Aetna (NYSE: AET) is one of the nation's leaders in health care, dental, pharmacy, group life, disability, and long-term care insurance and employee benefits. Dedicated to helping people achieve health and financial security, Aetna puts information and helpful resources to work for its members to help them make better-informed decisions about their health care. (Figures as of March 31, 2008)
Membership:

• 17.467 million medical members
• 14.166 million dental members
• 10.951 million pharmacy members

Health Care Networks:

• More than 843,000 health care professionals
• More than 490,000 primary care doctors and specialists
• 4,919 hospitals
• A network of specialist physicians, AexcelSM, based on clinical performance and cost efficiency.

• Aetna offers a broad range of insurance and employee benefits products.
• The first national, full-service health insurer to offer a consumer-directed health plan, Aetna continues to lead the way with its Aetna HealthFund line of products, including HSA, HRA and RRA options.
• Aetna offers a wide array of programs and services that help control rising employee benefits costs while striving to improve the quality of health care, such as case management; disease management and patient safety programs; integrated medical, dental, pharmaceutical, behavioral health and disability information.
• Aetna provides members with access to convenient tools and easy-to-understand information that can help them make better-informed decisions about their health and financial wellbeing.

• Aetna provides benefits through employers in all 50 states, with products and services targeted specifically to small, mid-sized and large multi-site national employers.
• Aetna also serves individuals and Medicare beneficiaries in certain markets. 

 Financial Ratings

Aetna stock is publicly traded and listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol of AET.
 

*Updated July 8, 2008
  

Plan Features & Commentary

Aetna is an interesting survivor of the healthcare revolution. A botched acquisition of USHEALTHCARE many years ago almost destroyed the stellar reputation that this carrier had for many years. Add the huge class-action HMO suit that reshaped HMO incentives in the early 90's and the this carrier was in danger of dropping out of healthcare much like Travelers, Prudential, and New York life. Wow what a comeback!

Over the past 5 years Aetna has solidified itself as one of the few national health carriers. With coverage from Coast to Coast, Aetna is a fierce competitor in both the large group and small group markets. Aetna, United Healthcare, Wellpoint, and perhaps PacifiCare are all striving to be competitive in every market. Aetna has what the others are striving for. Wellpoint is stronger and better in about half the states but absent as a player in the other half of the states.

Aetna is moving away for the Point of Service model (POS) as it's calling card towards a more traditional PPO plan. A POS plan is a 3-tier plan where you have the choice of using a Primary care physician with referrals, like an HMO. When you do, you have low out of pocket expenses. The 2nd tier is using the same network without using the referral, like a PPO. The 3rd tier of benefits is an indemnity plan where you don't use the referral and didn't use an Aetna preferred provider. The POS plans are generally priced just a little more than an HMO and satisfies the fear factor of being stuck in an HMO and not liking the PCP.

In areas where Aetna does not have an HMO network, Aetna is not a low cost provider. Part of the reason for that is their generous reimbursement schedules. We speculate on the schedules but we do know that there are many physician groups that will participate in only Aetna or Blue Cross. That says a lot. If you are concerned about quality of providers in network, you will sleep well with Aetna. A distinguished group of competent customer service people make Aetna an excellent option. If Aetna has an HMO network in your area, the PPO prices are great. If it doesn't, prices aren't so great.

Underwriting for small groups has been a question. If you are under 10 employees you might find Aetna underwriting to be a bit tough. The super-small group market does not, yet, seem to be their forte. Overall ranking for Aetna is high. If the price is right, it's a great choice. Our experienced agents can help determine what plan would best suit your needs. To get a quote, please fill out the Quote request form by clicking the "Get A Quote" button on the left side of the page. 

If you prefer to talk to us now, please call us toll free @ 877-559-8100 . Hours 9am-5pm Central time.

(Information features editorial comment that represents the opinions of Castle Group Health Inc.and Healthinsure.com)
 

Aetna Rates & Renewals

Health rates are a very regional issue. What is great in Dallas is not applicable in Chicago and vice-versa. In general, Aetna rates for groups of 2-50 are most competitive if you are looking for looking for good in network benefits. If you are in a top 50 metro area where Aetna has a network, you will find Aetna POS and PPO plans a great value.

If you are a group with less than 5 employees, Aetna may not be the choice. Underwriting can be reasonably tough on smaller, small groups. Aetna is very competitive in the 25+ employee group range. Since pricing for groups with more than 50 employees is not in a State controlled range, there is no guideline for groups with over 50 employees.

Renewal trends have been within the industry trend range to better than average.

Our experienced agents can help determine what plan would best suit your needs. To get a quote, please fill out the Quote request form by clicking the "Get A Quote" button on the left side of the page.

If you prefer to talk to us now, please call us toll free @ 877-559-8100. 9-5 CDT. M-F.