Aetna Introduces New Cross-Border Health Plan That Lets Workers Decide Where to Access Care

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 06, 2010 —  Aetna (NYSE: AET)  announced today that is has introduced a new health plan that allows members and their families to access health care in California or in the Mexican cities of Mexicali, Tecate and Tijuana, through an agreement with Mexico’s premiere HMO program, Sistemas Medicos Nacionales, S.A. de C.V. (SIMNSA).

“Aetna recognizes that it is important for our members to be able to receive health care in a language and cultural setting they understand and feel comfortable with,” said Beth Andersen, president of Aetna’s West Region. “Vitalidad Plus^SM offers employers an affordable health option that lets their employees receive care in whichever setting they prefer.”

Vitalidad Plus^SM California con Aetna is an HMO plan that features 100 percent coverage for qualified preventative care, including immunizations and child and adult wellness exams. Employers can select four different copayment levels for employees. Members and their family members will select a primary care physician in California or one of the SIMNSA physicians in Mexico.

Plan documents and customer service are available in both Spanish and English. In addition, members can visit Aetna’s Spanish language web site to search for participating doctors and hospitals, and obtain information on a variety of Aetna health programs and products.

“People are more likely to get routine care and stay healthier when they have a primary care physician they can relate to,” Andersen said. “With access to Aetna’s provider network in California as well as the SIMNSA network in Mexico, we believe we can help members achieve their optimal health.”

Members in Vitalidad Plus^SM California con Aetna will be able to participate in Aetna’s maternity management, heart health, diabetes and weight management programs, as well as Aetna’s other disease management and wellness programs.

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 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.  For more information, see www.aetna.com and Aetna’s Annual Report at www.aetna.com/2009/annualreport.