Aetna and the Aetna Foundation Donate $75,000 to Support Connecticut Veterans Day Parade. - Science Letter

Aetna (NYSE: ?ET) and The Aetna Foundation announced the establishment of an endowment fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving that will support the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade, and an initial contribution of $75,000, in honor of Marilda Gandara, who is retiring as head of The Aetna Foundation after a 30-year career with Aetna (see also Aetna).

oMarilda has helped make corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism in the communities we serve a recognized and respected part of the Aetna culture u what we call The Aetna Way,o said Ronald A. Williams, Aetna chairman and chief executive officer. oShe has long been an advocate and supporter of the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade and we are pleased to honor her hard work and successful career. We wish her a happy, fulfilling retirement in the years to come.o

oMarilda has been a tireless supporter of the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade, and many other projects in this region,o said Linda J. Kelly, president of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. oWe are pleased to work with Aetna to establish this permanent fund that will honor MarildaEs commitment to this community.o

In addition, a benefit roast in honor of Gandara, was held yesterday. Proceeds from the event, estimated at $15,000, will be donated to Foodshare.

GandaraEs career with Aetna began in 1978 when she joined the corporate law department, focusing on real estate, bankruptcy and environmental law. She established a track record of success in a variety of roles, including Corporate Planning and Financial Reporting and Real Estate Investments. In 1996, she was named president of the Aetna Foundation and head of Corporate Public Involvement, and played a key role in extending AetnaEs corporate philanthropy. Under GandaraEs leadership, $180 million in grants have been awarded to nonprofit organizations and Aetna Volunteer Councils have increased from two to 43. In addition, Gandara has served on the boards of many national and local organizations and has played a key role in multiple efforts, including the Hispanics Philanthropy Funders Collaborative which has raised over $50 million for Latino non-profit capacity building and the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade, now the largest in New England. About Aetna Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 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, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, go to www.aetna.com.

Keywords: Aetna.

Aetna Awarded $50,000 to Tennessee Non-Profits. - Biotech Week

Aetna (NYSE: AET) and the Aetna Foundation in 2008 awarded community grants and sponsorships in Tennessee totaling $50,000, with a particular focus on wellness and exercise (see also Aetna).

Aetna made a $25,000 grant to Porter-Leath ChildrenEs Center, which will help fund a nine-month pilot program that delivers wellness information to Memphis-area families through home visits. The ChildrenEs Center will leverage existing relationships with more than 1,000 disadvantaged families to raise awareness about the need for healthier lifestyles.

The Aetna Foundation provided a $25,000 grant to Vanderbilt University that will support oLive It! Go for the Red, White and Blue,o a school-based program offered in metropolitan Nashville middle schools. Through classroom instruction, individual on-line study and guided practice, the program focuses on the benefits of exercise. Stepping, a low-impact aerobic activity almost any student can do, is the featured exercise. The program also encourages healthy food choices through nutrition education.

oBoth of these programs address the need to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise and healthy eating,o said Jayna Harley, AetnaEs head of network operations for Tennessee. oAetna is committed to helping improve health outcomes in the state by supporting programs that encourage people to lead healthier lives.o

Aetna provides health benefits to more than 200,000 people in Tennessee. About the Aetna Foundation The Aetna Foundation is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc. Founded in 1972, the Foundation seeks to help build healthy communities by funding initiatives that improve the quality of life where Aetna employees and customers work and live.

The FoundationEs giving is focused on health, diversity and employee community involvement, with broader programs in our home sate of Connecticut. Since 1980, the Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed over $334 million in grants, sponsorships and social investments. In 2007, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation contributed $24.5 million nationally.

Additional information about the Foundation is available about the Aetna Foundation is available at www.aetna.com/foundation About Aetna Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 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, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine, Therapy, Treatment, Wellness, Aetna.

Aetna: Accountable Care Organization Model Improves Quality, Lowers Costs. - Health & Beauty Close-Up

Three years ago Aetna began working with doctor groups, specialists and health care facilities to create a more personalized, connected and accountable way to provide health care.

Today, Aetna said that its early accountable care organization (ACO) model is improving health care quality and lowering the cost of care.

