INScompanies Blog

August 31, 2006

Preventive Approach Tackles Health Disparities

Oakland, CA — With the start of Latino Heritage Month, Kaiser Permanente has launched a Latino health DVD and reference guide, Escoge la salud - Choose Health, part of Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of care provided to an increasingly diverse community. Featuring Lupe Ontiveros, the well-known actress from Desperate Housewives and Real Women Have Curves, the DVD and its accompanying guidebook are available in Spanish or English. Escoge la salud - Choose Health encourages greater awareness of health risk factors faced by Latinos and encourages consumers to take charge of their health.

The DVD and reference guide are focused on 5 key messages:
1. Know your history
2. Know your numbers, e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI)
3. Eat for life
4. Be active
5. Talk with your doctor

“The health challenges facing Latinos are skyrocketing rates of obesity and diabetes - nearly twice the rate of whites,” said Frank Meza, MD, Kaiser Permanente, family medicine practitioner. “With this educational effort we can encourage Latinos to make simple, healthy choices that will empower them to take better care of themselves and their families.”

“There needs to be a fundamental retooling of the health care industry to address the needs of an increasingly diverse population, and we want to lead the way in eliminating health disparities,” stated Bernard Tyson, senior vice president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospital Operations. “Escoge la salud - Choose Health is one of many initiatives that Kaiser Permanente is spearheading to promote greater and equal health for people of all colors and backgrounds.”

Kaiser Permanente will partner closely with community based organizations for distribution of the Escoge la salud - Choose Health DVD and reference guide. In addition, the Kaiser Permanente Latino Association, an employee staff organization, will distribute the DVD and reference guide through “house parties” targeted at families and friends.

Kaiser Permanente members will be able to preview a short trailer of the DVD, download portions of the reference guide, and order copies of the tools at www.kp.org/escogelasalud.

Kaiser Permanente is America’s leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it is a not-for-profit, group practice prepayment program with headquarters in Oakland, Calif. Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of about 8.5 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Today it encompasses the not-for-profit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Permanente Medical Groups. Nationwide, Kaiser Permanente includes approximately 154,000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and over 12,000 physicians representing all specialties.

For more information, contact:
Kaiser Permanente National Communications
Beverly Hayon 510-271-6437

KaiserPermanente.org

August 15, 2006

Latest CDHC Product Emphasizing Prevention & Consumer Engagement

Oakland, CA — Kaiser Permanente today announced the launch of Custom Care HealthInvestor (HSA), (Health Savings Account) in its California regions. The new offering will be effective January 1, 2007. The California regions now join Georgia, Colorado, Mid-Atlantic States, and the Northwest regions in offering HealthInvestor (HSA) products which pair a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a health savings account option.

HealthInvestor (HSA), the latest offering in the Custom Care consumer directed health care suite of products, complements the recently announced (May 2006) Custom Care HealthBuilder (HRA) and the current deductible HMO. It is available to individuals, employers, and their employees. HealthInvestor (HSA) is a comprehensive package of services and tools that include:

• HSA-qualified high deductible health plans with lower premiums
• CarePay health savings account with a range of investment options
• Preventive and wellness services
• Online support tools

Contributions to the CarePay HSA may be made by the employer, the member, or both - similar to a 401K or IRA. Funds can roll over year after year with no income limitations, are not taxed when they are used for qualified medical expenses, and the account is portable. A debit card is provided which allows convenient access to funds to pay for health care services.
“HealthInvestor (HSA) offers convenience to the individual health care consumer, and also addresses the needs of employers who are looking for solutions that reduce their costs and help their employees stay healthy” stated Ted Wise, senior vice president, health plan strategy and product innovation. “The ability of the individual to save for specific health care expenditures, to benefit from important tax advantages, and to have a portable account makes it easier for Kaiser Permanente members to save and pay for their health care expenses. It’s a win for everyone.”

The introduction of HealthInvestor (HSA) in California is part of Kaiser Permanente’s evolving business strategy to better serve the changing needs of its customers and members by developing new products that are responsive to the marketplace. Kaiser Permanente now offers an array of consumer directed health care products with a range of benefit design and financial account options that have the advantage of providing access to Kaiser Permanente’s unique integrated delivery system. It is part of an overall strategy that includes a major investment in technology that advances its clinical, management and business systems; engages members in their own health care with sophisticated online health information, decision support tools, and discount programs.

