Aetna 2002 Annual Report Download - page 7

category. We recently introduced a new fully insured version of Aetna HealthFundTM; and
added enhanced decision-support tools that allow members to compare hospital quality,
drug prices and the cost of medical procedures. The next release will provide consumers
with even more targeted and evidence-based information that enables them to be more
prudent purchasers of health care.
The success of consumer-directed plans — or any health plan — depends on the avail-
ability of such information, along with disease and case management programs that help
doctors give patients the right care. In , we will continue to enhance our health care quality
initiatives and to strengthen our working relationships with doctors and hospitals. In addition,
we intend to make tangible progress in building a companywide peak-performance culture that
is a requirement to sustain our progress.
    
At Aetna, leadership has meant taking responsibility for getting our own house in order,
improving relationships with all of our constituencies and increasing shareholder value. But
it also has meant helping improve the broader health care system.
For example, true Medicare reform is needed to provide more choice for beneficiaries
and open up the program to additional private-plan participation. We also must address the
problem of a still-rising uninsured population. It is a national embarrassment to have  million
Americans without health insurance. Likewise, we are committed to reducing disparities
in access to quality health care for racial and ethnic minority and economically disadvan-
taged populations.
In the pages that follow, you will learn how Aetna is working to improve access to
affordable, high-quality health care and financial protection for our members. Once again, we
also extend space in our annual report to outside experts who share their perspectives on
finding workable solutions to key issues facing the health care system.
  ;   
 was a pivotal year for Aetna. We set ambitious goals, worked hard to achieve them and
produced great results. Aetna has been re-energized. We’re now on much firmer financial
ground and have the momentum needed to complete our turnaround.
This year, Aetna celebrates its th anniversary. Not many companies have survived that
long. I believe ours has because the people who work for Aetna always strive to be the best,
inspired by the fact that what we do is truly important.
We help people achieve health and financial security by providing easy access to safe,
cost-effective, high-quality health care and protecting their finances against health-related
risks. Building on our -year heritage, Aetna will be a leader, cooperating with doctors and
hospitals, employers, patients, public officials, and others to build a stronger, more effective
health care system.
 
 . , ..
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer