Aetna Statement in Support of Executive Order to Broaden Transparency in Health Care; First Insurer to Provide Physician-Specific Price and Quality Info Applauds Federal Government Focus on Becoming an Active Partner in Health Care Transparency.

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Aetna (NYSE:AET) today announced its support for the executive order on health care transparency signed by President Bush. The executive order, aimed at creating value-based competition in health care, focuses on the use of information technology standards, the need for quality standards developed by the medical community, the sharing of aggregate data on the episodic price of care, and the creation of incentives to measure and promote overall quality in care. The President is asking federal government agencies, state governments, large unions and Fortune 100 companies to commit to these goals in purchasing health care for their employees and members.

"Aetna applauds the President for his commitment to creating value-based competition in health care, which in turn will strengthen the marketplace for health care consumerism," said Aetna CEO and President Ronald A. Williams. "If adopted by all parties the President's order could positively impact the cost and quality of care provided to Americans.

"Aetna is an early adopter of much of what the President is proposing. We were the first insurer to enable our members to research physician-specific pricing before visiting their physician, and just this week we expanded that program to new markets and added details on clinical quality and efficiency," said Williams. "We also are developing a national program that rewards physicians for providing quality, cost-effective care to Aetna members.

"We have been sharing our experiences with the White House and Congress to help them form policy on these issues," added Williams. "We look forward to further partnering with the government, our customers and the medical community to develop innovative ways for all Americans to achieve their optimal health."

As announced in June, Aetna is helping its members make informed health care decisions by providing online access to transparent price and quality information for participating physicians in select markets including:

--Price, clinical quality and efficiency information for physicians in Connecticut; Washington, D.C.; Northern Virginia; Maryland; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Springfield, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; Southeast Indiana; and South Florida.

--Price information only for physicians in Kansas City, Kan. and Mo.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Pittsburgh, Pa.

Aetna launched price transparency in August 2005 in the greater Cincinnati area, providing its members with the ability to research physician-specific pricing before receiving a service at the doctor's office. The enhanced combination of physician-specific cost, clinical quality and efficiency information is another first from a national health insurer. The enhanced information is now available to Aetna members at www.aetna.com.

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 29.9 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