Preventive health and wellness services, for which the organization has long been known, are a key advantage of Kaiser Permanente’s Custom Care product suite– which includes HealthInvestor (HSA). A wide range of Healthy Living classes and programs are offered at local medical centers that include Stress Reduction, How to Live with Chronic Conditions, Smoking Cessation, Yoga, even Tai Chi. Discounts are available for massage therapy, acupuncture, and select fitness clubs.

Online consumer support tools offer a broad array of assistance and services, and help to engage Kaiser Permanente members in making wise health care decisions. Among the online tools available are:

• Decision support tools that help consumers better understand the cost of their health care decisions such as a sample fee list that provides pricing transparency.
• Financial management of individual health accounts.
• Health assessment tools offered through Kaiserpermanente.org that include interactive health calculators designed to help members eat better and lose weight, reduce stress, stop smoking, access to health and drug encyclopedias, and online health topics with related links.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is America’s leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it is a not-for-profit, group practice program headquartered in Oakland, Calif. Kaiser Permanente serves more than 8.5 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Today it encompasses the not-for-profit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Permanente Medical Groups. Nationwide, Kaiser Permanente includes approximately 154,000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 12,000 physicians representing all specialties.

For more information contact:
Kaiser Permanente National Communications
Beverly Hayon 510-271-6437

KaiserPermanente.org

May 22, 2006

Custom Care Provides Cost-Effective Access to Kaiser Permanente’s Integrated Health Care Delivery System

Oakland, CA — Kaiser Permanente today announced the launch of the Kaiser Permanente Custom Care product suite in its California region. This new suite of Consumer Directed Health Care products offers a range of benefit design and financial accounts options, along with online health information, decision support tools, incentive and discount programs, and access to Kaiser Permanente’s integrated delivery system. Kaiser Permanente Custom Care provides customers with additional options to actively manage their health care expenses and provides consumers with the tools to become more active participants in managing their health care services and costs.

In a recent Business Roundtable survey of corporate CEOs, 43 percent reported rising health care costs as their greatest concern. “Employers are looking for solutions that reduce costs and help their employees stay healthy,” said Ted Wise, senior vice president, health plan strategy and product innovation.“ Custom Care meets this need by providing lower-cost access to our integrated health care delivery system with a variety of funding options and tools to support increased consumer participation, ultimately reducing the long term costs of health care.”

In California the first offering in the Custom Care suite of products is Custom Care HealthBuilder (HRA), which pairs a Kaiser Permanente Deductible HMO with a CarePay HRA. The CarePay HRA allows employers to provide their employees with tax-free funds to pay for their health care expenses including co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. Employers do not pay federal, state, or FICA taxes on their HRA contributions. Funds are tax deductible, and are tax-free to the employee. The CarePay HRA is 100% employer funded, and all or part of the unused funds may roll-over year to year.

Other elements of Custom Care products will be rolled-out in California in the coming months. Nationally, several other Kaiser Permanente regions have launched qualified High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with CarePay HSA (Health Savings Account). The Custom Care products give employers flexibility to choose the plan design that best supports the needs of their employees.

A key advantage of Kaiser Permanente’s Custom Care product suite is the preventive health and wellness features for which the organization has long been known. “We are offering far more than just a product,” said Jerry Fleming, senior vice president, national health plan manager. “We have 60 years of experience in keeping people healthy. These health and wellness tools will help consumers make better health care decisions and continue our tradition of actively involving our members in managing their health.”

The consumer support tools include:
• Online decision support tools that help consumers better understand the cost of their health care decisions.
• Online financial management of individual health accounts.
• Online health assessment tools.
• Personalized health programs designed to help members eat better and lose weight, reduce stress, and stop smoking, offered through Kaiserpermanente.org.
• Online health and drug encyclopedia, and online health topics with related links.
• Healthy Living classes and programs offered at local medical centers.
• Discounts for massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and select fitness clubs.
• Incentive programs that provide members with financial rewards for participating in fitness programs and completing an online health assessment.

