Aetna Recognized as National “5-Star” Employer by the Department of Defense for Support of Employees

By: Legal - Law News

Aetna (NYSE: AET) today announced that it has been recognized as a “5-Star Employer” by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, for going “above and beyond” federal laws relating to employment and reemployment of workers who volunteer in the Guard and Reserve. The company also announced enhancements to its military leave policies.

“We are proud of our employees who make the extraordinary commitment to serve in the Guard and Reserve,” said Mark T. Bertolini, Aetna president. “And when they are called to duty, it is important that they know Aetna salutes and supports their service to our nation.”

“The 5-Star Program highlights and honors employers who go above and beyond the call of duty for those employees in uniform who serve our nation and our communities,” said Connecticut Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Chairman Lew Vasquez, a former Aetna employee and retired Army Reserve officer. “With half of the nation's military strength in the National Guard and Reserve, the support of companies like Aetna is vital to our national security.”

Aetna also announced military leave policy enhancements, including extended pay differential for the full length of employees’ deployment.

Returning from active duty in the Middle East, U.S. Navy Captain and Aetna employee Peter Van Loon said, “Aetna was way above average in their support of me over the year I was overseas.”

Van Loon served as Deputy Commander of one of five regions training the Afghan Army and Police. Back home, he is assuming the job of finance director for Aetna Government Health Plans. “These additional changes will make it even easier for others. I am fortunate not only to work for a company with such policies, but with managers who took the time to ensure my family got the benefit of them during my deployment.”

On Friday, November 16, in a ceremony with the ESGR, Aetna will sign a national Statement of Support for employees who are called to active duty, reaffirming Aetna’s existing state-level Statements of Support, pledging that:

* Employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
* Employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
* Employees will be granted leaves of absence for military service in the Guard or Reserve, consistent with existing laws, without sacrifice of vacation; and
* This agreement and its resultant policies will be made known throughout our organization.

The “5-Star Employer” designation by ESGR recognizes that Aetna:

* Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating support for their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve;
* Reviewed its human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA);
* Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve;
* Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law; and
* Serves as an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and helps to promote the mission of ESGR.

About ESGR

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve as defined by demonstrated employer commitment to employee military service. As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue as the contact agency for questions and information regarding programs that support the relationship between civilian employers and their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.4 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, government-sponsored plans and expatriates.