Policies, Procedures & Reporting Processes
Speaking out on public policy issues
We are committed to helping people get high-quality, affordable health care. Often this means speaking out on public policy issues. That's part of being a leader in the health care industry.
Aetna Government Relations identifies issues that affect our company, our industry, our employees and the communities we serve. We share our point of view with members of Congress, state officials and other policy makers.
Giving employees a political voice: Aetna's Political Action Committee (PAC)
Aetna PAC is a bipartisan political action committee. It gives employees a voice in supporting political candidates who share our views. Aetna PAC collects voluntary contributions from eligible Aetna employees. These funds support candidates for federal and state political office. All contributions are received and given according to internal guidelines and applicable laws.
Aetna PAC oversight and supervision
The Aetna PAC treasurer and administrator are responsible for the day-to-day management of Aetna PAC. Under the oversight of the Aetna PAC Board of Directors, Aetna PAC officers are responsible for soliciting contributions and disbursing funds consistent with state and federal laws.
The Contributions Committee, composed of state and federal Government Relations personnel, considers a candidate's voting record, leadership position, committee assignment and other factors in making contribution decisions.
Aetna PAC is audited annually by the company's outside auditors, and audited financial statements are available upon request.
About PAC membership
Under the Federal Election Campaign Act, membership in a federal corporate political action committee like Aetna PAC is limited to those employees who are both:
- U.S. citizens or green card holders with permanent resident status and living in the United States
- Paid on a salary basis and have policymaking, managerial, professional or supervisory responsibilities
Corporate political contributions
Where permitted by law and of interest to the company, Aetna makes corporate contributions to support the election of candidates for state office. Under the oversight of the Aetna PAC Board of Directors, Aetna PAC officers are responsible for disbursing corporate funds consistent with state and federal laws.
The Contributions Committee, composed of state and federal Government Relations personnel, considers a candidate's voting record, leadership position, committee assignment and other factors in making contribution decisions.
Policy statement on PAC and corporate contributions
Whether political contributions are derived from Aetna’s corporate treasury (to the extent allowed by law) or from Aetna PAC, such expenditures are governed by this policy statement and criteria. All corporate political contributions must promote the interests of the company and must be made without regard for the private political preferences of company directors or officers.
Each contribution, whether made from corporate funds or from Aetna PAC funds, must go through a legal review and approval process to ensure it complies with all applicable laws, as well as this policy statement. No contribution may be made or given in anticipation of, recognition of, or in return for an official act.
This policy statement incorporates by reference the contributions criteria, and all contributions must be made in accord with these criteria. This policy statement also incorporates by reference the Management and Process sections of Aetna PAC and Aetna Inc.’s Political Contributions and Related Activity Report as annually updated. These two sections describe in detail the specific procedures and individuals involved in making Aetna PAC and corporate contribution decisions.
Contributions criteria
We look to members of our Contributions Committee to help us select candidates to support. Then we use the following criteria when making decisions:
- The candidate’s understanding and support of the free enterprise system
- The candidate’s need for Aetna Political Action Committee (PAC) assistance
- The presence of Aetna employees, facilities or resources in the candidate’s district or state
- The candidate’s demonstrated leadership or potential for leadership
- The candidate’s committee assignments and seniority within Congress or state government
- The candidate’s involvement with and position on issues affecting health care and related group benefits
- The likelihood of the candidate’s election success
- Recommendations by Aetna PAC members
Each contribution goes through a legal review to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
All contributions are directed to promote the interests of the company and are made without regard to the private political preferences of Aetna officers and executives.