The introduction of the Custom Care suite is the latest in Kaiser Permanente’s evolution to better serve the changing needs of its customers and members. Taking advantage of its integrated delivery system as a foundation, Kaiser Permanente continues to develop new product solutions to meet the needs of customers; these include deductible plans, significant investments in technology to advance evidence-based medicine, and synchronize clinical, business management and business systems.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is America’s leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it is a not-for-profit, group practice program headquartered in Oakland, Calif. Kaiser Permanente serves more than 8.5 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Today it encompasses the not-for-profit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Permanente Medical Groups. Nationwide, Kaiser Permanente includes approximately 145,000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 12,000 physicians representing all specialties.

For more information contact:
Kaiser Permanente National Communications
Beverly Hayon 510-271-6437

KaiserPermanente.org

HSAs provide greater control over decision-making, cost effectiveness

(WASHINGTON – September 15, 2006) – The popularity of health savings accounts (HSAs) coupled with high-deductible health plans is equally distributed across consumers aged 25 to 54, with demand also coming from all income and education segments of the population, according to a new survey released today by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

The survey found that HSA products are on par with non consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) with 85 percent of respondents saying the product meets or exceeds expectations for controlling healthcare expenditures.  The survey also revealed that 47 percent of those consumers with HSAs experienced an increase in satisfaction over the previous year, while only 27 percent of consumers with traditional health plans showed an increase in satisfaction.

“We are encouraged that satisfaction levels with HSAs continue to be positive and expect that increasing numbers of companies and organizations will offer HSA options to employees,” said Maureen Sullivan, senior vice president, Strategic Services, BCBSA.  Sullivan presented the findings today at the National Consumer-Driven Healthcare Summit in Washington, D.C.

In 2006, 57 percent of HSA-eligible enrollees opened HSA accounts.  The survey also found that 38 percent of account holders select HSAs for greater control over their healthcare spending, 46 percent because HSAs are less expensive, while 38 percent of account holders view HSAs as a long-term healthcare savings vehicle.

HSA products also continue to be an attractive option for the uninsured.  Ten percent of consumers with HSA accounts opened were previously uninsured as compared to 3 percent for the traditional market.

In contrast to those with traditional health insurance, the survey found that those with HSA accounts are more likely to show interest in getting access to information about wellness programs as well as information about providers and pharmaceuticals.

The Web-based survey conducted this past August by Knowledge Networks for BCBSA queried 3,000 consumers enrolled in Blue Cross and Blue Shield CDHPs, non-Blue CDHPs, and non-CDHP health plans.  The survey examined areas such as demographics, member expectations, satisfaction, healthcare utilization and likelihood of renewal.

“The companies of Blue Cross and Blue Shield are doing business differently in a consumer-driven world.  They are putting in place key programs that support CDHPs and HSAs,” Sullivan said.

In support of these programs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies recently have announced major consumer healthcare transparency initiatives with the launch of Blue DistinctionSM and Blue Health Intelligence (BHISM).  Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans are also continuing to develop a financial services program to respond to the increasing demands of the consumer-directed marketplace.  The number of Blue Cross and Blue Shield members currently with HSAs has doubled to 1.2 million account holders in 2006 – approximately 40 percent of the total HSA market.

To access a webcast of this presentation, go to:   http://bcbshealthissues.com/events/consumerdriven2006

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is made up of 38 independent, locally owned and operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for nearly 94 million –  one-in-three – Americans.  For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s policy positions and the healthcare debate, visit:

BCBShealthissues.com
Contact:  Paul Cholette, 312.297.5954

Statement from Scott P. Serota, president and CEO, BCBSA

(WASHINGTON – August 29, 2006) – Today’s Census Bureau estimates underscore the continued need for targeted approaches to reduce the numbers of uninsured Americans.  With 46.6 million individuals in America now estimated to be uninsured, we must consider tailored and systematic approaches to addressing the needs of those without health insurance.  To address the needs of the diverse groups that make up the uninsured, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has proposed a series of options that could considerably reduce the number of uninsured Americans.

