Important benefit updates are being made to the following Aetna HMO coinsurance and HMO deductible plans effective October 1, 2012:

1. HMO Coinsurance 70%
2. HMO Coinsurance 60%
3. HMO Deductible $1,000 70%
4. HMO Deductible $1,500 70%

New plan updates are as follows:

1. Out-of-pocket limit: $4,000 individual/$8,000 family
2. Prescription brand deductible: $250 per individual
3. Outpatient surgery in an outpatient hospital department: 50% coinsurance

Aetna's renewal guide has been updated to reflect these changes, view it here.

Acupuncture – a new benefit that will be covered on all Managed Choice plans!

Aetna is excited to announce that they have added an acupuncture benefit to their Manage Choice plans for new business effective August 1, 2012 and for renewing business beginning with August 1, 2012! Acupuncture will be covered at the specialist copay, up to 12 visits per year.

Reminder: Women's preventive health benefits – new changes effective August 1, 2012

As you may know, the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or health care reform law) includes changes that are being phased in over a number of years. The latest set of changes includes additional benefits for certain women’s preventive health services.

When plans renew or are effective on or after August 1, 2012, all of the following women’s health services will be considered preventive (some were already covered). These services generally will be covered at no cost share, when provided in network:

• Well-woman visits (annually and now including prenatal visits)
• Screening for gestational diabetes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing
• Counseling for sexually transmitted infections
• Counseling and screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence
• Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling
• Coverage for formulary, generic, FDA-approved women's contraceptives covered 100% in network. Certain religious organizations or religious employers may be exempt from offering contraceptive services.

Employers are able to offer their employees a health care incentive at no additional cost!

Reminder: As part of the new California 2012 portfolio, Aetna Small Group employers are able to offer their employees the health care incentive at no additional cost.

Wellness is a lifelong journey, from staying healthy to managing conditions. The path to wellness is different for each individual, but it must start with getting employees engaged in their own well-being.

Now Aetna plan members can earn a $50 benefit just for doing something simple and smart for their health.

Aetna has developed a flyer that will help your clients communicate this new benefit to members.