Message #92 From:
NewsBot Date: January 23, 2007 06:35:00 PM
AET News Aetna Applauds President's State of the Union Focus on Health Care
HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aetna (NYSE: AET), the first national health insurer to support an
individual insurance requirement nearly two years ago, expressed support
today for elements of the President’s efforts
to address the challenge of the uninsured. These efforts, coupled with
bi-partisan leadership and proposals from various governors and other
thought leaders, dramatically increase the possibility for success.
While early in the deliberative and legislative process, the ultimate
impact of the State of the Union speech will be a true national dialogue
on the most important issue facing Americans of every age and economic
circumstance.
“This is a good start to ensuring access to
high quality, affordable health care for all Americans,”
said Ronald A. Williams, Chairman and CEO of Aetna. “The
President has put the spotlight on the right issue, but we need to
recognize that, in addition to increasing access, we need to do a better
job at improving health status. Research clearly shows that uninsured
individuals obtain less care, use fewer preventive services and fail to
get recommended treatments. In this case, good intentions and good
policy will make for a healthier population and lower costs to society.
“Aetna believes the U.S. health care system
can be repaired if insurers, employers, physicians, hospitals and other
health care providers work with elected officials, thought leaders and
the American public, to commit to addressing the interconnected issues
of access, quality and affordability,” noted
Mr. Williams. “What is missing, however, is a
mechanism in place for financing coverage for those who truly cannot
afford it.
“Universal coverage can occur only if there
is universal participation. This is a shared responsibility, and
equalizing the tax treatment of health insurance for those who get their
coverage through their employer and those who purchase it directly makes
sense. People who do not have access to health insurance through their
workplace should be able to use pretax dollars to purchase coverage.
This will make health insurance more affordable for millions of
Americans – and is an important step forward
in addressing the crisis of the uninsured.
“As a nation, our shared goal of controlling
health care costs requires us to take a hard look at this issue, and we
look forward to working with President Bush and others to ensure that
his proposed changes to the tax treatment of health insurance occurs in
a fair and responsible way that builds on the strengths of our
employer-based system.”
Williams also cautioned policymakers to avoid unintended consequences
such as heightening the frustration of employers struggling to provide
health insurance to their employees.
He also noted that private sector solutions have been a factor in
successfully driving down the cost of care. “Just
last year, we had the slowest rate of increase in six years,”
said Williams. “We are moving in the right
direction, but I think we can do better. Aetna is committed to working
with the White House and Congress to share our vast experience based on
innovation in medical management and technology to craft a workable
solution.”
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading
diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 29.8
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. Our customers include employer groups, individuals,
college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and
government-sponsored plans. www.aetna.com
