These plans will be effective on November 1, and consumers can purchase them by phone (1-866-844-0888), online at www.aarphealthcare.com/aetna, or through authorized independent insurance agents or brokers.

With the combination of the "Baby Boomer" population at or nearing retirement age, fewer employers offering benefits to retirees, more sole proprietors buying their own coverage and the increasing cost of medical expenses, there is a clear need for health insurance options for individuals who no longer have employer-based coverage and are not yet eligible for Medicare.

"People in this situation often have a difficult time finding high-quality, affordable health care options," said Frank McCauley, head of Aetna's Consumer Business Segment. "Aetna is committed to helping uninsured and under-served residents, and we believe the AARP Essential Premier plans are one solution that can truly help members and their families protect their health and well-being."

According to the most recent U.S. Census report, 14 percent of people ages 45-64 are uninsured. This problem is particularly relevant in Georgia, where more than 17 percent of the entire population is uninsured.

"One way to address the issue of the uninsured is to offer products that meet the unique needs of groups that often have difficulty accessing health insurance," said John W. Oxendine, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. "I am pleased that Aetna shares in the commitment to provide additional choices for consumers. These new plans offer an innovative option for eligible Georgia residents and their families."

More Choices, More Coverage
AARP members between the ages of 50 and 64 and their dependents will be able to choose from seven different plan options in three different categories:

• Premier PPO Plans - These three plans offer "employer-like" insurance - including coverage for preventive care, prescription drugs and hospitalization -- at varying deductible levels. Members do not have to fill out claim forms when using a network health care provider, and they also don't need referrals to see a specialist.
• Health Savings Account (HSA)-Compatible Plans - The two plans in this category include a personal account that lets the member pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-advantaged funds. This is the first time that AARP members in this age group have had the opportunity to purchase HSA-compatible plans.
• Preventive and Hospital Plans - These two plans provide coverage for preventive care, including an annual gynecologic exam, well-child care and a physical exam. They also provide inpatient hospital coverage coupled with limited benefits for outpatient surgery, skilled nursing or home health care charges.

Consumers who sign up for these plans will also have access to coverage while they travel through Aetna's nationwide network of doctors and hospitals; Aetna's disease management programs; health information from registered nurses 24/7 through Aetna's toll-free Informed Health® Line; and Aetna's online tools, including the CareEngine®-powered Personal Health Record.

"We feel like the wide variety of options allows AARP members and their families to select a plan that fits their specific needs," said John Wider, executive vice president for AARP Services, Inc. "These additional programs and services all place an emphasis on enhancing the quality and outcomes of health care for AARP members."

Another valuable feature of all of these plans is dependent coverage, which is available to children, grandchildren, domestic partners and dependent relatives. These plans are also available as "child-only," which means members can enroll a dependent child even if no other family member enrolls.

"Members in other states have said that this is an important benefit that allows them to protect the health and well-being of their entire family," McCauley said.

The AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance products are currently available in 31 states and Washington, D.C. In addition to Georgia, they are sold in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming and Washington, D.C. For more information, individuals can call 1-866-844-0888 or go to www.aarphealthcare.com/aetna

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 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, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. www.aetna.com