Hartford health insurer Aetna Inc. has taken steps to aid Massachusetts members stricken in this week’s devastating tornadoes by setting up direct or toll-free customers lines and easing drug refill restrictions and widening access to its other services.
“We’re saddened for our neighbors in Massachusetts who were impacted by [the] tornadoes,” said Aetna Chairman, CEO and President Mark T. Bertolini said in a statement.
In addition to access phone lines, Aetna members in tornado affected areas may refill their prescriptions early, if needed, the managed care provider said.
Moreover, those who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy may receive a prescription at an alternate delivery location or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed.
During the crisis, the insurer’s Aetna Behavioral Health units is offering its Employee Assistance Program resources to all affected Aetna customers, regardless of whether or not they are Aetna EAP customers. Aetna members may contact Aetna’s EAP for telephonic consultation, referrals or general information such as areas affected by the tornado, shelters and government resources.
Aetna’s EAP professionals have experience dealing with traumatic events and are available to help. Consultation and other support are available for employers, too, as they welcome employees back to work.
Affected customers and health care providers also have an additional 30 days to submit level I and level II appeals that are due between June 1 and July 1 of this year. They will now have until July 31 to file their appeals.
