Business Insurance From Aetna: What to Expect

In 2024, AZ Big Media’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll ranked the top group health insurers in Arizona based on public voting. Banner|Aetna ranked number two in the state for business health insurance providers, second only to Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Arizona. Aetna ranked highly due to factors like its comprehensive coverage options, strong focus on wellness and preventive care, and its user-friendly technology. 

For new business owners who are evaluating insurers for group health insurance options, and for existing business owners who want to make sure they still have the best provider for their workforce, Aetna may be worth considering. This guide to Aetna group insurance, available for workforces with two or more employees, explains the advantages and considerations for this business health insurance provider.

What Does Aetna Business Insurance Offer?

As one of the largest health insurers in the country and as a partner with CVS Health®, Aetna offers innovative wellness programs and benefits for members. This can result in a healthier workforce and lead to:

• Less absenteeism
• Improved employee engagement
• More referrals for your business

Aetna has an extensive provider network of primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals and behavioral health providers. Individual Banner|Aetna members may already be aware of benefits such as highly-rated Medicare Advantage plans. 

For businesses, Aetna offers both preferred provider organization (PPO) and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. There are also self-insured funding plans designed for small businesses.

Some of the main benefits of Aetna health insurance coverage for businesses include:

• Health discounts: Aetna offers members and their family members discounts on weight-loss programs, meal plans, online health coaching, gym memberships, nutrition products, massage therapy, chiropractic visits, acupuncture, hearing aids and hearing exams. Members who don’t have eye vision coverage can also get discounts on eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
• Performance Network: The Aetna Performance Network throughout the central Valley is a network of doctors and hospitals that enables members to pay a lower percentage of their medical cost for using in-network providers. The Aetna Performance Network includes specialties for cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, urology, allergy/immunology, dermatology, endocrinology, infectious disease, nephrology, ophthalmology, rheumatology and pulmonary critical care.
• Telemedicine visits: Aetna members can access virtual primary care and virtual mental health services, with 24/7 on-demand care.
• Mental health support: Aetna provides numerous mental health resources online, as well as offers both virtual and in-person mental health care options. 
• Free or low-cost MinuteClinic® services: As a CVS partner, Aetna offers free or low-cost MinuteClinic® services for members who need immediate care for illnesses and accidents. Members can schedule an appointment online, including for nights and weekends.
• Digital health tools: Aetna’s user-friendly technology includes robust online tools and mobile apps for managing health benefits, finding providers, and tracking claims. Members can take a digital health assessment, work on health goals, use health decision support, engage in social communities and more using Aetna’s digital health tools. 
• Care management: Members get connected with a care manager, who’s a registered nurse who advocates for individuals’ unique healthcare needs and can connect members with social worker resources, behavioral health specialists, pharmacists, registered dietitians and other relevant healthcare professionals. Members can also access a 24-Hour Nurse Line to get healthcare information any time. 
• Vaccine coverage: Aetna plans include coverage for flu shots, as well as for non-seasonal vaccines, including pneumonia and shingles.

In addition to offering traditional health insurance coverage, employers can choose to bundle dental insurance and vision insurance coverage into plans. Aetna dental coverage includes both dental maintenance organization and preferred provider organization options. Vision coverage includes coverage for exams and eyecare.

Considerations for Aetna Business Health Insurance

While Aetna is one of the top providers for group health insurance in Arizona, employers should be aware that the network size isn’t as robust as UnitedHealthcare or Cigna. While this likely won’t be a problem for the majority of employees, if you have a workforce that frequently travels out of state, you may want to consider group health insurer options that provide coverage for employees in those states. 

If you have a smaller workforce, another consideration is to survey employees on their preferred providers. If the majority of your employees prefer a different insurer due to the healthcare providers they’re using, Aetna may not be the best choice for your business. 

Need Group Health Insurance? Contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers

If you need group health insurance for your business, the AZ Health Insurance Brokers team can help. From small to large businesses, we have health insurance options that fit every type of employer in Arizona.

Depending on your unique workforce needs, the size of your team, your budget and other factors, we can present you with all the group health insurance options that work for you. Call 602.617.4107, or email quotes@azhealthinsurancebrokers.com or contact us online. We’ll be in touch to help. 

Aetna Group Health Insurance FAQs