The Aetna Foundation Donates $100,000 To The Patient Advocate Foundation To Assist Victims Of The Boston And Texas Tragedies

HARTFORD, Conn. and HAMPTON, Va., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Aetna Foundation has given $100,000 to the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) to help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and the explosion in West, Texas, access the health care and practical support services they need to recover.

PAF, one of the nation's leading nonprofit patient assistance programs, will direct Aetna's contribution toward helping any person impacted from the recent events, regardless of insurance status. PAF provides individualized, professional case management services at no cost to the patients.

The bombing and explosion victims, many who are facing long-term, complicated health care issues, can work with PAF to help them make informed decisions during hospitalization through physical and behavioral therapy and recovery. PAF's professional case managers can help those in need manage medical claims and access medically necessary health care including pharmaceutical products and medical devices such as prosthetics.

PAF can help patients understand options that can help them maximize their private or government health coverage, emergency aid or private donations, including screening and enrollment for Medicare, Medicaid and Disability programs. PAF also can connect patients to all known local, state and/or national resources for assistance. Beginning immediately, anyone needing assistance through the disaster support initiative can contact PAF by calling 1-800-532-5274. 

"The victims -- along with family and friends -- of these two tragedies are beginning their individual journeys to recovery. Our grant to the Patient Advocate Foundation provides additional support and resources to patients and their caregivers beyond what financial aid alone can achieve. PAF helps these individuals better navigate the health care system so that they can spend their energy on recovery and healing.  We all hope for each of these people to be back to leading fulfilling lives as soon as possible," says Mark T. Bertolini, chairman, CEO, and president of Aetna Inc. and chairman of the Aetna Foundation.   

The PAF team uses their knowledge of insurance coverage issues, health care resources and clinical experience to help patients avoid obstacles and find solutions when they face challenges.

"We will work to remove potential barriers to needed care that those injured in these horrific events may face. We are very pleased that the Aetna Foundation gift will allow us to put our services to work for those who need it most," said PAF Founder and CEO Nancy Davenport-Ennis.  

Aetna (NYSE: AET) and PAF began working together last year. Their relationship has benefitted members by making health care easier to understand, access and navigate for those in need. 

Patients needing assistance can call 800-532-5274 or learn more about the Disaster Support Initiative at www.patientadvocate.org.

About Patient Advocate Foundation 
PAF is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1996, that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of financial stability relative to their diagnosis of chronic, life threatening or debilitating disease. Patient Advocate Foundation has been consistently rated as a 4-star "exceptional" charity by Charity Navigator, the foremost independent evaluator of charities in the United States. For more information about Patient Advocate Foundation, please visit www.patientadvocate.org.

About the Aetna Foundation
The Aetna Foundation, Inc. is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna Inc. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed more than $427 million in grants and sponsorships, including $14.6 million awarded in 2012. As a national health foundation, we promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality health care for everyone. This work is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered four million hours since 2003. The Aetna Foundation's current giving is focused on addressing the rising rate of adult and childhood obesity in the U.S.; promoting racial and ethnic equity in health and health care; and advancing integrated health care. For more information, visit www.aetnafoundation.org

SOURCE Aetna Foundation; Patient Advocate Foundation