordable coverage options for their workers.
The plans, called ValuePick, are priced to enable previously uninsured small companies, as well as newly formed businesses, to provide coverage for their employees. They will be marketed primarily through insurance agents and brokers in Aetna’s Georgia markets.
"Small businesses face a constant challenge to find affordable health insurance for their workers," said Cynthia Follmer Crowley, head of Aetna’s Georgia markets. "Aetna knows this, and is actively working to find solutions for them as we work to reduce the number of uninsured people, both in Georgia and across the country."
More than 1 million Georgia residents lack health insurance. In recent years, Aetna has introduced plans aimed at expanding access to various segments of the uninsured population. The Chickering Group, acquired by Aetna in 2003, provides affordable coverage for students. Strategic Resource Company, acquired in 2005, provides coverage for hourly and part-time workers who otherwise might not find affordable coverage. And Georgia is one of 24 states in which Aetna has begun offering individual plans.
"I commend Aetna for proactively providing health care solutions for small businesses and minority communities," said Michael T. Hill, President and CEO of the Atlanta Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. "We are excited about their ValuePick plans, and we look forward to working with Aetna and building a lasting relationship."
ValuePick features three affordable options: an HMO; a point-of-service plan that includes out-of-network coverage; and a high-deductible plan. All three offer in-network coverage for prescription drugs Employers can offer up to two of the plans side-by-side, and can choose how much to contribute. Their workers then choose the plan that is best for them.
"The pricing on the ValuePick plans allows companies to offer health benefits that before had no viable option, due to the high cost of health insurance," said agent Kevin W. Smith, of Atlanta’s KSA Insurance Agency. "A company is always going to need a group solution to attract and retain employees. The ValuePick plans help the agent meet the needs of the small-group market. I applaud what Aetna is doing to cover some of the uninsured population.
Aetna provides health benefits to approximately 500,000 people in the greater Atlanta area. Those members have access to a contracted network of 151 hospitals, 4,226 primary-care physicians and 8,416 specialists.
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 34.9 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
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