The new Census numbers confirm that the uninsured continue to be a varied group, with individuals generally falling into three overarching categories:  those eligible but not enrolled in existing government programs; middle and upper income; and lower income.  BCBSA has proposed a series of approaches that would target all three segments of the uninsured:

•  Unenrolled Medicaid/SCHIP Eligibles:  BCBSA recommends expanding initiatives to improve outreach activities, address barriers to enrollment and encourage states to use Medicaid/SCHIP funds to pay the employee’s share of employer-offered coverage.
• Middle and Upper Income Individuals:  BCBSA recommends a broad-based educational campaign and incentives – directed to key segments, such as young adults – to highlight the health and financial risks of being uninsured.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans also offer a variety of options especially designed for this segment of the population, including HSA products that enable consumers across the country greater control and choices over more health insurance options for themselves and their families.
•  Lower Income Individuals:  Several options would help lower income individuals purchase coverage, including tax credits for small employers with low-wage workers and tax credits designed to protect individuals with premiums that represent a relatively large percentage of their incomes.  In addition, the SCHIP program would be expanded to cover all individuals below poverty and states would be encouraged to pay the premium for these individuals to enroll in their employer’s health plan.

More information about the details of BCBSA’s targeted options for addressing the needs of the uninsured is available at www.bcbs.com .

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is made up of 38 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 94 million – nearly one-in-three – Americans.  For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s policy positions and the healthcare debate, visit:

BCBSHealthIssues.com
Contact:  Jackie Fishman , 202.626.8644

Aetna introduces new health plans, greater plan choice for employees

DENVER, September 12, 2006 — Aetna (NYSE: ?ET) announced today a full scale return to the small business market in Colorado. Building upon its acquisition of HMS Healthcare, through which Aetna gained statewide network access, Aetna is introducing a wealth of new health plan options with lenient participation requirements, flexible pricing, and web-based information tools to help members understand health care quality and cost so that they can make wise and informed decisions as they spend their health care dollars.

“Aetna is a completely different company today than we were in 2001 when significant financial challenges caused us to bow out of the small group market in Colorado,” said Bill Berenson, Aetna’s Regional Head of Sales for the North Central Region. “Five years later Aetna’s new management has achieved one of the more remarkable turnarounds in recent history. Through discipline and hard work, we are in a position of strength to return. We appreciate the support we are receiving from local brokers and agents who are searching for new alternatives for their customers and have welcomed us back. We will prove that their trust is well-founded.”

“Aetna’s acquisition of the Sloan’s Lake physician network (part of HMS Healthcare) is but one visible sign of our commitment to the Colorado market,” added Jeff Miller, Aetna’s Colorado Market Head. “Another indication of just how competitive we intend to be lies in the fact we have recently hired three new sales executives for our Colorado office. Management will be Colorado-based as well in order to be easily accessible to our customers and brokers and provide a localized touch.”

Unique in the market, Aetna will introduce “Pick-a-Plan 3″ giving businesses with as few as 5 or more enrolled employees the opportunity to offer their employees three different Aetna health plans from which to choose. The loosened participation requirements will increase access and affordability for small business, and give employees a range of options so that they can select the one which best meets their families’ individual health needs and financial goals. Aetna is also introducing a “ValuePick” option which will loosen participation and contribution requirements for employers who choose one or more of Aetna’s Value Plans.

Aetna offers 13 health plans tailored specifically to small business, including two high deductible plans that are compatible with health savings accounts. In addition to consumer-directed plans, Aetna offers open access managed care plans, state-mandated value plans and traditional indemnity coverage. Aetna’s plans are designed for affordability and to give employees options as they consider how much to invest in monthly premiums versus out-of-pocket expenses. Annual deductibles for in-network care range from $500 a year to $3,000 a year depending on premium and benefit levels. Co-pays range from $15-$25 for a primary care office visit, and $25 to $40 for specialist visit. Annual premiums will vary depending on plan design. A three-tier pharmacy benefit is included on all medical plans, and members can save money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs by using Aetna’s mail order pharmacy. Aetna offers both PPO and HMO dental plans. Life and disability coverage can be bundled together to give employers the convenience of a single bill, or purchased separately.

