Aetna Implements New Technology to Increase Member Participation in Integrated Health and Disability Programs

HARTFORD, Conn.--Aetna (NYSE:AET - News) announced it is offering an interactive voice response (IVR) system called Voice2Form to enable members with both Aetna disability and medical insurance to easily provide consent to participate in the insurer's Integrated Health and Disability (IHD) program. Aetna studies have shown that the IHD program may reduce short term disability durations by as much as 10.7 percent or 5.6 days per claim (Source: Aetna Integrated Informatics studies from 09/2004-03/2005. Average salary based on Bureau of Labor - $39,000/yr.). That results in a potential savings of as much as $300-$600 per claim.*

"With the Voice2Form method, we receive members' consent in real time and can begin appropriate medical management referrals and care plan coordination immediately," said Caren Kittredge, head of Disability Product. "This is important because we can provide better service and help the employee return to health and return to work as soon as it is medically safe to do so."

The consent method is being used successfully by Aetna Disability and is widely used by members filing a disability claim through telephonic intake. In fact, over 90 percent of those filing a claim by phone authorized consent for participation in the IHD program via the Voice2Form system.

Authorize Consent Online
Aetna has developed another means of providing consent electronically. By accessing an online electronic consent form on Aetna Navigator(TM), Aetna's secure member website, members can complete and submit an electronic signature in real time and print a copy of the form for their records.

"We want to make it easier for our customers to do business with us," said Kittredge. "These two real-time, easy-to-use consent methods are another example of how Aetna is leading the industry with innovations to better serve our customers."

Some of the Aetna programs IHD refers members to include Case Management, a variety of Disease Management programs, Wellness Programs, Ergonomic Assessment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Worksite Accommodations, Moms-to-Babies® Maternity Management Program and Aetna Behavioral Health. By combining disability case management with these medical programs, Aetna can help employees return to health, work, and financial stability faster.

Aetna Group Insurance is a leading provider of group life, disability, leave management services and long-term care benefits for over 13 million group insurance members. Aetna Group Insurance provides benefits through employers and associations nationwide, with products and services targeted specifically to small, midsized and large multisite national plan sponsors. With strength in both health benefits and group insurance coverage, Aetna is uniquely qualified to help employers address issues of employee productivity, chronic illness, aging, and financial security. All group insurance products are underwritten or administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. www.aetna.com/groupinsurance/producers.htm

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 29.8 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. www.aetna.com

* Actual results may vary.