The Verden Group Awards Aetna Best Overall Performance in 2008 for Provider Network Management

Aetna earned top ranking each quarter for management practices; clear, transparent policies and procedures

HARTFORD, Conn.— Aetna (NYSE: AET) announced today that it received the Verden Group’s Annual Award for Most Provider Friendly Network based on the company’s overall performance and achieving top ranking above competitors for each quarter of 2008. The Verden Group monitors managed care companies’ policy and procedure changes to determine how well or poorly provider networks are being managed.

“Aetna works hard to make it easy for providers to do business with us. We believe we have made tremendous progress in our ability to simplify business transactions, to deliver quality service and information, and to make our business processes as transparent as possible,” said Susan Peters, head of Aetna Health Care Management. “We are committed to continuous improvement and are pleased our progress is recognized and appreciated.”

Each quarter, the Verden Group scores insurers based on changes to policies occurring within each quarter and ranks insurers on the following five measures: cost to provider, volume of change, clarity of communication, notification period, and posting integrity. Aetna received the top overall ranking and earned designation as the Most Provider-Friendly Insurer for each quarter in 2008.

“Aetna performed head and shoulders above its competition, and the annual award emphasizes the good work that Aetna is doing with the provider community,” said Susanne Madden, president and CEO of the Verden Group. “We look forward to Aetna’s continued success in these areas in 2009.”

Aetna’s results continue to improve, in part, by talking and working with the medical community and other constituents. “By being easier to work with and collaborating with the medical community as well as plan sponsors, members and legislators, we can help improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care,” Peters said.