Aetna Introduces Medicare Advantage Plans in Maine

Medicare beneficiaries in Maine now have new options from Aetna (NYSE:AET) for health care coverage that provides them with additional choices, flexibility and value. Aetna has introduced individual Medicare Advantage plan options, including the Aetna Golden Medicare Plan® (HMO) and the Aetna Golden Choice ™ Plan (PPO), in Cumberland, Penobscot and York Counties. "Aetna is extremely pleased to make our Medicare Advantage plans available to Medicare beneficiaries in Maine,” said Gary Thomas, Northeast Region General Manager for Aetna’s Consumer Segment. "The addition of the Medicare Advantage plans in Cumberland, Penobscot and York Counties provide access to high quality, affordable health care for Medicare beneficiaries. The medical plans include 100 percent coverage for preventive care, value-added services, and can include prescription drug benefits for a lower plan premium than standalone Medicare prescription drug plans.” Depending on the medical plan chosen, the Aetna Golden Medicare Plan (HMO) and the Aetna Golden Choice Plan (PPO) in Maine can feature: Coverage for doctors visits, hospitalization and prescription medications through one plan with the convenience of a single ID card. Coverage for thousands of drugs, including those for high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, cholesterol and arthritis. Hearing exams and hearing aid reimbursements. Routine eye exams and eyewear reimbursements in most plans. Special rates on alternative health care services such as acupuncture, massage, nutritional counseling and chiropractic services, as well as vitamins and more. "We’re also pleased to continue our commitment to Medicare Part D, with three standalone Medicare prescription drug plans in Maine that range in price from $26.10 to $82 per month depending on the benefit level chosen,” Thomas said. Aetna will enhance coverage in its Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for 2008 by offering an open formulary in all three of its individual Part D and Medicare Advantage Part D products, as well as first-dollar coverage for generic medications (meaning a waiver of the deductible for generic drugs), and coverage for all generics on the lowest co-pay tier. Aetna will continue to offer three Part D plans nationwide -- one that includes benefits equivalent to standard Part D, and two enhanced options. Two of the plans will be even more competitively priced for 2008, in many cases offering premiums that are lower than 2007 rates. In addition, one plan will provide coverage for all covered Part D generic prescription drugs through the coverage gap. More information about Aetna’s 2008 Medicare plans is available at www.aetnamedicare.com. The site also offers a user-friendly online decision support tool to assist beneficiaries and their caregivers in selecting the best benefit design to meet individual needs, as well as help optimize prescription drug spending throughout the plan year. Individuals may also contact Aetna Medicare at 800-832-2640 to inquire about informational meetings in their local neighborhoods. Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.4 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 and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, government-sponsored plans and expatriates. www.aetna.com