HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aetna (NYSE: AET) is making it easier for members affected by the Rim Fire burning in Tuolumne County, California, to refill prescriptions and access employee assistance, student assistance and behavioral health programs. The company is also extending claim and appeal filing times, and helping members who have evacuated find care outside their home areas, among other steps.

“We are committed to helping them get the care and medications they need, understanding that many may have evacuated from their homes and are unable to use their usual physicians, pharmacies and hospitals.”

“Our thoughts are with the people in California who are affected by the Rim Fire,” said Mark T. Bertolini, Aetna chairman, CEO and president. “We are committed to helping them get the care and medications they need, understanding that many may have evacuated from their homes and are unable to use their usual physicians, pharmacies and hospitals.”

Aetna Behavioral Health has opened its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to all Aetna plan sponsors during this time of need. Aetna’s EAP professionals, who have experience dealing with traumatic events, are available to help. Aetna members can contact Aetna EAP 24/7 for telephonic consultation, referrals or general information such as areas affected by a disaster, available shelters and government resources.

The number to call for EAP is 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232) and the number to call for the Student Assistance Program is 1-877-351-7889. Individuals and families may also want to reference the following materials.

In addition, Aetna members and health care providers affected by the wildfire who need care or other assistance can reach the company at the following toll-free numbers.

• Aetna Member Services: Call the number printed on your ID card*. If ID card is unavailable, call 1-800-443-AETNA (1-800-443-2386).
• Aetna Specialty Pharmacy Customer Service: 1-866-782-ASRX (1-866-782-2779)
• Aetna Rx Home Delivery Customer Service: 1-888-RX AETNA (1-888-792-3862)
• Aetna Employee Assistance Program: 1-888-AETNA-EAP (1-888-238-6232)
• Aetna Student Assistance Program: 1-877-351-7889
• Aetna Dental: 1-877-238-6200
• Health care providers should contact the Provider Service Centers:- Indemnity and PPO-based benefit plans: 1-888-MD-AETNA (1-888-632-3862)- HMO benefit plans: 1-800-624-0756

* Replacement ID cards and access to a Personal Health Record (PHR) can be found on Aetna Navigator™: http://www.aetna.com/index.html.

Affected Aetna members may refill their prescriptions early, as needed, or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed. Those who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy can receive a prescription at an alternate delivery location.

Affected Aetna members also can seek routine or emergency care anywhere, as needed, without a referral or pre-authorization. As part of its disaster procedures, Aetna will monitor the impact on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. The company will work closely with providers to make further modifications to its policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care.

If any additional local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations are issued related to this catastrophic event, Aetna will adjust its policies to comply.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.