November 19, 2012 -- This week on For Your Benefit, Tom Bernatavitz, senior vice president and head of federal plans for Aetna, joins hosts Bob Leins and John Elliott to talk about the Aetna health coverage available during this Open Season. Aetna is expanding its offerings to federal employees this year so there will be more choices and options available.

As of January 2013, Aetna will offer: regionally based consumer-directed health plans; Aetna value plans that encourage wellness activities; and health plans based on accountable care collaborations that deliver more coordinated care and better outcomes. Aetna will continue to offer HMO plans in 13 markets, a nationwide high-deductible health plan (HDHP), and a stand-alone dental plan available worldwide through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

While not available in the DC metropolitan area, accountable care organizations (ACOs) help improve the health care experience and health outcomes for members, while controlling costs through agreements with leading health systems. Aetna's ACO plans, called Aetna Whole HealthSM, will be available in three FEHBP markets:

• Milwaukee, Wis., with Aurora Health Care;
• Houston, Tex., with Memorial Hermann;
• Roanoke, Va., with ACO collaborator Carilion Clinic and strategic network partner LewisGale Regional Health System.

Also new for 2013 is the Aetna Value Plan. The Aetna Value Plan gives federal employees an affordable, easy-to-understand plan that includes incentive credits for completing wellness activities. By completing activities such as routine preventive care, getting scheduled immunizations, and completing an online health risk assessment, members can receive up to $300 in credits to help lower their out-of-pocket costs.

Aetna also has restructured its CDHP (consumer-directed health plans) to offer plans on a regional basis, with local market pricing. This will allow Aetna to offer its industry-leading consumer-directed plans and capabilities to federal members at more competitive premiums. Members will be able to take advantage of the same benefits and consumer tools.