Aetna Makes Prevention Easy This Flu Season
November 09 2011 - 11:25AM
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.
Aetna (NYSE:AET)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Aetna (NYSE:AET)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024