To accelerate our dental PPO network expansion efforts, we have signed a joint network access and servicing agreement with Assurant Employee Benefits that will increase our PPO network by approximately 5,000 available dental practice locations across 44 states. Significant increases will occur in CA, NY, TX, IL, FL, OH and OK.

Both Aetna and Assurant will increase their PPO networks as a result of the agreement.

Assurant Employee Benefits specializes in quality employee benefits and services, including long-term and short-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, dental coverage and disability reinsurance management service.

We expect that you will have the ability to quote the newly expanded PPO network by September 1, 2006 (including GeoAccess reporting), with the Assurant providers added to our systems/DocFind^® and incorporated into our network by October 1, 2006.

Our agreement with Assurant includes  reciprocal sales restrictions where the other party is the in-force dental carrier.  If you have situations where Assurant is the incumbent carrier, please consult your Aetna Account Executive.

"Aetna Dental is continually enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our members. This agreement complements our strategy of making it easier for members to access quality, cost-effective care," said Pat Farrell, senior vice president, Aetna Specialty Products. "Linking these two networks gives our customers access to one of the largest dental PPO networks available. In addition, this relationship advances our emerging business of providing services to other health plans and insurers."