Urgent Information for Aetna Global Benefits (AGB) Customers and Members Regarding Swine Flu 

As the international media spotlight the potential for a swine flu epidemic or pandemic in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere in the world, individuals are becoming increasingly concerned. Many of our customers with employees in areas where swine flu has been found are particularly uneasy. And some are wondering what AGB’s response would be if swine flu begins to spread more rapidly.

The AGB clinical team has prepared the following information regarding precautions and available resources for our customers and members, which is available on the AGB website at www.aetnaglobalbenefits.com.

Could swine flu become a pandemic?

• The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are closely monitoring the current outbreak of swine flu. A number of people in Mexico have died from swine flu. Others, including a small number in different areas of the United States, have become less seriously ill. Governments and health care systems around the world are acting quickly to try to stop the spread of this disease.

What is AGB doing to prepare?

• We have plans in place to deal with a pandemic situation and to continue to serve our customers and members. We understand that the services we provide are critical, particularly during a health care crisis.
• A pandemic overview is available on the employer pages of aetna.com, which includes:
  • Our plans to continue our business operations during and following a pandemic, including our readiness to change coverage or other policies as needed
  • Educational information customers can share with employees, including an online training course 
  • Answers to common questions customers are asking related to our pandemic response in general (and swine flu in particular)
  • Where customers and members can go for more information

Will AGB adjust its coverage policies due to the swine flu situation?

• We are closely monitoring the recommendations of government organizations. If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other federal agency makes recommendations on vaccinations or treatments for swine flu, we will adapt our coverage policies accordingly.

Will AGB cover applicable prescriptions (e.g., Relenza® or Tamiflu®) due to the swine flu situation for preventive purposes, in addition to treatment of an actual infection?

• Per the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we will cover any necessary prescription treatment due to swine flu for both preventive and treatment purposes.

How can affected AGB members access appropriate care, including prescriptions (if covered as part of their plan)?

• AGB members in need of treatment should first contact their doctor to seek medical care and obtain the appropriate prescription medication locally, if needed.
• The AGB International Health Advisory Team (IHAT) can assist members outside the U.S. in finding local doctors. To reach IHAT, members outside the U.S. can contact the 24/7 AGB International Member Service Center at the number on their member ID card and ask to be transferred to an AGB-dedicated IHAT nurse.
• Please note that prescription supplies may be limited in certain areas and shipping to certain countries may not be available due to customs restrictions. As a first step, members should attempt to fill a prescription at a locally licensed pharmacy. For members outside the U.S., IHAT nurses may be able to assist in locating providers that can potentially fulfill a prescription.

Where can I go for more information?

• For additional information on the potential for pandemic, including continually updated information on the swine flu situation, we encourage you to refer regularly to the U.S. government’s official pandemic website, www.pandemicflu.gov.
• The site includes a checklist for business pandemic planning that was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• There is also good information on the swine flu, Swine Flu and You, on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

 For more information, please contact your AGB representative.