Aetna Applauds U.S. Senate for Its Unanimous Approval of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007; Urges the House of Representatives to Approve the Legislation

Aetna (NYSE:AET) today praised the U.S. Senate for its unanimous approval of the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 and urged the House of Representatives to approve the legislation.

Aetna praised U.S. Senators Edward M. Kennedy, Pete V. Domenici and Michael B. Enzi for their leadership in gaining support of the proposal in the Senate. Aetna said the new legislation will promote equitable care for mental health illnesses, which is an essential component of improving the quality of overall health care. Aetna said the federal legislation will also create a national solution to inconsistent behavioral health care regulation, which is now regulated on a state-by-state basis. The legislation establishes parity between mental health benefits and medical/surgical benefits with respect to financial requirements and treatment limitations for consumers.

“Aetna is committed to being a positive force in the state and national health reform debates,” said Mark Bertolini, president of Aetna. “Our efforts in supporting and advocating for this legislation are an example of how we are working to achieve meaningful change that will improve access to quality health care for all Americans.”

“Aetna has been a proponent of this legislation since it was first proposed, and we will urge Congress to see that it is enacted without modifications,” said Mary Fox, head of Aetna’s Product Group. “This legislation will benefit our members because it makes mental health treatment accessible and affordable. Aetna’s members will be better able to achieve improved health outcomes through both medical and behavioral benefits and services.”

About Aetna Behavioral Health

Aetna Behavioral Health provides a full array of behavioral health services include industry-leading disease and case management programs, an Employee Assistance Program and a variety of Web-based tools that help members make better informed decisions about their health care.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 35.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. www.aetna.com