Aetna Opens Up the Mexico Connection With A New Plan To Pay For Services Over the Border - California

Those in southern California may already be aware of the plan from HealthNet that is similar and allows patients to cross the border with their plan.

Health Net of California Expands Salud HMO to Southern California

Now we have one more insurer allowing consumers with the selection of the plan through employer options to have an option to be covered for medical care with the approved HMO Vitalidad in Mexico which operates in the border cities. As the article states consumers would select a primary care physician either here in the US or one in Mexico. As I have mentioned before, Mexico is ripe and anxious to cash in on US Healthcare revenue. Last year when I attended the Tourism Conference in Los Angeles there were several organizations present and they are building big new hospitals in Mexico, both on the border and further down in the country. BD

Mexico President is Motivated With US Healthcare Reform to Attract Residents and Medical Tourism With Joint Commission Accredited Hospitals

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aetna announced today that is has introduced a new health plan that allows members and their families to access health care in California or in the Mexican cities of Mexicali, Tecate and Tijuana, through an agreement with Mexico's premiere HMO program, Sistemas Medicos Nacionales, S.A. de C.V. (SIMNSA).

"Aetna recognizes that it is important for our members to be able to receive health care in a language and cultural setting they understand and feel comfortable with," said Beth Andersen, president of Aetna's West Region. "Vitalidad Plus(SM) offers employers an affordable health option that lets their employees receive care in whichever setting they prefer."

Vitalidad Plus(SM) California con Aetna is an HMO plan that features 100 percent coverage for qualified preventative care, including immunizations and child and adult wellness exams. Employers can select four different copayment levels for employees. Members and their family members will select a primary care physician in California or one of the SIMNSA physicians in Mexico.

Plan documents and customer service are available in both Spanish and English. In addition, members can visit Aetna's Spanish language web site to search for participating doctors and hospitals, and obtain information on a variety of Aetna health programs and products.

Aetna Introduces New Cross-Border Health Plan That Lets Workers Decide Where to Access Care - MarketWatch