Medicare
Aetna Introduces Medicare Advantage Plans in Bexar County
By Aetna
Sep 9, 2005, 17:32

Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) announced today that it is offering new health care coverage options for Medicare beneficiaries in Bexar County, Texas. Aetna is offering Medicare Advantage plans that provide beneficiaries with additional choices, flexibility and value.

Plans currently being marketed include the Aetna Golden Medicare Plan� (HMO) and Aetna Golden Choice� Plan.

"Aetna is continuing to expand its participation in the Medicare Advantage program in 2005," said Frank G. McCauley, head of Aetna�s Retiree Markets. "We are committed to offering a broad portfolio of health benefits solutions for retirees, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to expand our coverage into Texas." Aetna expects to more than double the number of states in which it plans to offer its Medicare Advantage plans, from 5 today to 13 by 2006, pending federal approval.

The Aetna Golden Medicare Plan (HMO) in Bexar County features:

* No additional plan premium.
* Prescription drug coverage.
* No copayments for preventive services. Members can obtain routine physicals and other preventive care services, including cancer screenings, without copayments.

The Aetna Golden Choice Plan (PPO) provides beneficiaries with greater flexibility, enabling them to go to doctors, specialists and hospitals in or out of network. Referrals are not needed for in-network services.

"Aetna is very pleased to be able to offer Medicare Advantage plans to beneficiaries living in Bexar County," said Gary Culp, head of Aetna�s Medicare business in Aetna�s Southwest Region. "Our Medicare Advantage plans offer choices that do not exist with original Medicare, including prescription drug coverage and full coverage of preventive health care services."

In addition, Aetna has filed applications with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer the new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) to individuals and employers on a national basis, except the territories, in 2006. Application and bid filings for each PDP region are subject to CMS approval with contracts to be awarded in September.

All rights reserved by www.rxpgnews.com