Beginning in 2012, government incentives will give health plans, doctors and hospitals more reason to work together in a closer, more coordinated way. Aetna said that it began testing the ACO model in 2007 among doctors who cared for approximately 20,000 Aetna Medicare Advantage members. The model combines

-personalized care management and support

-advanced technology that connects doctors with up-to-date patient information and current medical evidence

-financial arrangements that encourage doctors to share in the improvement of patients' health and reflects additional time and resources needed to care for patients with chronic conditions

The Commonwealth Fund described one effort involved in this model, the use of embedded case managers, in a recent case study (Sept. 2010). Aetna's data on the model suggest that it has decreased duplicate or unnecessary services and improved health outcomes. For example, compared to unmanaged Medicare, the Medicare Advantage members required 43 percent less acute (critical) hospital care in 2010.

'Many ACO and medical home models are in the testing phase. Aetna is three years ahead of the curve. We have proven results that show coordinated care leads to better outcomes,' says Randy Krakauer, M.D., Aetna's national Medicare medical director.

Aetna noted that it extended the team of people who assist Aetna's Medicare Advantage members. Aetna nurse case managers worked with doctors in 36 primary care practices, coordinating care to help members monitor and manage their health conditions. They also helped members and doctors use personal health records as a communications and tracking tool. ActiveHealth's CareEngine System identified and alerted the care team to actionable gaps in a patient's care.

Aetna then helped pair the doctor groups with specialists, hospitals and community social services such as state departments on Aging for in-home services, home-delivered meals, caregiver support and respite care, and other community services.

According to the Company, its data show that nearly all of the medical groups participating in the Medicare Advantage program met their performance targets. These targets included follow-up office visits with members within 30 days of leaving the hospital and two office visits per year with members with certain chronic conditions. Participating doctors reported that the program saved time for them and their office staff.

An investment is required for the success of this model, and Aetna was willing to invest, Krakauer says. 'Physicians and facilities earned additional payments for meeting certain quality measures that helped patients stay healthier so they can avoid more extensive care,' he says. 'These investments helped connect resources and balance accountability of the patient's health throughout the system.'

One participating doctor, Thomas Claffey, M.D., is a medical director of NovaHealth, an independent practice association based in Portland, Maine. The practice has had Aetna case managers working with its multispecialty group practice since January 2008.

'Our work with Aetna on this model has shown how a provider organization and a health plan can have aligned incentives to improve health care delivery, make patients healthier and create value for the health care system,' Claffey said.

Aetna Foundation Makes New Year's Resolutions - Wireless News

Wireless News
12-28-2009
Aetna Foundation Makes New Year's Resolutions
Type: News

The Aetna Foundation's new president has announced New Year's resolutions with a sharpened giving focus on key health improvement areas for the nation.

'During 2009, health care ascended in the national consciousness as a major issue. After the economy, it was the highest domestic priority for the new administration,' said Anne C. Beal, M.D., M.P.H., president, Aetna Foundation, Inc. 'Aetna and the Aetna Foundation resolve to support programs that will help improve the overall health of the people in our country, help improve access -- for all people in the U.S. -- to our health care system, and help improve the quality of care they receive. For 2010 we are focusing our giving on programs and initiatives that can have a demonstrable positive impact in those areas.'
Beal is a pediatrician and published author who joined the Aetna Foundation from The Commonwealth Fund in July 2009.

In line with these resolutions to help improve public health, access to care, and care quality, the Aetna Foundation has set the following specific goals for 2010, and will work to make them a reality through grants, which last year exceeded $25 million.

- Help address the rising incidence of obesity among U.S. residents, including children;

- Promote racial and ethnic equity in health and health care for common chronic conditions and infant mortality; and

- Advance integrated health care, such as that provided in a number of promising medical home projects across the country, including one being evaluated with support from Aetna in Pennsylvania. Integrated health care is care that is well coordinated by a primary care physician with good communication among providers, includes informed and involved patients, and leads to high-quality, cost-effective care.

