Aetna ranked Top 50 Companies for Diversity® by DiversityInc DiversityInc recently announced that Aetna has been named to its 2009 list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity®. The company also ranked 5th on the DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) Employees and 7th on the DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People With Disabilities. "Aetna's progress in the last few years has been outstanding, and their jump to the DiversityInc Top 50 is well deserved," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. "Their continued emphasis on creating an inclusive work force and ensuring their staff is culturally competent is essential in driving their business forward.  Aetna's internal Diversity Board is a powerful body that drives diversity strategy across the enterprise." Added Raymond Arroyo, Aetna's chief diversity officer, "We are very pleased with this recognition. Diversity is embedded into everything we do and is strongly aligned to Aetna's values. Thus, diversity is important to us in good economic conditions, and perhaps even more so during these difficult financial times as we focus on creating value and relevant products and services for unique marketplace segments."

HEALTHCARE 101

Aetna's 6-year study of Consumer-Directed Health Plans shows sustained savings over time for employers Last month, Aetna announced the results of a six-year study of health care claims and utilization for members in its Aetna HealthFund® consumer-directed plans. The study of 2.6 million Aetna members (410,000 in an Aetna HealthFund plan) demonstrates that Aetna HealthFund shows sustained savings for employers over a five-year period, with members getting the care they need. Key findings include: For full replacement Aetna HealthFund plans, employers saved $21 million per 10,000 members over the five year period. For employers who offer Aetna HealthFund plans as an option, they experienced savings of $7 million per 10,000 members over the five year period. For employers who offer Aetna HealthFund plans as an option and implemented the strategies that Aetna identified as best-in-class, they achieved savings of $23 million per 10,000 members over the five year period. Read full article.    If you would like information about consumer-driven health plans, email us for a free consultation and explore how to bring these cost-savings solutions to your business!

AETNA FOUNDATION

Aetna Foundation begins its 2009 Regional Community Grants Program. Aetna and the Aetna Foundation are now accepting proposals for its Regional Community Grants Program in New York. The program awards grants for philanthropic initiatives focused on health care issues. Nonprofit organizations based in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Westchester qualify for the program. Interested organizations must submit proposals by June 15th, 2009. All notifications for the Regional Community Grants will be made no later than November 1, 2009. General guidelines highlights: Nonprofit organizations with evidence of IRS 501 (c) (3) designation or de facto tax-exempt status (exceptions apply) may submit proposals.  Grant requests ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 will be considered. Organizations may submit only one application. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of funding. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria met and potential for impact. Proposals are accepted only through the Aetna Foundation's online system. To view full Grants Program Guidelines visit the Aetna Foundation website.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Beijing Opera  May 16th from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Aetna sponsors an afternoon of music and dance in celebration of Asian Heritage Month at the MET Museum An exciting free event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art featuring performances of the music and dance of China, Korea, India, and Japan. Enjoy Beijing opera, ancient dances, contemporary taiko drum music, and other wonderful selections that showcase the performing arts of Asia. Before each performance, educators will speak briefly about the arts of the region, highlighting pertinent special exhibitions and works from the permanent collection. The program is organized by the Museum's Multicultural Audience Development Initiative. Reservations are not required; the event will be held in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium on May 16th, from 2:00–4:00 p.m.