Aetna 2007 Annual Report Download - page 8

Operational excellence — serving all of our constituents with a standard
of excellence
As health care costs rise, we need to make sure we use money wisely,
where it adds value for our customers and members. To that end, we have
demonstrated consistent progress in reducing our general and administrative
costs as a percentage of revenue, even as we have continued to make
investments to profi tably grow our business and enhance our technology
infrastructure to better serve customers and members.
Together, these strategic elements are making a diff erence for our customers
and members, and giving them tangible reasons to choose Aetna.  is focus
on providing customers and members with innovative products, integrated
solutions and best-in-class service has resulted in profi table growth for Aetna
and great results for our shareholders. We compete on the overall value we
bring to our customers, and our performance shows we are delivering. Our
customer base has never been more diverse.
Making a difference with achievable victories
With the presidential election just months away, health care and health care
reform will be front and center. In our view, reform starts with achievable
victories — practical solutions and partnerships that improve care and
increase access and aff ordability.
Last year, Aetna developed a 10-point plan called To Your Health! which laid
out exactly how we believe we can transform the U.S. health care system.
 e plan has been very well received in many diff erent forums and among
various constituencies because it provides common ground for how we can
achieve universal coverage, increase the aff ordability of health insurance and
health care, strengthen consumer choice and fl exibility, and improve health
care quality and patient safety.
6
Transforming health care
in America
Our beliefs
N
First, every American should have affordable access
to health care that produces quality outcomes and
facilitates prevention, wellness and care coordination
N
Second, transforming the U.S. health care system,
including its financing, is a shared responsibility
that requires public and private sector leadership
and collaboration
N
Third, achieving universal coverage is only possible
when there is universal participation
N
Fourth, comprehensive health care reform should be
built upon the strengths and successes associated with
the competitive marketplace
N
And fifth, consumers must be empowered with the
information, technological tools and product options
necessary to make prudent health care decisions
To Your Health!
Aetna’s To Your Health! plan to transform the health
care system is grounded in fi ve core beliefs.
We compete on the overall value we bring to our customers, and
our performance shows we are delivering. Our customer base has
never been more diverse.