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Our history is all about you

We’re always working to push health care forward as a true partner. As part of CVS Health®, we’re building on this legacy to help people achieve their personal health goals in new and unique ways.

A history of innovation

We’ve been at the forefront of initiatives that have transformed health care.

Decades of achievement

 

1800s

1800s

Aetna is formed. We keep the Aetna name as a nod to the good reputation of the original Aetna Life Insurance Company. The name is inspired by the 11,000-foot volcano on the eastern shores of Sicily, Mt. Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. (1853)

1910s

1910s

The United States enters World War I. Aetna uses its financial strength to provide insurance to the government to bond contractors in construction. (1917)

1920s

1920s

  • Aetna creates the first insurer-owned clinic to help rehab disabled workers in Syracuse, NY. (1922)
  • The Aetna women’s basketball team plays in, and wins, the first women’s basketball game at Madison Square Garden. (1928)

1940s

1940s

Aetna becomes the first insurer to advertise on television. Years later, this turns into the “Aetna, I’m glad I met ya!” ad campaign. (1944)

1960s

1960s

  • Aetna writes the first individual life insurance policies to protect America’s original seven astronauts. (1963)
  • We pay the first Medicare claim in the country. (1966)

1990s

1990s

Aetna begins investing in affordable housing across the United States. This investment — now over $1.4 billion — has supported the building and renovation of more than 93,000 affordable homes (1997 to present)

2000s

2000s

  • Aetna, a leader in addressing health disparities, commits more than $3 million to improve health care access and delivery to its diverse membership. (2003)
  • We become the first national, full-service health insurer to announce a health savings account (HSA) option.​ (2003)
  • Aetna is recognized as one of America's most community-minded companies, ranking fourth in ''The Civic 50" survey. (2012)
  • Aetna increases the company minimum wage to champion higher pay for hourly workers. (2015)
  • Karen S. Lynch becomes the first woman to serve as president in the company’s history. (2015 to 2021)
  • Aetna becomes part of CVS Health® in a transformative moment in health care. (2018)
  • Karen S. Lynch becomes the first woman to serve as president and CEO of CVS Health. (2021 to 2024)

 

 

Our bold goals for the future

Healthier happens together®

As a part of CVS Health, we’re committed to doing more for you and every person we serve. With expert care. Extra support. A simple experience. That’s just the beginning.

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