"Aetna Global Benefits’ international disease management program leverages the strengths of Aetna’s robust disease management capabilities," said Martha Temple, president, Aetna Global Benefits. "We have achieved a leadership position in the disease management arena domestically, and are excited to export our knowledge and proficiency to members living temporarily in other countries."
Not a "One-Size Fits All" Approach
No matter where their job takes them, Aetna Global Benefits (AGB) members will be able to access disease management information for individual employees and their family members. At the heart of the program is AGB’s International Health Advisory Team (IHAT). The team helps employees understand their condition, locate helpful resources and educate them on avoiding complications. Members can speak one-on-one with a U.S. registered nurse who is committed to helping them reach their best health. Nurses also can communicate directly with medical providers to help keep health care progress on track. All of this can help members to reduce the risk of complications and improve their medical outcome.
International disease management complements the IHAT team suite of services that helps members obtain medication and self-monitoring equipment, provides information on local providers and specialists, supports members in making lifestyle changes that will protect their health, and assists them in understanding the variances in how their condition may be treated in different countries. To maximize the effectiveness of the program, employees will be asked to complete a voluntary survey so that the program resources and support can be customized to them and their condition.
"We want to engage, educate and motivate members through the international disease management program," said Temple. "Based on our experience, we have the skills to foster higher degrees of patient compliance, impact health outcomes, and enhance employee productivity."
Diabetes is First Focus
Today, diabetes affects nearly 246 million people worldwide; and by 2025, it is expected to affect 380 million worldwide.1 Each year, another seven million people develop diabetes, while 3.8 million die of diabetes-linked causes.2 Given these statistics, and the related staggering costs of medical care and lost productivity due to diabetes, AGB is introducing the international disease management program by focusing initially on diabetes. With implementation in October 2007, services have already been provided to a number of members working abroad to assist them in understanding and managing their condition. Services for coronary artery disease (CAD) and asthma will become available later this year, with additional conditions to follow.
AGB is providing the international disease management program at no cost to its fully insured customers. The program is part of Aetna’s commitment to develop comprehensive wellness solutions as part of its medical management capabilities.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.7 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 and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, government-sponsored plans in the U.S. and internationally. Aetna’s international businesses include Aetna Global Benefits, Aetna’s expatriate benefits division that focuses on providing comprehensive solutions to employees working, traveling and living in over 100 countries. www.aetna.com
1www.idf.com
2www.howardcommunity.com