Aetna Makes Prevention Easy This Flu Season

-- New flu prevention programs help members save time and money --

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Just in time for flu season, Aetna (NYSE: AET) is expanding flu prevention programs to fit members’ schedules and budgets. With a number of convenient options to choose from, many of the programs are available at no out-of-pocket cost to members.

Personalized options

Aetna is making it easier for eligible members to get the seasonal flu shot by offering access to more flu vaccine providers than ever before. Aetna members and their families can receive the flu vaccine at more than 25,000 supermarkets, drug stores and urgent care centers nationwide including:

  • CVS and MinuteClinic®;
  • Mollen Immunization Clinics;
  • Rite-Aid® pharmacies;
  • Safeway supermarkets; and
  • SuperValu® supermarkets.

Members pay nothing for flu shots at these locations by simply presenting their Aetna member ID cards. New this year, members do not need to pay for the flu shot and submit their receipt to Aetna for reimbursement. For a complete list of flu vaccine providers see www.aetna.com.

Members may also get the flu vaccine from their doctors. The vaccine and administration are covered at 100 percent as preventive care. Additional charges may apply if other services are provided or the doctor charges for an office visit. Members should check with their doctors before their appointments.

“Aetna is focused on making quality health care easier to access. This includes making it easy for our members to get the seasonal flu vaccine by offering convenient options that are low or no cost,” said Lonny Reisman, MD, chief medical officer for Aetna. “The flu vaccine is a good defense against seasonal flu. Everyone is encouraged to get the flu vaccine, especially individuals in high risk groups -- children under the age of 18 and the elderly, in particular.”

Maintaining a healthy workforce while managing costs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu costs employers and businesses more than $10 billion in doctor and hospital visits for adults each year. Unanticipated health care costs can have a negative impact on employers already operating in a challenging economy.

In addition to options to receive the flu vaccine from retail clinics or doctors, some employers are taking extra steps to protect their employees, and businesses, from the seasonal flu. Aetna helps employers offer flu prevention programs that encourage employees to get vaccinated.

For example, Aetna has agreements with several national flu vaccine providers that conduct on-site seasonal flu shot clinics, giving members the option of getting their flu shot at work, often at no cost. Members can learn more about this option through their employer.

Aetna is also offering the new Citi Flu Care card program for large self-insured employers. As part of the program, eligible members and their dependents 18 years or older receive a Citi Flu Care card. The Citi Flu Care card is designed to serve as a reminder to members to get their flu shots, while also providing another easy way to cover the costs. Members simply present a valid photo ID and the Citi Flu Care card at one of the 25,000 pharmacies and clinics nationwide that participate in program. Members pay nothing while employers are charged only for the vaccinations their employees receive.

Aetna is also making the Citi Flu Care card available to its Medicare Advantage members to encourage seniors to get their flu shot.

Members should check their individual plan for coverage details. For more flu prevention and plan information, including a list of flu vaccine providers, visit www.aetna.com.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary 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.



CONTACT:

Aetna
Stephanie Ancillai, 860-273-8447
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Connecticut

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Health  Infectious Diseases  Pharmaceutical  Professional Services  Insurance  General Health  Managed Care

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