Aetna is also reaching out to physicians, hospitals and health care professionals in its network of providers to inform them of Aetna ™s reimbursement policies for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine and to offer assistance with preparations in medical offices and health care facilities. We ™ve encouraged providers to complete state registration requirements to become vaccinators, and to review their phone triage procedures and after-hours availability in light of the expected increased demand for medical services, Fried added. The federal government will pay for the H1N1 vaccines and the supplies needed to administer them. Aetna will reimburse providers for administration of one or two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, based on CDC recommendations.

Aetna ™s own H1N1 pandemic influenza planning includes an important business continuity component. The company has plans in place to transfer work within its many sites without disruption should that become necessary. Aetna has also taken steps to prevent infection in its workforce. Posters on preventing the spread of infection are displayed in Aetna ™s offices. Aetna provided all office-based employees with antiseptic hand gel to use at work.

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