HARTFORD, Conn. -- (Business Wire)

Following the recent deadly tornadoes, Aetna (NYSE: AET) has opened its employee assistance program lines for any person who may be having difficulty coping. Aetna also is making it easier for members who have evacuated to refill prescriptions and find care outside their home areas. The company is extending claim and appeal filing times, among other steps.

“Our deepest sympathies and concern go out to those affected by the tornadoes,” said Mark T. Bertolini, Aetna chairman, CEO and president. “We want to help people who have been affected by these devastating events get the care they need, including counseling and assistance finding pharmacies, physicians and hospitals away from their homes.”

Aetna Behavioral Health has opened its Employee Assistance Program resources to all Aetna plan sponsors, regardless of whether or not they are Aetna EAP customers, during these times of need. Aetna’s EAP professionals, who have experience dealing with traumatic events, are available to help. Aetna members can contact Aetna EAP 24/7 for telephonic consultation, referrals or general information such as areas affected by a disaster, available shelters and government resources.

The number to call is 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232). Individuals and families also may want to reference the following materials.

• Recovering from trauma and loss
• Recognizing and coping with sadness after a loss

In addition, Aetna members and health care providers affected by the disaster who need care or other assistance can reach the company at the following toll-free numbers.

• Aetna Member Services: Call the number printed on your ID card*. If ID card is unavailable, call 1-800-443-AETNA (1-800-443-2386)
• Aetna Specialty Pharmacy Customer Service: 1-866-782-ASRX (1-866-782-2779)
• Aetna Rx Home Delivery Customer Service: 1-888-RX AETNA (1-888-792-3862)
• Aetna Employee Assistance Program: 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232)
• Aetna Dental: 1-877-238-6200
• Health care providers should contact the Provider Service Centers:
  - Indemnity and PPO-based benefit plans: 1-888-MD-Aetna (1-888-632-3862)
  - HMO benefit plans: 1-800-624-0756

* Replacement ID cards and access to a Personal Health Record (PHR) can be found on Aetna Navigator™:http://www.aetna.com/index.html

Affected Aetna members may refill their prescriptions early, as needed. Those who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy can receive a prescription at an alternate delivery location or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed.

Affected Aetna members also can seek emergency care anywhere, as needed. As part of its disaster procedures, Aetna will monitor the impact on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. The company will work closely with providers to make further modifications to its policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care.

At this time, Aetna is not aware of any employees or their family members directly affected by these tragedies, but continues to reach out to employees to make certain they are safe.

If any additional local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations are issued related to these catastrophic events, Aetna will adjust its policies to comply.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

Contacts:

Aetna
Anjie Coplin, 214-200-8056
coplina@aetna.com

Source: Aetna