Ga. baby boomers to have AARP-branded 'Premier' health insurance options

In an effort to help individuals "bridge the gap" between employer coverage and Medicare, Aetna has made the AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance suite of products available to AARP members between the ages of 50 and 64 and their dependents in Georgia.

Researchers suggest that with the combination of the Baby Boomer population at or nearing retirement age, fewer employers offering benefits to retirees, more sole proprietors buying their own coverage and the increasing cost of medical expenses, there is a clear need for health insurance options for individuals who no longer have employer-based coverage and are not yet eligible for Medicare.

"People in this situation often have a difficult time finding high-quality, affordable healthcare options," said Frank McCauley, head of Aetna's Consumer Business Segment. "Aetna is committed to helping uninsured and under-served residents, and we believe the AARP Essential Premier plans are one solution that can truly help members and their families protect their health and well-being."

According to the most recent U.S. Census report, 14 percent of people between the ages of 45 and 64 are uninsured. This problem is particularly relevant in Georgia, where more than 17 percent of the entire population is uninsured.

"One way to address the issue of the uninsured is to offer products that meet the unique needs of groups that often have difficulty accessing health insurance," said John W. Oxendine, Georgia's insurance and safety fire commissioner. "These new plans offer an innovative option for eligible Georgia residents and their families."

Those who qualify will be able to choose from seven different plan options in three different categories:

(bullet) Premier PPO Plans - These three plans offer "employer-like" insurance, including coverage for preventive care, prescription drugs and hospitalization, at varying deductible levels.

(bullet) Health Savings Account-Compatible Plans - The two HSA plans in this category include a personal account that lets the member pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-advantaged funds.

(bullet) Preventive and Hospital Plans - These two plans provide coverage for preventive care, including an annual gynecologic exam, well-child care and a physical exam.

"We feel like the wide variety of options allows AARP members and their families to select a plan that fits their specific needs," said John Wider, executive vice president for AARP Services, Inc. "These additional programs and services all place an emphasis on enhancing the quality and outcomes of healthcare for AARP members."

The plans also feature dependent coverage, available to children, grandchildren, domestic partners and dependent relatives. These plans are also available as "child-only," which means members can enroll a dependent child even if no other family member enrolls.

"Members in other states have said that this is an important benefit that allows them to protect the health and well-being of their entire family," McCauley said.

The plans will be effective on November 1 in Georgia. The AARP Essential Premier Health Insurance products are currently available in 31 states and Washington, D.C.

Do your patients plan to use the Premier plans? Send your comments to Associate Editor Chelsey Ledue at chelsey.ledue@umit.maine.edu.