Increased Need for Stress Management and Financial Assistance
Aetna’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has seen a significant
increase in call volume over the past year, with more members seeking
help for stress, anxiety, financial assistance and other issues.
During the third quarter of 2008, Aetna saw a 60 percent increase in the
number of members seeking assistance for personal stress in comparison
to the same quarter in 2007. For the same time period, there was a 55
percent increase in reported financial stress assistance requests, a 12
percent increase in reported anxiety and panic disorders, a 7 percent
increase in reported depression and a 5 percent increase in members
seeking assistance for legal difficulties.
“It is a priority for Aetna to provide psychosocial support to our
members during these challenging times and the increase in call volume
demonstrates there is real concern among our members for their financial
and overall well-being,” said Louise Murphy, head of Aetna Behavioral
Health. “Historically, research has shown that during periods of
economic difficulty there is an increase in depression, anxiety, marital
issues and an increased use of alcohol and drugs.”
Aetna’s EAP offers referrals to community resources to help with a broad
range of life management issues, including issues that are of particular
concern in a challenging economy. The EAP counselors also refer members
to professional services, such as psychologists, marriage and family
therapists and substance abuse counselors.
In addition to its rich EAP information and resources, Aetna has a suite
of information available online, including reminders and tips on how to
maximize health benefits. http://www.aetna.com/dollarsandsense/index.html
About Aetna
Aetna (NYSE:AET) is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care
benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 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 and
disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care
management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer
groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers,
health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor
groups and expatriates. www.aetna.com
Aetna
Roni Grossman, 415-292-6812
GrossmanR@aetna.com
