May 29, 2002

Washington, D.C. --- Aetna, one of the nation's largest providers of health care and related group benefits, advertised in the May 28th New York Times they will be offering their customers "Health Savings Accounts," otherwise known as Archer Medical Savings Accounts.

Aetna serves approximately 15 million health care members, 12 million dental members and 12 million group insurance customers.  The company has an expansive nationwide network of more than 518,000 health care service providers, including over 318,000 primary care and specialist physicians and 3,300 hospitals.

"This announcement further enforces the fact that Archer Medical Savings Accounts are becoming a mainstream form of insurance. With the predicted doubling in healthcare costs, consumers are going to be strapped to find a way to afford quality, comprehensive health insurance," said Karen Kerrigan, Chairwoman of the Coalition for Patient Choice.

"Aetna, by offering Archer MSAs to their customers, is ahead of the curve. Congress should take note and expand the federal Archer MSA program to make Archer MSAs  available to all Americans," Kerrigan added.  

Unfortunately, Archer MSAs have restrictions that make them available only to a limited portion of the small business and self-employed sector. President Bush supports expanding the accounts so that all uninsured Americans can have the health care they deserve.  

"If it wasn't for the medical savings account, I wouldn't be insured." - Kay Heine, single mother of three and owner of her own dance studio in Mukwonago, Wis., Los Angeles Times, 7/22/01.

To schedule an interview with Karen Kerrigan or for more information please contact Katie Wright at 703.683.5004 ext. 132.