In an emerging trend among managed-care providers, Hartford’s Aetna Inc. announced Thursday a new supplementary insurance coverage for everyday expenses like rent and groceries for members who experience inpatient hospital stays.
The Aetna Voluntary Hospital Plan complements a traditional health plan by paying cash directly to an insured person for inpatient hospital stays for non-occupational injury or sickness. The member can then use the money for any type of expense.
Aetna spokesman Ethan Slavin said Thursday there is an increased trend of health management organizations offering supplementary insurance products, which are popularly sold by specialty insurers like Aflac.
The two major benefits associated with the plan include:
- A flat dollar payment for the hospital stay. The Aetna Voluntary Hospital Plan flat dollar payment typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
- A per diem payment, usually around $100 for each day in the hospital (up to an annual maximum of 100 days).