The Aetna Foundation said that it also resolves to:

- Broaden the reach of the Aetna Foundation in support of more national health care initiatives, while also working side by side with the Aetna Community Relations organization and Aetna employee volunteers to build and strengthen local programs in targeted communities served by Aetna across the country; and

- Convene programs that will bring health care thought leaders together to drive important initiatives forward in the health care system.

'Excellent quality research is under way and brilliant minds are at work in the health care system. We need to support this work and bring people together to drive progress toward improved health care quality and efficiency,' said Beal. 'Through improved outreach and communications, including a significantly enhanced web site and a webinar series that will kick off in early 2010, we hope to engage thought leaders on key health care issues.'

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

Copyright 2009 Close-Up Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Aetna Gives $97K to San Antonio Nonprofits in 2009. - Health & Beauty Close-Up

Aetna and the Aetna Foundation in 2009 awarded nine community grants and sponsorships in San Antonio totaling $97,000, with a particular focus on disease prevention, obesity and health screening, the group reported.

The contributions support Aetna's commitment to enhancing the quality of health care, and reducing racial and ethnic disparities. In total, the Aetna Foundation, Aetna and its employees, awarded more than $24 million nationally in 2009, the group noted in a release.

Among the community grants awarded in San Antonio were:

-$25,000 to the Witte Museum;

-$22,500 to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities;

-$10,000 to the Barshop Jewish Community Center; and

-$5,000 to the King William Association.

Five other organizations in San Antonio also received Aetna grants or sponsorships including the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Outreach and Vocational Educational Network, NuStar Foundation, San Antonio Amateur Sports Foundation, Inc., and Texas Public Radio.

'Aetna is proud to support organizations in the San Antonio which are making great strides in targeting health care issues that affect our communities,' said Carl King, market head for Aetna in San Antonio. 'As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize our obligation to help address these critical needs.'

Under a $25,000 grant, the Witte Museum will be able to address the challenges and integrating healthy lifestyle choices into the existing cultural traditions in South Texas through the H-E-Body Adventure, a health and wellness learning center.

The Aetna Foundation awarded a $22,500 grant to Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to support the 23rd Annual Conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), which provides programs and initiatives for the next generation of Hispanic leaders.

The Barshop Jewish Community Center received a $10,000 grant for the Senior Games of San Antonio that celebrates the vitality and wellness of adults over the age of 50.

The Aetna Foundation gave a $5,000 grant to the King William Association to support the King William Fair, which raises funds to build new parks and to renew existing public spaces.

'Aetna and the Aetna Foundation are proud to partner with organizations across the country in support of their good work, and we look forward to continued relationships as we focus our giving in key areas going forward,' said Anne Beal, MD, MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. 'For 2010 and beyond, we are transitioning to a new approach that encompasses a more concentrated grant-making focus on specific health issues of national concern, enhanced communication and measurement of the impact of our grants, a more proportionate distribution of our charitable giving across the country, and a more holistic relationship with our community partners that capitalizes on our employee presence and the generosity and talents of our employee volunteers.'

The Aetna Foundation has opened the call for proposals for the 2010 grant cycle. Grant applicants should visit AetnaFoundation.org for more information on how to apply for a grant and to learn more about the following Aetna Foundation focus areas for grant making in 2010 and beyond:

-Addressing the rising incidence of obesity among U.S. residents, including children;

-Promoting racial and ethnic equity in health and health care for common chronic conditions and for the prevention of infant mortality; and

-Advancing integrated health care, by:

-Improving coordination and communications among health care professionals;

-Creating informed and involved patients; and

-Promoting cost-effective, affordable care.

AETNA IN TALKS TO SELL ITS FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION IN ING GROUP - The Columbian (Vancouver, WA)

NEW YORK -- Aetna Inc. is in talks to sell its financial servicesand international divisions to the Netherland's ING Group, a movethat would enable the largest U.S. health insurer to concentrate onfixing its troubled managed care business.

As speculation grew about a deal, Aetna shares shot up 6.5percent Wednesday, or $4.063, to $66.75 on the New York StockExchange. Aetna confirmed the talks after the market closed but saidthere was no assurance that a deal would be reached.

ING, a Dutch investment bank and insurer, had attempted to buyall of Aetna in March in a joint bid with California managed careoperator Wellpoint Health Networks Inc. That $70-a-share offer wasrejected as too low.

