About Aetna Insurance

Aetna is a large insurance company serving multiple populations in the U.S. Primarily known for its health insurance plan offerings, Aetna sells a wide variety of plans to meet the needs of its members. Advanced online tools for members include provider search, review of claims and benefit plans information. An online portal is available to network providers with several useful tools to make the administration of benefits easy.

History and Facts

• Aetna, founded in 1853, is one of the oldest insurers still in existence as of 2011. Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Aetna employs over 34,000 employees. Aetna boasts large memberships including over 18 million medical insurance plan members, 13 million dental plan members and over 9 million pharmacy plan members, as of September 2010. With a huge network comprised of over 1 million health care providers, Aetna is present in all 50 states serving various types of populations from individuals, employees in group health plans, retirees, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Products

• Most people are familiar with Aetna as a medical insurer. Aetna offers individual and group plans of all sizes. Plan types vary from health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, consumer driven health plans and indemnity fee-for-service plans. Disease management, wellness programs and behavioral health/employee assistance programs are available as stand-alone products or bundled with medical insurance. Additionally, Aetna offers other insurance, besides medical, such as dental, vision, disability, life and pet insurance.

Network

• Aetna serves over 30 million people. With a wide range of in-network providers found all over the country, you're never too far from an Aetna provider. Aetna network providers include primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals and behavioral health providers among others. Network providers receive agreed upon competitive compensation for services, ability to submit claims online, ability to complete online member eligibility confirmation, office staff training and access to newsletters and articles. Providers may call 1-800-353-1232 to request an application to join the network or complete an application on the Aetna website.

Applying for Insurance

• Those seeking individual health insurance plans through Aetna can obtain an online quote from the Aetna website after completing a brief questionnaire. The next step is to complete a formal application. Agents licensed to sell Aetna products may also assist individuals with the quote and application process. Aetna will notify you in writing their decision to offer coverage, plans available and premiums. Employers seeking group coverage for their employees should contact Aetna's sales department to discuss options and receive quotes. Small businesses with less than 50 employees can get a quote online through Aetna's website.