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 29.9 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, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. Aetna.com

HARTFORD, Conn., August 25, 2006 — Aetna (NYSE: ?ET) announced that it has launched a Dental Plan Selection and Cost Estimator Tool to assist employees in choosing their dental plan during open enrollment by allowing them to compare Aetna and non-Aetna dental plans. This interactive decision-support tool allows employees to estimate their out-of-pocket dental care costs, compare dental plans and determine which plan best meets their needs and those of their families.

Features of the dental plan selection tool include:
Access to costs for up to five Aetna dental plans
Employee out-of-pocket costs, co-insurance and anticipated employer costs
A tool that allows members to select dental procedures they anticipate having performed when selecting their dental plans
The ability to select the number of family members who need coverage and the level of care they need
Access to Aetna’s glossary of dental procedures
Comparison of plans with a non-Aetna Plan
Compare Plans with a non-Aetna Plan
A unique feature of The Dental Plan Selection and Cost Estimator Tool allows larger employers who offer a choice of different dental plans to conduct a side by side comparison of Aetna plans to a non-Aetna plan. This feature is particularly beneficial to family members who have another insurer and would like to compare their plan with Aetna’s. The results will compare estimated costs of dental care services as well as a cost breakdown of the amount paid by the employee and the Dental Plan.

“We believe this tool is another value-add service to our plan sponsors and members,” said Dana Benbow, head of products and services for Aetna Dental. “We want members to know how to make the best possible benefit decisions by understanding the cost of health and dental care services under various dental plan options. The Dental Plan Selection and Cost Estimator tool provides information to help them accomplish that.”

Tools for an Informed Decision
By entering basic information including their zip code, family members who will be covered and the extent of dental care each family member requires, the dental tool will produce a list of services that the family may need and the out-of-network cost for each service, with an option to modify that list as necessary. The tool also illustrates the costs for the employee, in and out of network as well as the employer costs.

In 2004, Aetna rolled out the Cost of Care Estimator for dental procedures. This interactive decision-support tool enables members to learn the estimated cost of common dental procedures in their area before the services are performed. Aetna’s Dental Plan Selection and Cost Estimator tool enhances this capability and also builds upon the Plan Selection tool available to plan sponsors to assist employees in choosing their Aetna dental plan.

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 29.9 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, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. Aetna.com

First insurer to provide physician-specific price and quality info applauds federal government focus on becoming an active partner in health care transparency
HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 22, 2006 — Aetna (NYSE: ?ET) today announced its support for the executive order on health care transparency signed by President Bush. The executive order, aimed at creating value-based competition in health care, focuses on the use of information technology standards, the need for quality standards developed by the medical community, the sharing of aggregate data on the episodic price of care, and the creation of incentives to measure and promote overall quality in care. The President is asking federal government agencies, state governments, large unions and Fortune 100 companies to commit to these goals in purchasing health care for their employees and members.

“Aetna applauds the President for his commitment to creating value-based competition in health care, which in turn will strengthen the marketplace for health care consumerism,” said Aetna CEO and President Ronald A. Williams. “If adopted by all parties the President’s order could positively impact the cost and quality of care provided to Americans.

“Aetna is an early adopter of much of what the President is proposing. We were the first insurer to enable our members to research physician-specific pricing before visiting their physician, and just this week we expanded that program to new markets and added details on clinical quality and efficiency,” said Williams. “We also are developing a national program that rewards physicians for providing quality, cost-effective care to Aetna members.

“We have been sharing our experiences with the White House and Congress to help them form policy on these issues,” added Williams. “We look forward to further partnering with the government, our customers and the medical community to develop innovative ways for all Americans to achieve their optimal health.”

As announced in June, Aetna is helping its members make informed health care decisions by providing online access to transparent price and quality information for participating physicians in select markets including:

Price, clinical quality and efficiency information for physicians in Connecticut; Washington, D.C.; Northern Virginia; Maryland; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Springfield, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; Southeast Indiana; and South Florida.
Price information only for physicians in Kansas City, Kan. and Mo.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aetna launched price transparency in August 2005 in the greater Cincinnati area, providing its members with the ability to research physician-specific pricing before receiving a service at the doctor’s office. The enhanced combination of physician-specific cost, clinical quality and efficiency information is another first from a national health insurer. The enhanced information is now available to Aetna members at www.aetna.com.

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 29.9 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, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. Aetna.com