Urgent Information for Aetna Global Benefits (AGB)/Goodhealth Worldwide 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/Goodhealth’s response would be if swine flu begins to spread more rapidly.

The AGB/Goodhealth clinical team has prepared the following information regarding precautions and available resources for our customers and members, which will be available shortly on the Goodhealth website at www.goodhealthworldwide.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/Goodhealth 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/Goodhealth adjust its coverage policies due to the swine flu situation?

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

Will AGB/Goodhealth 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 treatment and preventive purposes, where coverage permits.

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

• AGB/Goodhealth 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/Goodhealth International Health Advisory Team (IHAT) can assist members in finding local doctors. To reach IHAT, members can contact the 24/7 AGB/Goodhealth International Member Service Centre at the number on their member ID card and ask to be transferred to an IHAT nurse.
• Please note that prescription supplies may be limited in certain areas. Members should attempt to fill a prescription at a locally licensed pharmacy.

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 World Health Organization’s website, www.who.int, or the U.S. government’s official pandemic website, www.pandemicflu.gov.
• The U.S. government’s site includes a checklist for business pandemic planning that was developed by the U.S. 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, and Swine influenza frequently asked questions, on the World Health Organization’s website.

For more information, please contact your AGB/Goodhealth representative.

Health insurance plans and programmes are offered, underwritten or administered by Aetna Health Insurance Company of Europe, Limited, Aetna Life & Casualty (Bermuda) Ltd. or Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna) and its subsidiary companies. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. Not all health services are covered. Health information programmes provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. See plan documents for a complete description of benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however it is subject to change. For more information, refer to www.aetnaglobalbenefits.com or www.goodhealthworldwide.com.
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