Aetna Global Benefits Assists Members Affected by the Myanmar and China Natural Disasters
HARTFORD, Conn., May 15, 2008 – Aetna Global Benefits (AGB) announced today the availability of the International Employee Assistance Program (IEAP) to all AGB members affected by the cyclone in Myanmar and earthquake in central China. IEAP is a program that can help employees and their families address personal, cultural and other adjustment issues related to international assignments.
AGB recognizes the physical devastation, stress and other psychological effects of the ongoing events in Myanmar and China and as a result is offering free clinical consultation to affected members through AGB’s IEAP resource. Services will be available for the next 60 days (effective 5/14/08) to all Myanmar and China crisis-affected AGB members, regardless of participation in an IEAP. Those currently enrolled in an IEAP are also eligible for additional consultation services. To take advantage of the services available, members should contact the International Service Center toll free at 1-800-231-7729 or 813-775-0190 (collect) and ask to be transferred to an IEAP counselor.
"AGB is committed to monitoring events in the countries where our members live and work," said Tim Blevins, Head of Medical and Network Operations for AGB. "We recognize the effects of the natural disasters in Myanmar and China and are prepared to provide our members with the resources they may need to cope with these difficult circumstances."
In addition to the IEAP resource, the International Health Advisory Team (IHAT) is a single point of contact that can provide additional support anytime of day or night. This group of AGB-dedicated nurses is focused on providing the highest level of care required to meet the unique needs of AGB’s globally mobile population and can be reached by calling the International Service Center. In case of a medical emergency, AGB members should go directly to the nearest medical facility for immediate care.
AGB will continue to monitor events in Myanmar and China. Anyone with questions can directly contact an AGB account representative or the AGB International Service Center.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.3 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 and government-sponsored plans in the U.S. and internationally. Aetna’s international businesses include Aetna Global Benefits, Aetna’s expatriate benefits division that focuses on providing comprehensive solutions to employees working, traveling and living in over 100 countries. www.aetna.com
Plans and programs are underwritten or administered by Aetna Life & Casualty (Bermuda) Ltd. or Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Information subject to change. For more information about Aetna Global Benefits plans, refer to www.aetnaglobalbenefits.com.