Aetna has introduced a new online resource designed to help members who have enrolled or are considering enrolling in an Aetna Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) get the most out of their plan. Through a new page on Aetna.com, visitors can learn more about the plans, get tips on how to use these plans effectively, and view informational videos on the two most common types of plans — Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) and Health       Savings Accounts (HSA). The site was developed using feedback from Aetna’s own CDHP members, as well as an independent survey conducted earlier this year, indicating that an overwhelming majority of consumers would benefit from tools and information to help them better understand their coverage levels, find doctors in their network, and estimate the cost of an office visit before scheduling.

“The downturn in the economy has prompted many employers and consumers to consider CDHPs as a way to better manage their health and health care costs,” said Aetna President Mark Bertolini. “Switching to one of these plans can be a big change. But by providing people with the information and tools they need we can help them make more informed health care decisions and get the most out of their health care benefits.”

Helping Consumers Get the Information They Need

Aetna’s CDHP educational resources are part of a broader Maximize Your Benefits campaign. This campaign provides consumers and Aetna members with information and tools designed to help them get the most out of their health care benefits. The Consumer-Directed Health Care page provides an “At a Glance” overview of the plans; “the basics” on how to use the plans, as well as informational videos and other educational materials.

A survey of CDHP enrollees conducted earlier this year showed that tools like DocFind, Aetna’s online provider directory, and Aetna’s secure member self-service website, which provides access to benefits information and the company’s cost of care tools, are ideally suited to meet the needs of survey participants. Specifically, the survey found that:

– The majority of consumers surveyed would have been highly likely to use resources such as DocFind (89%), Benefits Used/Remaining (87%) and Cost of Care Tools (84%) when they first enrolled in a CDHP.

– Consumers would have found access to resources such as DocFind (96%), Benefits Used/Remaining (92%) and Cost of Care Tools (91%) as highly valuable when they first enrolled in a CDHP.

Lower Costs and Positive Impact on Health & Wellness

Recent reports have highlighted the fact that more employers are selecting CDHPs as a way to reduce costs as a result of the economy. An analysis of Aetna members earlier this year showed that employers who offer Aetna HealthFund plans as an option experienced a savings of $7 million per 10,000 members over a five year period.

Aetna’s research also demonstrates that Consumer-Directed Health Plans can have a positive impact on health and wellness. Aetna’s study found that Consumer-Directed Health Plan members:

– Sought increased levels of chronic and preventive care

– Used generic drugs more often

– Accessed online tools and information at higher rates than PPO members.

Importantly, this year’s results also show that Aetna HealthFund members spent 5 to 10 percent more on preventive care and had 5 to 10 percent lower emergency room use than PPO members, suggesting that Consumer-Directed Health Plan members are becoming more informed consumers of health care.

“It is clear that Consumer-Directed Health Plans can have a positive impact on both health and overall cost,” said Bertolini. “As the first national health insurer to launch a consumer-directed plan, we believe it is our responsibility to provide the information, educational tools, and online resources people need to manage their health.”

There has to be a way to counter the rising medical costs. Medical insurance is one of them. And supposing that you do not have this insurance as yet, you need to give it a sober thought. This policy will cover the major costs incurred on major health problems that anyone can face.

It is known that in today’s busy and stressful lifestyles, even a healthy person’s health can go for atoll any time. With so much of unhealthy eating habits, you can never be sure of any disease growing within and when the symptoms may surface. Seasonal changes and change of physical environments also have a profound effect upon our health. This needs good consideration so that you be careful. One of the important measures to be taken is to go for a medical insurance so that you can at least cover the regular visits you might have to make to the doctor. Visits to the doctor also serve as good preventive measures. This is so because regular check ups make you confident of your health and you know where you are going. This can cover your major medical expenses, apart from hospitalisation, when needed.

Online availability of insurance quotes has made the job much easier, This is because not only is this quick, but also the processing is fast and you can avail to quotes from as many insurance companies as you like. This further helps to compare them so that you can strike upon the deal most suitable to your needs. While you take a medical insurance for yourself, also do not ignore your family. In fact there are so may policies which are especially designed for you as well as your family, not to speak of the discounts you get thereof. Give a sober thought to this.

Visiting the US from a foreign country can be an expensive experience if you’re suddenly taken seriously ill in Amoco or fallen down a ridge and broken your leg while touring the Grand Canyon. Healthcare in the United States is not subsidised by the Federal Government and hospitalisation in America can burn a huge hole in your pocket. With a Visitors Medical Insurance, you’ll be well protected from astronomical medical bills.

The right coverage

Before commencing your trip to the US, study the types of insurance policies available to cover any medical eventuality while travelling in the country. You should consider whether the costs of consulting a medical practitioner and purchasing prescription medicine are included in your policy. Unplanned emergencies like food poisoning or a fractured arm could easily occur and you’ll need to ensure that the medical expenses related to your urgent needs are indemnified. In most cases however, you would not be able to claim the costs of treating health conditions that you already have prior to coming to the States, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

How visitors insurance helps

Let’s say that you have to be admitted for emergency medical treatment or surgery at a hospital. Each day you’re attended to by doctors and hospital staff would significantly add to your final bill. The sheer worry of how you’re going to settle the charges would affect your ability to recuperate. If you’re protected by insurance, the burden is shifted to the insurance company and you can concentrate your energies on a speedy recovery.

What you need to know

The medical insurance procedures in the US could differ from those practised in your country of origin. Familiarising yourself with the processes involved would assist you in handling your medical emergency better.

* Insurance plan. You need to first purchase the correct insurance policy for your particular requirements. Be aware of what sort of medical contingency is covered by your plan. The premium payable is greater for total medical coverage compared to selected emergencies. Decide on what you want indemnity for.

* Insurance identification card. You’ll be promptly provided with an identification card after you purchase the policy. Check that your name and other details are printed correctly. They must match your passport exactly because the card will be used to convince medical administrative officials that you have adequate health insurance upon admission.

* Toll free numbers. These are included for your convenience to enable you to quickly contact the nearest health facility in case of a medical emergency.

* Indemnity. Some policies require you to settle the hospital bill first and claim a reimbursement later. Alternatively, you may want to select a plan that allows you to submit the necessary documents to the insurance company and payment will subsequently be released to the hospital.

Your trip to the US does not have to cost you an arm and a leg when you meet with an accident while crossing the road. With a Visitors Medical Insurance you will be well protected from the hazard of paying prohibitive hospital fees.