With Aetna stock up more than 20 percent since March, Wall Streetanticipated an attractive offer for Aetna's financial services andinternational businesses.

The Aetna Financial Service unit sells annuities and pensionplans as well as providing pension and retirement plan managementservices. The Aetna International unit sells health and lifeinsurance and financial planning services in Asia, the Pacific Rim,and South America. The two divisions had combined revenue of about$2.3 billion in 1999, compared with about $18.5 billion for Aetna'shealth business.

Since rejecting the ING-Wellpoint takeover bid, Aetna has beentrying to sell much of its international business and spin off itsfinancial services and health insurance business into separatepublicly traded companies. Aetna officials pursued that strategyafter little success in selling both health insurance and pensionplans to big corporations.

William H. Donaldson, Aetna's chairman and chief executive, saidAetna now is working with ING on a new proposal. Meanwhile, Aetna'shealth care business faces problems including class-action lawsuits,rising drug costs and discontent among doctors and hospitals.

It is unclear what Aetna would do with its health care businessif it sells its other divisions.

Donaldson was noncommittal as to whether the health care businesswould also eventually hit the auction block. 'We remain committed toour stated goal of improving Aetna U.S. Healthcare's leadershipposition, financial performance and relationships with physicians,hospitals and patients,' he said.

Some institutional investors said they hoped Aetna would sellitself completely because just selling the financial services andinternational businesses would yield a huge tax bill for thecompany. Some said if Aetna can clean up its health care business,the company would attract buyers as well.

Aetna In Talks To Sell Division - AP Online

PHIL GALEWITZ, AP Business Writer
AP Online
06-01-2000
Aetna In Talks To Sell Division

NEW YORK (AP) -- Aetna Inc., the nation's largest health insurer, is in talks to sell its financial services and international divisions to Dutch financial giant ING Group.

The move would enable Aetna to focus on fixing its troubled managed care business.

ING, an Amsterdam-based investment bank and insurer, had attempted to buy all of Aetna in March in a joint bid with California managed care operator Wellpoint Health Networks Inc. That $70-a-share offer, worth about $10 billion, was rejected as too low.

With Aetna stock up more than 20 percent since March, Wall Street anticipated an attractive offer for Aetna's financial services and international businesses. Shares of Aetna rose $2.25 to $69 in early trading today on the New York Stock Exchange.

ING is offering between $8.5 to $9 billion for the units, according to a large Aetna institutional investor who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Aetna Financial Service unit sells annuities and pension plans as well as providing pension and retirement plan management services. The Aetna International unit sells health and life insurance and financial planning services in Asia, the Pacific Rim, and South America. The two divisions had combined revenue of about $2.3 billion in 1999, compared to about $18.5 billion for Aetna's health business.

Since rejecting the ING-Wellpoint takeover bid, Aetna has been trying to sell much of its international business and spin off its financial services and health insurance business into separate publicly traded companies. Aetna officials pursued that strategy after little success in selling both health insurance and pension plans to big corporations.

``We have previously said that we intended to separate Aetna's Global Financial Services business into an independent publicly traded company, and this still remains a viable option,'' said William H. Donaldson, Aetna's chairman and chief executive. ``However, we also said that we would review and consider other legitimate opportunities presented to us.''

Donaldson said Aetna is now working with ING on a new proposal. Meanwhile, Aetna's health care business faces problems including class-action lawsuits, rising drug costs and discontent among doctors and hospitals.

It is unclear what Aetna would do with its health care business if it sells its other divisions.

Donaldson was noncommittal as to whether the health care business would also eventually hit the auction block. ``We remain committed to our stated goal of improving Aetna U.S. Healthcare's leadership position, financial performance and relationships with physicians, hospitals and patients,'' he said.

Some institutional investors said they hoped Aetna would sell itself completely because just selling the financial services and international businesses would yield a huge tax bill for the company. Some said if Aetna can clean up its health care business, the company would attract buyers as well.

``Donaldson is doing exactly as he said he would,'' said John Schneider, who manages Pimco Renaissance Funds, has substantial holdings of Aetna stock. He said the company would consider a higher offer, and it is doing that.

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