Aetna’s New Small-Group Plans Focus on Wellness

No co-pays charged for preventive services

LINTHICUM, Md.— Employees of small businesses in Maryland are being invited to enjoy “Wellness on Us” under a new suite of plans offered by Aetna (NYSE: AET).

Small-group plan members in the state can now obtain preventive health care services without being charged a co-pay. The plans are part of Aetna’s effort to encourage members to take advantage of the screenings and other preventive services offered under their health benefit plans. They are the first health plans of their kind to be offered in Maryland.

“In these challenging economic times, it’s become increasingly difficult for smaller companies to provide high-quality, affordable plans for their employees,” said David Notari, head of small group sales for Aetna’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Employers want to make sure people are getting the full benefit of the plan offerings, particularly the preventive screenings. We’re encouraging both employers and their employees to make full use of these wellness benefits.”

Too often, people will shy away from getting needed preventive screenings if they have to pay co-pays out of their own pockets, Notari pointed out. The Aetna plans are designed to eliminate those concerns. The plans will be marketed and sold through agents and brokers across the state.

“Brokers are excited about the opportunity a program like ‘Wellness on Us’ brings to their existing and potential customers,” said Joseph N. Seifert III, director of broker sales for Kelly and Associates Insurance Group, Hunt Valley, Md. “This is very good news at a time when everyone is watching their bottom line. Our clients will quickly embrace this exciting new concept. This will help keep people healthy while leaving some money in their wallets.”

Aetna will offer 27 different plan designs for small-group customers in the state. They include HMO, point-of-service and PPO options. Many of the plans also can accommodate a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). The plans also include coverage of prescription drugs.

In 20 of the 27 plans, members will not be charged a co-pay when they visit the doctor for routine vision exams; physicals; well-child visits; gynecological exams; and mammograms.

Aetna provides health benefits to more than 525,000 members in Maryland. Those members have access to contracted networks that include 52 acute-care hospitals, 3,398 primary care physicians and 13,478 specialists.